Pillowcases

It is recommended that you wash your pillowcases, cheap or luxury, at least once per week. This is because your pillowcase gradually builds up oils, sweat and dirt from the face, even if you wash it straight before bed.  So, if you naturally have oily skin, you should wash your pillowcases more often. Cotton and polycotton pillowcases are both designed to be very durable, so they will still last a long time even when washing them so often.

Housewife pillowcases are standard pillows, which have a sewn edge which fits neatly around the pillow. They are usually 50cm x 75cm and have the common tucked flap inside of the pillow to keep the pillow in place. Housewife pillowcases are typically made out of cotton or polycotton, meaning there are options for both more luxury as well as cheap pillow cases, although they come in a wide variety of materials, including linen, silk and satin.

Oxford pillowcases usually have an opening at the back rather than the side, and are famous for having a decorative border, usually in the form of a wide stitched flat hem around the edge of the pillowcase. Typically they were made from the same material as Oxford shirts, hence the name, however they are now made with a wider range of materials. Oxford pillowcases are popular as they add something unique and decorative for the bed, so many people opt for housewife pillowcases for those that are right by the headboard, and then will have Oxford pillowcases further forward. 

When washing both luxury and cheap pillow cases, make sure to look at the care labels, although it is usually advised that you wash at 40 degrees. We’d recommend having a few sets of cheap pillow cases so that you don’t have the stress of having to wash and dry your pillowcases, and put them back on the bed in the same day.