Alright, space cadet, let’s talk pillow hygiene. Not the pillowcases (those should be flung into the wash every week, no excuses) but the actual fluffy, brain-clouding, dream-launching interiors themselves. How often should you wash them? The short answer: every three to six months. But we both know you're not here for short answers.
Beneath the Surface: What’s Lurking in Your Pillow?
Your pillow may look as innocent as a cloud on a quiet night, but underneath that soft exterior is a miniature ecosystem teeming with life. And not the friendly kind. Sweat, oils, drool (hey, it happens), dead skin cells, dust mites, and other unmentionables slowly build up over time. Even if it smells vaguely like linen heaven, it’s probably harbouring more micro-fauna than a Mars rover petri dish.
According to Dr Michael Breus, aka The Sleep Doctor, clean pillows are essential for reducing allergens and improving sleep quality. Dirty ones can lead to breathing issues, breakouts, and that ever-so-subtle feeling of waking up wrong.
So, Can You Just Chuck It in the Machine?
If your pillow’s label gives you the green light, then yes, full warp ahead. Most synthetic, feather, and down pillows are machine washable. Foam varieties are trickier and usually need a bit of spot-cleaning finesse. But assuming yours can handle a proper spin, here’s the Martian-approved wash cycle.
Wash every three to six months. That keeps the mites in check, prevents musty odours, and extends your pillow’s life. Any more and you risk wearing it out prematurely. Any less and you’re basically cuddling a cloud of cosmic grime.
Washing Like a Martian: Pillow Protocol
Many guides say to wash two pillows at once to keep your washing machine balanced. That can work if you’ve got a generously sized machine. But let’s be real. Unless you’ve got a drum the size of a moon crater, fitting two large pillows might be a squeeze.
If your washer groans louder than a Wookiee at bedtime, it’s perfectly fine to wash one pillow at a time. Just chuck in a couple of clean towels to keep things balanced. That way, your machine stays chill, and your pillow gets the solo treatment it deserves.
Here’s the stellar routine
- Use gentle detergent. Nothing that could strip a spaceship’s paint
- Warm water does the trick. Hot can damage delicate fibres
- Extra rinse cycle recommended. Get that suds-free clean
- Dry thoroughly to avoid the dreaded mildew
And this bit’s important. If you don’t own a dryer, don’t panic. Just take your freshly washed pillow to the local laundrette. Their commercial dryers are absolute legends for this sort of thing. They’ll fluff your pillow back to planetary perfection. No lumps, no damp patches, no hassle. It’s well worth the trip for that just-bought feel.
A Nod to Sustainability
Washing less often but properly isn't just good for your pillow. It’s good for the planet. Fewer washes mean less water and energy used, which suits Martian Made’s ethos of smart, sustainable choices. Quality that lasts longer? Now that’s functional brilliance.
As Arianna Huffington, founder of The Sleep Revolution, often says, “Sleep is the ultimate performance enhancer.” And that performance starts with a clean, well-kept sleep environment.
Between Washes: Light-Speed Refresh Tricks
If your pillow’s smelling more Earth than ethereal, try these mid-wash resets
- Sunbathe it. A few hours on the line clears up smells and zaps bacteria
- Baking soda blast. Sprinkle, wait 30 minutes, then vacuum off
- Pillow protectors. Like spacesuits for your pillow, they catch sweat and drool before it hits the core
When to Retire Your Pillow
Even the best-kept pillow eventually loses its lift. If it’s flat, smells funky, or looks like it’s seen a thousand light years of dreams, it’s time to upgrade. Most need replacing every one to two years. And when you do, choose sustainable, well-crafted options that align with your values and last longer than your average orbit.
At Martian Made, we champion quality with character. Sleep products that bring joy and do the job brilliantly. No filler, all function, with just the right dose of odd brilliance.
Final Thought Before Lift Off
Washing your pillow every few months is a small act with cosmic consequences. It boosts sleep quality, extends the life of your bedding, and keeps your night-time nebula free from funky build up. Whether you're washing one pillow or two, drying at home or heading to the laundrette, your future self, the well rested, glowing, intergalactic dreamer, will thank you.
Keep your sleep station clean. And remember, in space, no one can hear your allergies.
Need help finding the perfect pillow protector or wondering if it’s time to trade up your current fluff pod? Beam us a message. We’re here to make sure your next sleep is out of this world.
Sleep smart. Sleep clean. Sleep Martian.