There are a few potential reasons why your husband’s pillow might be getting greasy:
He is not washing his pillowcase frequently enough
One of the most common reasons for a greasy pillow is that the pillowcase is not being washed frequently enough. We shed skin cells, sweat, and oils from our face and hair while we sleep. These oils and skin residues can build up on the pillowcase over time if it is not washed regularly.
Experts generally recommend washing your pillowcases at least once a week, or more frequently if you have oily skin or hair. Washing the pillowcase helps remove the grease and oil that has accumulated over the past several nights of sleep.
If your husband is not in the habit of washing his pillowcase weekly, then the grease from his hair and skin is probably slowly building up on the fabric. Try instituting a weekly pillowcase wash and see if that helps reduce the greasy feeling.
He is using styling products in his hair
Hair products like pomade, gel, mousse and wax can also be a culprit for a greasy pillowcase. These styling products are designed to add texture and grip to hair. However, they can rub off onto fabric while sleeping.
The waxes, oils and silicones in hair styling products can transfer from your husband’s hair onto his pillowcase at night. Over time, this will leave an oily residue on the pillow. If your husband uses any styling creams, waxes or sprays on his hair, advise him to use them sparingly and avoid applying them directly to the roots.
He tosses and turns during sleep
Restless sleepers tend to rub their head all over the pillow at night. All this movement distributes natural oils from the scalp over more surface area of the pillowcase. In contrast, more stationary sleepers will concentrate the oils in one spot.
Frequent turning from side to side also increases friction between head and pillow, hastening the transfer of oils. If your husband thrashes around in bed, he may unknowingly be spreading grease from his hair onto a wider area of the pillowcase.
He is sweating excessively at night
Night sweats can also lead to greasy, oily stains on pillows. When we sweat at night, body oils and salts get excreted through the sweat glands in the skin. As the sweat evaporates, it leaves behind oily deposits in the fabric of pillowcases.
Medical conditions, hormones, stress, heat, and humidity can all increase night sweating. If your husband struggles with excessive night sweats, changing and washing bed sheets more frequently may help reduce greasiness.
The pillow itself needs replacing
Over time, oil, sweat, and dead skin cells can accumulate not just on the pillowcase but inside the pillow itself. Years of use causes the cotton or foam interior to become saturated with skin secretions.
Even with weekly washing, very old pillows can still feel greasy and grimy. If you have had the same pillows for many years, it may simply be time to replace them with new ones.
Tips to keep pillows fresh and clean
Here are some tips to help keep your husband’s pillow clean and oil-free:
- Wash pillowcases once a week in hot water to kill bacteria and remove oils.
- Use an anti-bacterial laundry detergent that helps eliminate odors.
- Replace pillows every 1-2 years or if they appear stained or misshapen.
- Flip and rotate pillows weekly to spread out wear and stains.
- Use pillow protectors as an added barrier against oils and skin cells.
- Advise him to shower at night so less oil gets on the pillowcase.
- Blot excess moisture from hair before bed to reduce sweat and oils.
- Consider using a silk pillowcase which absorbs less oil than cotton.
When to be concerned about greasy pillows
While greasy pillows are usually just a laundry issue, there are some instances where it could signal an underlying medical problem:
- Sudden onset of continuous night sweats
- Night sweats that soak through the bedsheets
- Unintentional weight loss along with night sweats
- Night sweats that don’t seem related to environment or mood
If your husband is experiencing these types of severe night sweats, speak to a doctor. It may be a sign of an infection, hormone imbalance or other issue requiring medical evaluation.
Conclusion
Greasy, oily pillows are generally caused by a buildup of sweat, skin oils and hair products over time. By washing pillowcases frequently, replacing old pillows, and changing haircare habits, you can help keep pillows fresh and clean.
However, if the greasy pillows are accompanied by extreme night sweats and other medical issues, speak to your doctor as it could indicate an underlying health condition needs attention.
With some diligent laundering, your husband’s pillow will once again be fresh, hygienic and grease-free for a comfortable night’s sleep.
