Unwashed pillowcases contain more bacteria than toilet seats: report
LOS ANGELES - How often do you change your pillowcases?
If your answer is "not often," you may not sleep too well after reading this.
An unwashed pillowcase could harbor three million bacteria - about 17,000 times more than the average toilet seat, according to a new report by Amerisleep.
The analysis included cleanliness data for mattresses, linens and pillowcases, as well as a breakdown of the potential germs between the sheets.
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Some of the particles tested were allergens, fungi, and dead skin - all of which you don't want to be exposed to at night as they can attract things like dust mites that feed on dead skin cells.
A recent TikTok shows the bacteria colonies that apparently live in pillowcases.
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TikTok user @simonandbee cut off a corner of a regular pillowcase and placed it in a petri dish, showing the alleged bacteria and fungal growth over time.
After just a few days without washing the pillowcases, bacteria quickly formed, the creator alleged.
Experts said pillowcases should be changed routinely - every few days - more than once a week.