Old Pillow Dirtier Than Toilet... "Must Wash at Least Once a Week"

Old Dust and Oil Cause Acne and Diseases
Expert Advises "Change Your Pillow Every 6 Months"

Pillows, which are often neglected when it comes to washing, are known to be dirtier than toilets. Experts advise regularly replacing pillows in addition to washing them.

In 2011, a research team led by Professor Cheon Jong-sik from the Department of Life Sciences at Seoul National University conducted a bacterial test on textile products such as school uniforms, door mats, and pillows; products mixed with textiles and non-textiles (such as rubber) like dolls, strollers, kindergarten bags, and shoe insoles; and non-textile products such as mobile phones and toilets.

According to the results, products like mobile phones and toilets showed an average of 5.4 CFU/㎠ of bacteria, whereas pillows and door mats contained more than 90 times that amount, with over 520 CFU/㎠ of bacteria detected. CFU (Colony Forming Unit) is a unit measuring the number of bacteria that can grow in culture, with 1 CFU representing one bacterium.

While this is not a significant problem for healthy individuals, microorganisms and opportunistic bacteria that can cause diseases were found, which may affect patients, the elderly, and infants. The bacterium Propionibacterium acnes, which causes acne, was also detected.

Experts recommend washing pillowcases at least once a week. Not only pillowcases but also pillow inserts should be washed in hot water at least once every three months. If washing is difficult, a good alternative is to air the pillow in a well-ventilated area under sunlight and vigorously beat it for more than one minute.

There is also an opinion that pillows should be replaced with new ones every six months. Dr. Bert Oxman of the Sleep to Live Institute, a sleep research organization in North Carolina, USA, stated, “Accumulated dust, oils, and dead skin cells in pillows can cause acne.”

However, it is known that pillow replacement is rare in everyday life. According to research by Ergoflex UK, the average pillow usage period among British people is 3.2 years. Similarly, a survey conducted by a bedding specialist company in Korea with 200 participants found that about 70% of respondents use their pillows for more than three years.