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Your pillows go through a lot. Over time, they are exposed to sweat, dead skin cells, and body oils. Even with proper care, pillows get worn down over time. But unlike other bedding, we often don’t think about replacing our pillows. Even when they show visible wear, it can be difficult to know when to toss a pillow. That’s why your friends at Charlie’s Soap have compiled a guide with all the information you need about pillows and replacements.
Why Do You Need to Replace Pillows?
Like any household item, pillows have an expected lifespan. With time, pillows may lose some of their foam or down. Regular use often flattens and condenses the filling, making pillows gradually more difficult to fluff. In the long term, this can lead to flat or lumpy pillows that don’t keep their proper shape.
Additionally, pillows quickly absorb oils from your face, hair, saliva, and sweat. Dust, particularly if you have pets, dander can get trapped in your pillows. Trapped moisture and poor ventilation can even lead to the development of mold. Additionally, dust mites and other allergens often make their homes in pillows, which can contribute to sensitivities or aggravate conditions like asthma.
With all of this wear and exposure, it’s no surprise that the average recommended time for pillow replacement is once every two years. However, this depends on the materials of the pillow as well as your care practices. Some quality pillows can last for several years, while others may show significant wear within a year.
Signs that Your Pillow Needs Replaced
While there are no hard-and-fast rules for when you should replace a pillow, there are a few ways to tell your pillow is getting worn out. Here are some signs that your pillow is ready for replacement:
- It’s losing its shape. Due to normal wear and tear, pillows gradually lose their shape over time. One great way to check the structure of your pillow is the fold test. Fold the pillow in half. If it unfolds on its own, you’re in good shape. If the pillow stays folded, it’s lost a significant amount of its support, and you may want to consider replacement.
- It has a musty smell. As moisture gets trapped in your pillow, mold and mildew may develop. When your pillows have a musty smell that won’t go away, they may need to be tossed.
- It’s yellow. As sweat and products like moisturizers or hair-care treatments can seep into your pillow, they can result in a splotchy yellow stain. Discolor is one of the classic tell-tale signs of age.
- Your allergies are acting up. If you have an unexpected flare-up, take a closer look at your pillow. It may be full of dust and dander that is contributing to your allergies.
Extending Pillow Longevity
With proper care and maintenance, you can extend the life of your pillow. Here are a few expert tips:
- Use pillowcases. While cases won’t catch everything, they’re helpful as an extra barrier. If you really want to protect your pillows, consider layering two cases.
- Wash your pillows. Washing your pillows helps reduce stains, fight allergens, and maintain shape. Good news—most pillows are washable. In fact, many pillows are machine washable, which makes regularly washing pillows pretty straightforward. Toss them in the wash every 3 to 6 months with a gentle, biodegradable detergent like Charlie’s Soap.
The Power of Charlie’s Soap for Pillows
Charlie’s Soap offers solutions for every laundry project—yep—even pillows. Our products are carefully crafted to bind grime, oil, and residue. Since our line of cleaners is made with gentle, natural mineral ingredients, you don’t have to worry about damaging delicate fabrics or fillings—that’s right—even our stain solutions.
Just add any machine-safe pillow to the washer with a full dose of Charlie’s liquid or powder laundry detergent. To fight musty smells and allergens, add a scoop of our non-chlorine oxygen bleach. Then, wash it on a delicate cycle and gently dry it for fluffy, clean pillows that last longer.
We’re here to help you care for your home, inside and out. From your bedding to your bathroom, we’ve got your back. Explore more from Charlie’s Soap.
