How Dirty Are Your Pillowcases? Shocking Truth About Bacteria in Your Bedding

According to experts, your pillowcase may be dirtier than your toilet seat! Dr. Gareth Nye, head of a department at a medical sciences faculty, told Wales Online that everyone should change their sheets and pillowcases at least once a week to prevent the buildup and growth of bacteria- even if no one else is sharing your bed.

“In terms of bacteria, several studies have shown that a pillowcase after one week can have 17,000 times more bacterial colonies than a toilet seat,” he said. “The good news is that most of those bacteria likely come from your own body, so they’re not usually harmful. But if someone else sleeps in your bed, that’s a different story.”

One study found that after a week without washing, a pillowcase can contain around 3 million bacteria per square inch- meaning tens of millions of bacteria. It’s estimated that about one-third of the sweat your body produces during sleep gets absorbed into your sheets or clothing. Nye explained, “The body sheds skin cells, which leads to the accumulation of dead skin. Since the average person loses about 500 million skin cells per day, that’s more than enough reason to do laundry.”

Other potential issues include the growth of fungi or the accumulation of dust mites. According to Nye, research has shown that an average pillow can host up to 16 types of fungi.

Another expert warned that quickly making your bed in the morning can trap moisture under the covers, creating a perfect environment for those nasty microscopic critters to multiply. Nye recommends avoiding polyester bedding, and opting instead for cotton or linen. His final advice? Wash your bedding at 60°C (140°F) to effectively kill germs.