We've always thought toilet seats were the dirtiest things in our homes. That's why we clean them so often. But here's a twist: all that cleaning actually makes them less germy than you'd think.

Now, think about your pillow. When did you last wash that pillowcase? A week ago? Longer? If you can't remember, you might be in for a surprise. That soft, comfy pillow you rest on every night could be hiding a secret that might just make you reach for the laundry basket.

Recently an influencer Nipun Kapur shared a post on Instagram about how your pillow cover is dirtier than a toilet seat which raised a lot of questions among viewers.

Is the pillow cover really dirtier than a toilet seat?

Yes, Pillow covers can indeed harbor significantly more bacteria than toilet seats, particularly if they are not washed regularly. Recent studies indicate that unwashed pillowcases can contain 17000 times more bacteria than the average toilet seat. They may contain 3 million colony-forming units of bacteria per square inch after just one week of use. ⁽¹⁾

How does the pillow cover get so dirty?

As per a study, we shed almost 500 million dead skin cells every day.⁽²⁾ These dead skin cells can combine with sweat, and makeup from the day and collect on your pillowcases. They attract dust mites and all sorts of stuff you don't want anywhere near your face.⁽³⁾ We lose a significant amount of moisture during sleep. This moisture can stay on the pillow cover and become a breeding ground for microbes.⁽⁴⁾

How can this harm us?

These dirty pillow covers contain a lot of dirt and constantly growing bacteria. Overall this may influence the growth of skin issues, especially acne.⁽⁵⁾ It can also cause fungal infections and hair loss. In worst-case scenarios, it may lead to respiratory issues such as allergy or asthma in the individuals using the pillow.⁽⁶⁾

What are some natural remedies to keep pillowcases clean?

1. Ideally, the pillow cover should be changed every week and in individuals with oily skin, it should be changed every 3-4 days.⁽⁷⁾

2. If you live in an environment prone to dirt, eg - construction work near your house or a place close to a coastal region, use air purifiers to maintain a cleaner environment.

3. Use disinfectant such as Vinegar that helps kill bacteria and neutralize odors. In a spray bottle add equal parts of white vinegar and water. Lightly mist the pillowcase and allow it to air dry completely.⁽⁸⁾

4. For any stains, use a mixture of baking soda and cold water or hydrogen peroxide. This will help with spot cleaning and also eliminate the excess growth of bacteria in that particular area.⁽⁹⁾

References

1. Bacteria in your Bed - Amerisleep Accessed December 27, 2024

   https://amerisleep.com/blog/bacteria-in-your-bed/?

2. The skinny on how shed skin reduces indoor air pollution - American Chemical Society Accessed December 27, 2024

   https://www.acs.org/pressroom/newsreleases/2011/may/the-skinny-on-how-shed-skin-reduces-indoor-air-pollution.html

3. Dust Mite-Proof Mattress And Pillow Covers For Allergies Accessed December 27, 2024

   https://www.webmd.com/allergies/dust-mite-mattress-and-pillow-covers-for-allergy-relief

4. How Often You Should Wash Your Bed Sheets Accessed December 27, 2024

   https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-often-should-you-wash-your-bed-sheets

5. Is Your Pillowcase Causing Acne Breakouts? | First Derm Accessed December 27, 2024

   https://www.firstderm.com/pillowcase-causing-acne-breakouts/

6. Can Dirty Pillows Make You Sick? Accessed December 27, 2024

   https://health.clevelandclinic.org/whats-hiding-in-your-dirty-pillows-and-upholstery-and-can-it-make-you-sick

7. How Often Should You Change Your Pillow Case? – Linenly Accessed December 27, 2024

   https://linenlyhome.com/blogs/linenly-life/how-often-should-you-change-your-pillow-case

8. Can Dirty Pillows Make You Sick? Accessed December 27, 2024

   https://health.clevelandclinic.org/whats-hiding-in-your-dirty-pillows-and-upholstery-and-can-it-make-you-sick

9. How to get stains out of almost anything Accessed December 27, 2024

   https://www.nbcnews.com/better/lifestyle/how-get-stains-out-almost-anything-ncna885806

By Dr. Iqra Momin