Pillows and dust mites: how often should you wash or replace them?
In this article
Wash your pillowcase every week at 60 °C and the pillow itself about every six weeks, also at 60 °C. If your pillow can't be washed that hot, use an allergen-proof pillow cover or put it in the freezer first and then wash it at a lower temperature. There is no fixed replacement period: replace it when your pillow can no longer be washed properly or has lost its shape.
Why does your pillow matter for dust mites?
Every night you spend hours with your nose and mouth right on your pillow. It collects skin flakes, saliva and sweat, exactly what dust mites live on. With a dust mite allergy you breathe in the allergen from your pillow at close range all night. That is why hospital advice always lists the pillow among the most important places to tackle.
How often should you wash your pillow?
| What | How often | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Pillowcase | Every week | 60 °C |
| Pillow (washable) | About every six weeks | 60 °C |
| Allergen-proof pillow cover | About every six months | 60 °C |
| Pillow that can't take 60 °C | About every six weeks | Freezer first, then wash as per label |
These intervals are common advice from Dutch hospital leaflets for people with a dust mite allergy. Without an allergy, less often is fine.
What do you do with a pillow that can't be washed at 60 °C?
You have two options:
- Freezer, then wash: put the pillow in a sealed bag in the freezer at -18 to -20 °C. Advice ranges from 48 hours to a week. The cold kills the mites, but their droppings stay behind. So wash the pillow afterwards at the temperature the label allows, to rinse out the allergen.
- Allergen-proof cover: a special cover around the pillow, under your pillowcase. It keeps the allergen inside the pillow. According to Thuisarts, such a cover is mainly an addition if washing isn't enough.
Does the pillow filling matter?
Less than often thought. According to hospital information, synthetic pillows contain at least as many dust mites as feather or down pillows. What does matter is whether you can wash the pillow at 60 °C. When replacing, choose mainly on washability, not on an "anti-allergy" label.
When should you replace your pillow?
There is no official replacement period. Replace your pillow if:
- It can no longer be washed properlyThe filling clumps after washing or no longer dries completely.
- It has lost its shapeIt no longer springs back, or you have to fold it double to lie comfortably.
- It can't take 60 °C and you are allergicThen a pillow that can be washed at 60 °C is the simplest solution.
A pillow that stays damp inside after washing is an attractive place for dust mites. Dry it fully, preferably in the dryer or outdoors, and add an extra drying round if in doubt.
Frequently asked questions about pillows and dust mites
Does washing at 40 °C kill dust mites?
Not reliably. Some of the mites survive 40 °C. Washing does rinse out part of the allergen, but to kill mites the advice is 60 °C.
Is an anti-allergy pillow better?
Not necessarily. An anti-allergy pillow also fills up with skin flakes and mites. What counts is whether you can wash it at 60 °C, or whether it has an allergen-proof cover.
How often should you wash your duvet?
For people with a dust mite allergy, the usual advice is to wash the duvet about every six weeks at 60 °C, like the pillow, and the duvet cover every week.
Sources (in Dutch)
- Isala: Allergie huisstofmijt bij kinderen
- Reinier de Graaf: De belangrijkste maatregelen bij huisstofmijtallergie
- Jeroen Bosch Ziekenhuis: Saneren bij astma
- Thuisarts: Ik wil iets doen tegen huisstofmijt
This article is for general information and does not replace advice from your GP.