Why do pillows turn yellow?

Author: Janet Breitenberg  |  Last update: Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Pillows turn yellow because of sweat. There are other reasons why a pillow may start to turn yellow including falling asleep with wet hair, lotions and oils on the skin, and moisture. When moisture or sweat remains on the pillow for long periods of time, the pillow will turn yellow.

How do I keep my pillows from turning yellow?

1. Use Pillow Protectors: Invest in pillow protectors to add an extra layer of defence against sweat and oils. 2. Wash Regularly: Aim to wash your pillows every three to six months to keep them clean and prevent yellowing.

Is it OK to sleep on a yellow pillow?

Yellow stains on pillows are not only unsightly, but they can also be a breeding ground for bacteria and allergens.

Should I throw away my yellow pillow?

Yellow pillows are hazardous to health. They accumulate dirt, grime, and moisture. Can lead to skin and respiratory problems. Yellow stains can be caused by drooling, wet hair, oil and sebum build up, makeup, and dead skin cells. Can cause clogged pores, breakouts, and acne.

Why do men's pillows turn yellow?

Yellowing is typically a result of body sweat, oils, and dead skin cells seeping into the pillow's material, where they oxidize and change color over time.

Why do men's pillows turn yellow?

Why is my husband's side of the bed yellow?

Sweat and Sebum

It's a fact that everyone sweats and releases natural body oils while sleeping. Although sweat stains may not be visible immediately, they gradually accumulate, leading to unsightly yellowish stains. Sweat and sebum provide an ideal environment for bacterial growth, which can cause unpleasant odours.

Can you make yellow pillows white again?

You can try: Lemon juice and baking soda: Create a paste using lemon juice and baking soda, then gently rub it onto the yellow stains. Let it sit for about 30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly and allowing the pillow to dry. Hydrogen peroxide solutions: Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water.

Do yellow pillows need to be replaced?

And if your pillow has enough moisture buildup to turn yellow, then it's probably safe to assume there are other not-so-nice things lurking, too: dust mites, allergens and even bacteria (that's right, moisture makes the perfect breeding ground for bacteria).

Does vinegar whiten pillows?

The white vinegar dislodges any oils left in the fibres and the baking soda is a natural whitening solution. Avoid using bleach, as this could actually make the yellowing worse. For very old stains, it may be better to soak the pillowcases in white vinegar overnight.

Are old pillows unhealthy?

An old pillow can accumulate allergens like dust mites, fungus, mold, and pet dander. For some people, sleeping near those allergens can cause a runny or stuffy nose, itchy skin, and irritated eyes that may impact sleep quality.

Why do I have yellow stains on my pillow when I wake up?

It's not just sweat that can cause that nasty yellow stain, other sources of moisture such as going to bed with wet hair or drooling throughout the night also contribute. Chemicals such as hair product, makeup and other types of skin products can also pillow discolouration.

What is the best color to sleep under?

Likewise, The Sleep Foundation claims that blue, green, and white are three of the best colors for restful sleep, and red, bright orange, bright yellow, and black are the worst.

How often should you replace pillows?

It is generally recommended that you replace your pillows every one to two years, says Amy Hoban, chief creative officer at Parachute. “Pillows you sleep with will generally last between one to two years, while decorative pillows and shams last a bit longer," she says.

Why do my husband's towels turn yellow?

Body Oils and Lotions: Natural oils from your skin, as well as lotions and other personal care products, can transfer to your towels. Over time, these oils can cause discoloration, particularly on white fabrics. Sun Exposure: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause white towels to yellow.

How to remove yellow stains from pillows without washing?

However, if the yellow stains have spread to the foam, Patterson's advice is to use your vacuum cleaner and baking soda. Simply sprinkle the stained area with baking soda, leave for a couple of hours and then vacuum it up with your upholstery attachment.

What pillowcases are best for bald heads?

Traditional cotton pillowcases are super absorbent, and it loves to soak oils from your scalp. Bad news for those who rock a bald dome. Enter satin or silk pillowcases and ditch cotton. These materials are less absorbent and may help reduce oil transfer compared to cotton pillowcases.

Why does my pillow turn yellow so fast?

Pillows start to turn yellow due to a variety of factors, most of which involve the accumulation of moisture. Sweat, drool, wet hair, and even skincare products can contribute to yellow stains on a pillow. And these stains are more than just unsightly.

Can pillows go in the dryer?

While it's generally safe to put pillows in the dryer, using high heat may not be the best approach. High heat can damage sensitive fillings such as down or feathers, and, if hot enough, could even cause synthetic fillings to melt. It's best to use a lower heat with XL wool dryer balls to speed the process.

How do I get yellow out of my pillow?

Make a solution of one part distilled white vinegar and one part warm water. Don't submerge the pillow in it, but rub and scrub the surface of the pillow itself with the solution. You can also use a detergent specifically made for white garments that are discoloring.

Should yellow pillows be thrown away?

All that discoloration, experts say, is an accumulation of grime that can pose problems for respiratory, skin and sleep health. “These old yellow stinky pillows, while there is some type of emotional attachment to them, are exposing you to allergens and creating a breeding ground for mold,” said Dr.

Do old pillows have dust mites?

This is due to the fact that pillows can become really nasty over time. They can accumulate germs, dirt, sweat, and oils, making them a real problem for those with sensitive skin. In addition, allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and even mold can build up within them when used for very long periods of time.

How to deep clean pillows?

Here's how it's done.
  1. Fill your tub up with the hottest water possible. ( ...
  2. Add 1/4 cup of baking soda, 1/4 cup of borax, and 2 cups of liquid laundry detergent.
  3. Stir, place pillows in the tub, and fully submerge.
  4. Let them sit in the tub for 24 hours, then squeeze out excess water.

Will OxiClean whiten pillows?

Inman swears by OxiClean's powder bleach alternative to keep pillows clean and white in the washing machine. Follow the package directions and add the powder to help eliminate any gross yellow sweat stains.

Why did my white comforter turn yellow after washing?

Incorrect Water Temperature: Using water that's too hot can set existing stains and cause yellowing. Always check care labels for proper temperature guidelines. Detergent Buildup: Excess detergent doesn't rinse completely, leaving residue that yellows over time. Using the right amount prevents this common issue.

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