A very simple but quite important rule is to never forget that you need to clean your pillows. It’s not something you need to do every day, of course, but from time to time it should be on your to-do list.

Do you tend to forget this important task? As time passes, simply washing your pillowcase won’t do the trick anymore. Pillows collect way too much dirt and bacteria for you not to wash them.

How to wash them the correct way?

I will start off by saying that you should wash them every three to six months depending on how often you change your pillowcases.

• If you have a feather or down pillow

The first thing you should always do is to check your pillow labels. If they can be thrown in the washing machine – do that.

• If you have a foam pillow

If you have a foam pillow do not put it in the washing machine. A good way to clean your pillow without causing any damage to it is by using a vacuum hose and a damp cloth to spot clean it.

Additional tips

• If you have access to a front-loading washing machine make sure you use it for you pillow. In some cases, top-loading washing machines will make the pillow float which means that it might not be fully cleaned and might even have some dry spots.
• Throw two pillows in the washing machine at once because this will keep the appliance balanced.

How often should you replace your pillows?

Sometimes washing them won’t do the job. Over time, just like anything else, your old pillows need to be replaced by new ones.

There is a certain way you can test your pillow if it needs to be changed. Fold it in half and see if it bounces back and stays folded in half – it’s time for you to go and buy a new one.