Here’s How Often You Should Really Be Washing Your Pillowcases, According To An Expert

Depending on the weather where you live and the current season, there may be several layers of linens on your bed, each of which requires its own laundering schedule. From sheets and pillowcases to duvet or down comforters and possibly an extra blanket or two, it’s important to know how often to wash each piece of your bedding to protect your skin, immune system, and the quality of your beloved linens. That’s because we spend (or should be spending, at least) a quarter of the day in bed, which leads to the build-up of 500 million dead skin cells, according to UC Santa Barbara , as well as oils from hair and skin products, sweat, and germs from any allergies or infections you are currently dealing with.

We asked Anna Brakefield, co-founder of Red Land Cotton , an Alabama-based bedding, bath, and loungewear brand, to give us a run-down on creating a sound schedule for laundering our pillowcases to preserve both health and the quality of our pillowcases.

Putting Pillowcase on Pillow

Getty Images

How Often To Wash Your Pillowcases

“We usually recommend washing your bedding once every one to two weeks,” says Brakefield. “If you have an animal sleeping with you, if you frequently eat in the bed, have bad allergies, sweat a lot, or are feeling ill, you will want to wash them more often. However, it’s important to wash your pillowcases every week without exception.”

Why You Need To Wash Your Pillowcases This Often

Brakefield explains that washing your pillowcases this often is crucial because they bear the brunt of your streamlined skincare routine, seasonal allergies, and the current state of your hair, whether you’re freshly showered or running a bit greasy, night after night. Blankets and comforters are at least somewhat protected from all this. Going too long without washing your pillowcases can lead to breakouts, skin irritation, and even damaged and discolored linens, says Brakefield.

Was this page helpful?
Related Articles