How often should you replace your pillows? Here’s what experts say

Experts share how often you should clean pillows and when it’s time to replace them. Plus, how to keep pillows in great shape over time.

Bed pillows go through a lot of wear and tear over the years, particularly if you move around a lot in your sleep. Plus, pillows have direct contact with all of the oils and skin care products on your face, which means they need to be washed often. But how often should you actually clean your pillows and when do you know it’s time to just throw them away and invest in a new set? I spoke with cleaning experts to learn more about how often you should clean and replace your pillows and what signs you should look for to determine when to do one or the other. Plus, I asked experts the best way to clean pillows (not just pillowcases) depending on what type they are.

Want more from NBC Selected? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. How often should you clean and replace your pillows? “I recommend cleaning pillows every three to six months and while there’s no hard expiration date, I generally expect to replace pillows every year or two,” says Robin Murphy, a cleaning expert and chief cleaning officer at home cleaning company Maid Brigade. “What matters is their condition. If your pillow is lumpy, stays flat after fluffing, has a persistent odor, or no longer supports your head and neck