Pillows are an essential part of our daily rest routine, providing comfort and support throughout the night. However, over time, many pillows develop an unsightly yellow discoloration, which can be both unappealing and concerning. But why do pillows turn yellow in the first place, and what can you do to restore their pristine appearance? In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this common issue and offer practical, effective cleaning tips to bring your pillows back to life.
Why Do Pillows Turn Yellow?
Body Oils and Sweat One of the main reasons pillows turn yellow is the accumulation of natural oils and sweat from your body. During the night, your skin produces oils, and as you rest your head, these oils can transfer to your pillowcase and, eventually, seep into the pillow itself. These oils can oxidize, causing the yellowish tint over time.
Saliva and Other Fluids Drooling during sleep or even small amounts of saliva on your pillow can contribute to staining. Saliva contains proteins, and when they break down, they can leave behind yellow spots. Even if you don’t drool heavily, these small traces can gradually build up over time.
Environmental Factors Dust, pollutants, and allergens from the air can settle on your pillow’s surface. Combined with oils and sweat, these particles can cause discoloration. While washing your pillow regularly helps, environmental factors can sometimes speed up the yellowing process.
Poor Pillowcase Maintenance Using old or worn pillowcases that aren’t regularly washed can contribute to yellow stains. Pillowcases act as a barrier between your skin and pillow, but if they aren’t cleaned often enough, they may trap oils, sweat, and bacteria, eventually leading to yellowing.
How to Clean Yellowed Pillows
Now that we understand the causes, here’s how to get rid of those yellow stains and restore your pillows to their original state.
1. Washing with Baking Soda and Detergent
For most pillows (except memory foam), a good wash can do wonders. Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your regular detergent to help remove stains and odors. Baking soda has natural stain-fighting properties that can break down oils and proteins, leaving your pillow smelling fresh and looking cleaner.
Step 1: Place your pillows in the washing machine.
Step 2: Add detergent and baking soda to the load.
Step 3: Wash on a gentle cycle with warm water.
Step 4: Dry the pillows thoroughly on a low heat setting. Make sure they’re fully dry to prevent mildew.
2. Spot Treatment with Vinegar
For stubborn yellow stains, vinegar can work wonders. Its acidity helps break down oils and stains without damaging the fabric.
Step 1: Mix a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar.
Step 2: Dampen a clean cloth with the mixture and gently blot the yellowed areas.
Step 3: Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing the pillow with water.
Step 4: Wash the pillow as usual, and dry thoroughly.
3. Using Hydrogen Peroxide for Stubborn Stains
Hydrogen peroxide is another powerful stain-fighting agent. It can help eliminate stubborn yellow discoloration caused by oils and sweat.
Step 1: Mix one part hydrogen peroxide (3%) with one part water.
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