The quirky Aussie habit of storing pyjamas behind their pillow is a common practice, but it's time to wake up and smell the mould! This seemingly innocent habit could be making your PJs smell funky and potentially unhygienic. According to experts, this practice creates the perfect environment for mould and odour-causing bacteria to thrive. Rietie Venter, a microbiologist, explains that pyjamas can become slightly sweaty after a night's wear, and keeping them under the pillow traps moisture and heat, fostering mould growth. Susan Toft, founder of The Laundry Lady, agrees, emphasizing the importance of proper drying and airing between wears. She suggests hanging pyjamas over a chair or towel rail to allow moisture to evaporate, which can significantly reduce odours.
The frequency of pyjama washing is another area of confusion. While a general rule of washing every week is a good starting point, Venter recommends thinking about every three to four wears. This is because pyjamas absorb sweat, dead skin cells, and natural oils, even if they don't smell or look dirty. Toft adds that pyjama bottoms, in particular, should be treated like underwear and washed after each wear due to direct skin contact. The deciding factor for washing frequency is often sweat, especially for women going through hormonal changes or those who naturally sleep hot.
Toft advises prioritising pyjamas because they come into contact with your skin for a significant portion of the day. She suggests building the habit of popping them in the wash with the weekly load or even twice a week for hot sleepers. Having two to three pairs of pyjamas is beneficial, ensuring there's always a clean pair ready to wear while the others are in the wash. So, next time you reach for those pyjamas, consider the potential mouldy and smelly consequences of your storage habit and give them a proper airing instead.
