Your pillow is a lot dirtier than it seems. Even just one night of sleeping on it leaves the pillowcase with deposits of sweat, body oils and dead skin cells. Bacteria and allergens such as dust mites also build up in your pillow. 

If you go too long without cleaning your pillow, it can turn into a health hazard. Potential health problems include acne, allergy flare ups and asthma attacks. A dirty pillow will also smell, which can make it harder to get good sleep. 

Keeping your pillow clean is good for your health and sleep. Here are five ways to clean different kinds of pillows and get rid of smells.  

1. Change The Pillowcase At Least Once a Week

Even if you don't do anything else, at least change your pillowcase often. It’s the one directly in contact with your face, so it’s the one that can cause the most harm.

Change your pillowcase at the same time you change your sheets and duvet cover. All these items should be changed at least once a week. 

But if you have sensitive skin, allergies, asthma or you sweat a lot at night, we recommend changing your pillowcase 2-3 times a week. 

2. For Washable Pillows, Wash Twice a Year

Washable pillows are great because it’s easy to deal with all the dirt and debris that has built up inside the pillow. Just pop it into the washer and it’s as good as new. 

Most microfiber (down alternative), natural down, feather and wool pillows are machine washable. Be sure to check the cleaning instructions to avoid damaging the pillow. 

If you have a washable pillow (check the care label to confirm), wash it twice a year. 

3. Vacuum & Deodorize Often 

If your pillow is not washable, you can still keep it fairly clean and odor-free by vacuuming and deodorizing it regularly — about a couple times a month. 

First sprinkle baking soda all over the pillow (with the pillowcase removed) and leave it for an hour. The baking soda absorbs smells and kills mold and mildew. Then use an upholstery attachment to vacuum the pillow. 

You can also deodorize and sterilize your pillow by airing it outside. The sun’s UV light gets rid of smells as well as bacteria and mold. 

Tip: Don’t expose a latex pillow to direct sunlight as it can get damaged.  

4. For Night Sweats, Get a Pillow Protector 

Night sweats can make your pillow a lot dirtier and smellier. The first step is to make sure you get a good quality pillowcase that’s breathable and moisture wicking. 

A breathable pillow case reduces how much you sweat by keeping you cool. It also allows sweat to evaporate more easily. A moisture-wicking pillowcase absorbs sweat from your skin and allows it to evaporate instead of trapping it in the pillow. 

Natural fabrics like cotton, silk, linen and bamboo are great for a pillowcase. 

We also recommend getting a waterproof pillow protector. It will keep moisture from getting into your pillow where it will attract mold, bacteria and other bad stuff.  

The type of pillow you have matters, too. A memory foam pillow traps heat and can make your night sweats worse. Memory foam also traps moisture, which attracts mold, mildew and allergens. 

If you have night sweats, we recommend a latex, wool or down pillow. These are more expensive but they are much cooler and allow sweat on your skin to evaporate more easily. They are also naturally anti-bacterial, making them healthier and less smelly. 

For a cheaper option, shredded memory foam or cooling gel memory foam pillows are not too bad. But they can still feel a bit too warm if you are a hot sleeper or during hot summer nights.  

5. Keep Your Face Clean

Your skin already leaves sweat, oils and dead skin cells on the pillow. Don't make it worse by going to bed without washing your face. Simple soap (gentle soap) and water is enough to get rid of the worst of dirt and sweat from your face and ensure it doesn't transfer onto the pillow. A facial cleanser is even better. 

Never sleep with makeup on. It greatly increases your chances of getting skin problems like acne.