The bed is where we relax our bodies and recharge our batteries after a long tiring day - but it can also be a "hot spot" for bacteria if not properly cared for. Although everyone knows that personal hygiene is important, there are 2 things on the bed that most of us, even 90% of users, often ignore cleaning. The consequences are not just itching, but also seriously affect health.

Let's find out the details to protect your family today!

First: Pillow - "Silent enemy" of skin, breathing and sleep
Pillows are in direct contact with our face, hair and breath for 6-8 hours every night. But it is this closeness that makes it a worrying "nest" of bacteria.

1. Reasons for dirt

- Sweat and body oil: Every night, the body secretes sweat, oil from hair and scalp, which seeps directly into the pillowcase. If you sweat a lot at night, your pillowcase will quickly become an ideal humid environment for bacteria to grow.

- Dead skin and dirt: Dead skin flakes off every day from your face, neck, and even your hair, all “settle” on your pillow. This is a rich source of food for bacteria and dirt to accumulate.

- Dirty cosmetics and hair: If you forget to remove your makeup before going to bed, your moisturizer and makeup will stick to your pillowcase, creating an additional layer of dirt and excess oil. Unclean hair also carries dust and bacteria from the air, making the situation worse.

- Old pillowcases: Pillowcases after 1-2 years of use are susceptible to mold, especially if you live in a humid climate like Vietnam. Mold inside not only causes an unpleasant odor but is also a “culprit” that is harmful to your health.

2. Worrying consequences

- Skin is attacked: Bacteria on pillowcases can easily cause acne, especially inflammatory acne and pustules. People with sensitive skin may experience irritation, rashes, and prolonged itching.

- Respiratory effects: Dust and bacteria from pillows can irritate the respiratory tract, causing allergic rhinitis, asthma, or aggravating chronic lung diseases. In particular, young children and the elderly - groups with weak immune systems - are most susceptible.

- Risk from mold: Moldy pillows are home to mold and parasites such as dust mites. When inhaled, they can cause pneumonia, severe allergies, or reduce sleep quality, making you tired and exhausted.

- Long-term accumulation: If not cleaned regularly, bacteria and fungi on pillows will accumulate, causing unpleasant odors, making you lose confidence and affecting your psychology when resting.

3. How to handle

- Wash pillowcases 1-2 times/week with warm water (40-50°C) to kill bacteria. If you have a washing machine, choose the hot water wash mode.

- Pillow cores should be washed every 3-6 months, or replaced after 1-2 years of use. Dry the pillow core in the sun to naturally kill bacteria.

- If you cannot wash it regularly, use a mini vacuum cleaner to remove dirt and dead skin on the pillow surface.

Second: Blankets - "Culprits" forgotten, causing harm from the dark

Blankets are something we hug every night, bringing a feeling of warmth, but few people notice that they are also a "nest" of bacteria if not cleaned regularly.

1. Worrying consequences

- Skin diseases outbreak: Bacteria and fungi on blankets can easily cause itching, redness, and even aggravate skin diseases such as eczema and atopic dermatitis. In young children, immature skin is easily irritated, leading to infection if not treated promptly.

- Allergies and respiratory problems: Dust, pet hair and mold from blankets can cause allergies, sneezing, runny nose, or aggravate asthma and allergic rhinitis. The elderly and children - groups with weak resistance - are most susceptible.

- Risk of long-term infection: If blankets are not cleaned, bacteria and parasites can enter the body through the skin or respiratory tract, causing chronic infections and affecting the immune system.

- Bad odors and psychological insecurity: Dirty blankets will have an unpleasant odor over time, making you lose confidence when sleeping, affecting sleep quality and mental health.

2. How to handle

- Wash the blanket at least once a month in warm water, using a mild detergent to protect the fabric fibers. Dry the blanket in the sun to kill bacteria and remove odors.

- If the blanket is too thick and difficult to wash at home, take it to a specialized laundry shop for a thorough cleaning.

- Vacuum the blanket regularly, especially if you have pets, to remove hair and dirt.

- In humid weather, use a dryer or dehumidifier to keep the blanket dry and prevent mold.