It isn’t easy to find a comfortable, high-quality pillow. At the store, you might try squishing pillows through their plastic packaging or resting your head on them to try to determine if they suit your sleep style.
But the only way to truly test a pillow out is by taking one home and sleeping on it for a few nights. It’s very much a process of trial and error that can lead to a lot of money being spent.
So, once you’ve actually found the perfect pillow, you never want to let it go. However, your pillow won’t retain its pristine white fabric forever, even if you regularly use a pillowcase to protect it. Eventually, yellow stains will appear. It’s gross, but it happens to the best of us.
Why does it happen, though? Where do these stains come from? And, more importantly, how do you get rid of them? We’ll cover the reasons behind this not-so-pretty transformation, along with some cleaning hacks to keep your pillow looking new for longer.
So, why do pillows turn yellow?
The answer is moisture. Some of the common causes of moisture usually come from your own body. Sweat, drool, and wet hair can turn your pillows and sheets yellow over time.
If you often go to bed with damp hair after showering, try wrapping your hair in a towel to stop moisture from seeping through your pillowcase. The oils from your skin and hair, created by your body’s sebaceous glands, can also pass down to your pillow, making it develop a yellow hue.
Furthermore, face lotions and other skin care products can contribute to the yellowing of your pillow. If your bedtime routine consists of putting creams and serums on your face or applying a hair mask, some residue from these products can rub off and build up on your pillow.
So, before lying down, make sure that the products have been properly absorbed into your skin or hair.
Should you throw out yellow pillows?
Using pillows with yellow spots won’t harm you, but usually, yellow pillows are a sign of old age. Bedding experts recommend replacing your pillow every one to two years.
If your pillow has a funny smell or feels damp all the time, you might want to throw it out and get a new one. But if your pillow is still fairly new, comfortable, and odor-free, it should be fine to sleep on. Before buying a replacement, consider cleaning your pillow first.
How to remove/prevent yellow stains
Start by applying a stain remover directly on the stained areas. Allow the stain remover to sit for a few minutes so it can soak into the fabric. Then, pop it into the washing machine with lukewarm water and mild detergent on a gentle cycle.
If all that seems too harsh on your pillow, try soaking it in a solution of white vinegar, baking soda, and a mild detergent.
To prevent yellow stains from cropping up in the first place, invest in waterproof pillow protectors that can be unzipped and washed regularly. It will seriously change your life!
The reality is that most pillows will become yellow, so you must do your best to keep them clean. Dirty pillows can cause acne, rashes, and blocked pores, wreaking havoc on your skin health.
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By Emily Chan
Emily Chan is a writer who covers lifestyle and news content. She graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in... More about Emily Chan
