To make DH use pillow protectors and cheap pillow cases?

[ARareKindaBear]

DH ruins every pillowcase he uses. They always end up sweaty stained. I started making him shower every night after work and it did improve so I bought a new duvet set. This morning I noticed his pillow case was mucky so I slung it in the wash. It hasn’t come out so presumably it’s now permanently stained. I’m so frustrated!! I know it’s not his fault but it’s ruining all the bedding!

I’ve told him I’m going to get him a pillow protector and a dark coloured pillow case for bedtime only (it’s hidden away until bed and then he uses it to sleep on only). He’s mortified and says he doesn’t want that but surely it’s the most logical way forward?

He does not smell, he’s not a mucky person … it’s just his head!!

What is causing it ? Sweat or hair product.

I think asking him to use a pillow protector is fine, but not a cheap pillow. Having the right pillows are important to get good sleep and not end up screwing your neck up etc. Plus, who cares if the pillow inside the cover gets stained.

As for the pillow cases, a few thoughts: A) just get a dark coloured set for the whole bed! B) Soak his first before washing (this is what I do as my DH is similar) to get them more clean. C) does it really matter if they don't look perfect after a wash? They aren't actually dirty at that point, who's going to see them? D) get a duvet set which has pillow cases sold separately and just buy a few extras so his can be replaced more often. E) turn them over at night so they get grubby on the underside, then right way up during the day (if the visual is important).

Basically, it's his house too, I can imagine how he must be feeling that you think he's too dirty to be allowed nice sheets and pillows, you say yourself it's not his fault.

@EnterFunnyNameHere she said cheap cases, not pillows

Does he regularly wash his hair? My DH stains the pillow cases but it’s because he only washes his hair every few days but is a sweaty person. Make sure if he is showering after work he is also washing his hair not just his body…. Things we shouldn’t have to do as modern women but we do

YABU for insisting the mismatched pillow is hidden away when it’s upsetting him. Just use darker pillowcases for you both or deal with them being mismatched. Your husbands feelings are more important than decorative pillowcases.

My DH stains pillow cases too, showers and washes hair every night without exception so think he must just have very oily hair. Hadn’t occurred to me to punish him for it.

Sunlight helps to bleach out stains. I have pure white cotton bedding that has stained from my hair dye many a time. Once a month, it goes onto a very hot prewash then onto the line for a long as possible. (Also cleans the machine). It's still bright and white after 7 years.

Good spot. I think the 80% or so of my post which gives kinder options regarding pillow cases still stands though? 😀

Dark pillow cases also stain with sweat because of the salt.

Ha yes @EnterFunnyNameHere - I definitely agree with all of your suggestions

I’m the pillow case stained and use proper pillows, mattress protectors and boil wash and sun dry high count white cotton pillowcases. I’ll sometimes just change the pillowcases if needed between washes. Going for separate bedding just seems mean.

My DH's pillow always looks disgusting by wash day and was always discoloured too. It's the hair product he uses. I've found wetting it, squirting on some washing up liquid, rubbing it vigorously against itself, and then rinsing before popping it into the machine has fixed the problem.

DH pillows and pillowcases need changing/renewing more often than mine
He showers every day so is not dirty but he has very little hair - not alot he can do about that!
I think you are being a bit mean and after all who else will see if the pillows don't match?