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