Look out for dark spots or stains on the surface of the pillow, a musty smell, or any signs of moisture or dampness. If you notice any of these signs, it is likely that your pillows have been affected by mold and mildew.
This is mold. Wash the wall with vinegar or Concrobium and do not bother trying to save this pillow or pillowcase. Replace. Launder the rest of your bedding in hot water with Borax. Increase ventilation and try to reduce humidity in your room.
Most experts recommend replacing pillows every 1 to 2 years. Doing so helps to ensure that you're using pillows that are supportive, clean, and free of allergens. It is also important to care for the pillows you use to ensure their longevity. Generally, you'll be able to tell when it's time to replace your pillows.
Persistent Discomfort & General Pain
If you're waking up with extra aches and pains, this is a sure sign it's time to make a change. General aches and discomfort point towards a pillow that's lost its support.
By keeping your pillows clean and dry, you can reduce the risk of respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems associated with mold and mildew exposure.
You can usually see or smell a mold problem. Mold can appear as slightly fuzzy, discolored, or slimy patches that increase in size as they grow. Most molds produce musty odors that are the first indication of a problem. Mold can grow anywhere there is adequate moisture or a water problem.
Dark or greenish-black spots appearing on the pillow's surface. Musty or damp odors that persist even after washing. Increased allergy symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, or itchy eyes. Discoloration or staining that doesn't fade with regular washing.
Pillows turn yellow because of sweat. There are other reasons why a pillow may start to turn yellow including falling asleep with wet hair, lotions and oils on the skin, and moisture. When moisture or sweat remains on the pillow for long periods of time, the pillow will turn yellow.
The standard time to replace your pillow should be every 1-2 years, depending on how much you use them.
If your pillow can be washed, it should be washed at least twice a year. If you eat in bed, have pets, or sweat a lot, you should wash pillows quarterly. Special pillows like body pillows or throw pillows should be cleaned every 3 to 6 months.
Keep an eye out for tiny black spots (roughly the size of a period) on or around your pillows. These are likely bed bug droppings. Bed bugs also periodically shed the outer layer of their shell. These cast skins, which are oval-shaped and look similar to a live bed bug,3 will tend to cluster near the bugs' home base.
Sleeping with wet hair risks a fungal or bacterial infection on your scalp. The moisture remains trapped around your follicles and gives bacteria the perfect breeding ground. The warm, wet environment allows microbes to swarm! In addition, fungus and bacteria can contaminate your bedding and your sheets.
Many confuse mold and mildew, which is not surprising — they have more than a few things in common: Both are types of fungi that no homeowner likes to see in his or her home. Both are keen on forming in moist, warm areas.
If you don't have such an appliance, consider going to a self-service laundry. Set the machine on its gentlest cycle, using warm water. Add a small amount of liquid soap (powder detergent may leave a residue), then fill the tub loosely with your pillows. Repeat the rinse cycle a second time to remove soap completely.
Can old pillows make you sick? Old pillows can expose you to filthy bacteria, such as dust mites, mold, and mildew. Long-term mold exposure can cause health issues and may cause you to experience itchy eyes, difficulty breathing, and a runny nose.
Because of the risks that come with mold exposure, it can be unsafe to sleep in a house with mold, particularly in the affected areas because you put yourself at risk of mold allergies. This becomes especially concerning if you are sensitive to the mold. When mold grows indoors, it can often be found in the bathroom.
“It is recommendable to wash pillows once or twice a year. Over time, they accumulate traces of sweat, sebum and dead skin cells, as well as microorganisms like bacteria and dust mites, which is why they should be washed, not just the pillowcases.
Consider a pillow protector
But even with these precautions, AAFA still recommends replacing your pillow every two years.
The filling inside of the pillow also needs to be maintained and should be cleaned every other month at the least.