Pillows are important for a good night’s rest. They can help you sleep well, but at the same time they can cause problems if you are not careful. Almost three-fourths of people say they are more excited and rest better on sheets and pillowcases with a fresh scent. While things such as waterproof bedsheets and waterproof pillowcases are a good place to start, they are not enough. On top of waterproof bedsheets and hypoallergenic sheets, follow these tips to extend the life of your pillow and keep it cleaner longer.
Dry Your Hair Before Bed
If you go to bed with we hair, the water will seep into the deeper layers of your pillow. Not only does this mean that it takes longer to dry, but it also means that it’s easier for bacteria, mold and mildew to collect and form. Dry your hair completely before bed and avoid going to be with wet hair or damp hair.
Say no to Pets
No matter how much you bathe your pets, their fur still attracts a load of bacteria. Allowing them to sleep with us means it’s easier for this bacteria to transfer to our pillows. While many people think that pillowcases protect our pillows from such, that is not the case. To eliminate this problem your bed should be a pet free zone.
Remove Clutter, Remove Dust
Removing clutter from your bedroom can help eliminate some dust in your sleeping area. Dusting regularly also helps remove excess dust. This excess dust can lead to dust mites and other allergens making their way into your pillow. Removing these allergens can be beneficial to your health while you are sleeping.
Regular Fluffing
Fluff your pillows regularly, preferably each time that you make your bed. Fluffing your pillow can not only help it keep and retain it’s shape, but it also helps prevent dust mites and allergens from settling in the filling inside the pillow. Fluffing your pillow can also be a good sign as to when it needs to be replaced. Once your pillow no longer returns to it’s normal shape it is probably time to replace it.
Sun and Fresh Air
Once every three months or so it is important to let your pillow sunbathe. This helps remove allergens from inside of your pillow, the same allergens that can cause respiratory issues can be eliminated with a little sunlight. The fresh air can also help clear out odors from your pillow that have gotten trapped inside over time.
Remove Excess Dust and Bedding
We sleep on our sheets often causing us to wash them often. Decorative pillows and throws don’t get slept on every night meaning that they probably don’t see the washing machine as much as our sheets and pillowcases do. Removing and eliminating these excess things on your bed can help remove excess dust that could get trapped inside of your pillow.
Proper Storage
When seasons change, sometimes our bedding does as well. When you change bedding be sure to properly store the pillows that you are not using. Pillows should be stored in a breathable bag. Storing them in a plastic bag traps moisture which can lead to mold and mildew growing while they are being stored.
Out With the Old
Sometimes we can do everything possible to keep our pillows clean, but after a certain amount of time, there is no denying that your pillow has had enough. When you fold your pillow in half and it does not bounce back into shape that could be a sign that it is time to replace your pillow. No matter how much you clean and air out your pillow things are still going to settle inside your pillow. Once this happens it is best to just replace your pillow instead of trying to clean it.
Waterproof sheets and pillowcases are excellent starter ideas, but these tips will help even more. Use these tips and rest a little easier at night and enjoy your sleep even more.
