The 1 Thing You Need To Prevent Your Bed Pillows From Turning Yellow (2024)

The 1 Thing You Need To Prevent Your Bed Pillows From Turning Yellow (1)

Amazon

There’s something truly horrifying about stripping your pillows for wash day only to be met with yellowed pillows staring at you in the face. HuffPost has previously investigated exactly why pillows accumulate yellow discoloration: In essence, it’s the physical consequence of sweat, oil, skin cells and even skin care that has rubbed off your face — physical secretions that are part of what makes us human.

Though such shedding of oils and cells is largely inevitable, there is one item that can help prevent your pillows from turning that dingy yellow: A pillow protector.

Advertisement

HuffPost Life contributor Anna Rahmanan previously spoke to allergist Dr. Neeta Ogden about the benefits of adding a pillow protector to your bedding setup. According to Ogden, pillow protectors “will provide a barrier between you and the allergens that can lurk in pillow fibers over time, including animal dander, mold spores, dust mites and pollen drifting in from outside.”

A pillow protector, which provides an extra layer of fabric between your skin, your pillowcase and your pillow, can be a huge benefit for those who want to keep their pillows looking brand new while protecting themselves from exposure to allergens.

We’ve rounded up some reviewer-favorite options from Amazon, Walmart and Target for folks who are ready to invest in a pillow protector but don’t know where to begin. Read on for some of the best picks available right now.

HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Advertisement

1

Probably the best affordable pillow protector on the market

This bestselling two-pack, which has nearly 20,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, is likely the best you’ll find at an affordable price point. Its knitted jersey material is so soft and comfortable that Amazon reviewers report they forget the protectors are even on their pillows. A TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) coating covers all sides of the pillow protector to ensure they’re completely waterproof, while their double-hemmed stitching and zip-closure seals off allergens and bugs. Plus, they’re available in a range of neutral and bold colors to keep this bedding addition feeling fun and not simply utilitarian.

2

The 1 Thing You Need To Prevent Your Bed Pillows From Turning Yellow (3)

Amazon

A quiet, soft, reviewer-favorite option with 15,000 five-star Amazon ratings

With over 15,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, these waterproof quilted protectors are a tried-and-true option for pillow protector loyalists. They’re impressively durable yet soft, and in fact only get softer with time, according to one reviewer. Their auto-lock zippers ensure they stay secure over your favorite pillows. Their most important feature? They’re quiet: “They do NOT sound crunchy like the old school plastic covers,” one reviewer writes. As a result, you won’t hear (or feel) the pillow protector while you’re resting your head — a quality so impactful that reviewers’ finicky toddlers sleep well on them, too. Plus, they're machine washable!

3

The 1 Thing You Need To Prevent Your Bed Pillows From Turning Yellow (4)

Amazon

A highly rated pack that protects equally well against allergens and bugs

Boasting a 4.7 out of 5 rating on Amazon, this Guardmax option is so effective that everyone from multiple-property owners and folks in bug-infested rentals swear by them. They’ll keep your pillows protected from liquids, allergens and dust, as well as from the worst-case scenario for any tenant or homeowner: bugs and bedbugs. With locking zippers and soft, wrinkle-resistant, moisture-wicking fabric, they create a seal over your pillow so nothing will get through to your pillowcase or your skin, with a second high-range laminate lining underneath the primary fabric to make sure that nothing gets through. They’re also designed to wash up easily in washing machines.

Advertisement

4

The 1 Thing You Need To Prevent Your Bed Pillows From Turning Yellow (5)

Amazon

A hypoallergenic, cotton protector for hot sleepers

This pick — with a 100% cotton outer shell — wicks away moisture while blocking your skin and your pillow from dander, dust, mildew, dust mites, sweat, drool and more. Thin and lightweight with a noiseless waterproof backing, it’s an ideal option for folks who sleep hot and are looking to prevent perspiration from yellowing their pillows. It’s also a great choice for prolonging the life of pricey down pillows: Reviewers love how well this protector keeps feathers from escaping or poking through “like needles” into their skin.

5

The 1 Thing You Need To Prevent Your Bed Pillows From Turning Yellow (6)

Amazon

A doctor-designed two-pack

This “sleep defense” protector was designed by a doctor to provide health-care-quality bedding protection to homes. This option features extra-secure seams, super-soft knit polyester and a thick waterproof layer to ensure no saliva, sweat or other liquids make their way to your pillow or your skin. It’s also carefully designed to still be breathable, so you’ll be able to sleep comfortably and cool.

6

The 1 Thing You Need To Prevent Your Bed Pillows From Turning Yellow (7)

Amazon

An option you can wash on hot

These AllerEase protectors come highly recommended, with a 4.7 out of 5 rating on Amazon. They’re zippered, comfy, offer full-barrier protection and are designed to be extra durable — so durable that you can confidently wash them in hot water.

Advertisement

The 1 Thing You Need To Prevent Your Bed Pillows From Turning Yellow (2024)

FAQs

How to prevent pillows from turning yellow? ›

Dry your hair before bed, wash out any hair product, remove makeup and avoid putting any cream on your face. But the best thing you can do to prevent your pillows turning yellow is to slide a pillow protector over your pillow before you add a pillowcase.

How do you make a pillow not yellow? ›

How do you whiten yellowed pillows? You could try to soak them in a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar. You need about 5 parts cold water, 3 parts vinegar, and 2 parts baking soda (enough to completely soak in). Rub the mixture into the pillow and leave it overnight, then wash in the washing machine the next day.

How do I get yellow out of my pillow? ›

Vinegar soaks: Submerge the yellowed pillows in a mixture of warm water and vinegar (1:1 ratio) for a few hours or overnight. After soaking, wash the pillows in the washing machine with a mild detergent to remove any remaining vinegar smell.

Is it OK to sleep on a yellow pillow? ›

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.

How to stop white pillow cases from going yellow? ›

Follow the below steps:
  1. Fill the sink with warm water and then add half a cup of white vinegar and half a cup of baking soda.
  2. Leave the pillowcases to soak for at least an hour.
  3. Drain the sink and rinse the pillows under cold water.
  4. Add to your washing machine along with the rest of your white bedding and clean as normal.
Aug 29, 2021

How do you keep pillows white? ›

Your standard detergent may not be strong enough to rid your pillow of the yellow. To help it whiten up those pillows when washing them in a machine, add 1 cup (240 mL) of dishwasher soap, ¾ cup (6 oz) of washing soda, 0.5 cups (120 mL) of white vinegar, and 3 tbsps (44mL) of regular laundry detergent.

Why does my husband's pillowcase turn yellow? ›

Sweat, drool, wet hair, and even skincare products can contribute to yellow stains on a pillow. And these stains are more than just unsightly. After a while, they can harbor bacteria and allergens, potentially affecting the quality of your sleep and your health.

Why does my boyfriend turn the sheets yellow? ›

There are a number of reasons that white sheets go yellow, but most of the culpability rests with you—literally! The primary cause of yellowing in sheets is body soil buildup which, in human terms, means sweat, dead skin, and sebum, the natural oils that the body produces.

Can I put a pillow in the washing machine? ›

Down or feather: Most down pillows can be put in the washing machine. But use cool water and a mild detergent, then dry on low heat. (High temperatures can damage the down.) Memory foam or latex: Washer agitation can break up slab-style foam pillows, so Handel suggests skipping the washing machine for these pillows.

How often should I replace pillows? ›

To that end, you should replace a pillow every two years to avoid any adverse sleep effects. Just like an old mattress can become lumpy and soiled, so can a pillow. Pillows are an often overlooked part of your bed but they need to be regularly changed just like your mattress and other bedding.

How to clean your pillows without a washing machine? ›

You can freshen up your pillows without washing them by sprinkling baking soda on the surface, letting it sit, and then vacuuming it off. Additionally, airing them out in sunlight can also help eliminate odors. Try these methods for a quick pillow refresh!

What is the best color to sleep under? ›

In our experience, the best colors for sleep are blue, yellow, green, silver, orange, pink, and white. These colors can reduce stress and soothe the nervous system. Try to stick with neutral or pastel shades for a soft, welcoming atmosphere.

How often should I wash pillows? ›

If your pillow can be washed, it should be washed at least twice a year. If you eat in bed, have pets, or sweat a lot, you should wash pillows quarterly. Special pillows like body pillows or throw pillows should be cleaned every 3 to 6 months.

Do pillows naturally turn yellow? ›

You're probably not even aware of it but most us sweat a little in the night, and this can wick through your pillowcase and on to your pillow. It might not amount to much in one night, but over time it can build up and eventually cause yellow staining. And it's not just sweat that makes your pillows turn yellow.

Why does my husband turn the sheets yellow? ›

There are a number of reasons that white sheets go yellow, but most of the culpability rests with you—literally! The primary cause of yellowing in sheets is body soil buildup which, in human terms, means sweat, dead skin, and sebum, the natural oils that the body produces.

How often should you replace your pillows? ›

Most experts recommend replacing pillows every 1 to 2 years. Doing so helps to ensure that you're using pillows that are supportive, clean, and free of allergens. It is also important to care for the pillows you use to ensure their longevity.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Duane Harber

Last Updated:

Views: 6367

Rating: 4 / 5 (51 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Duane Harber

Birthday: 1999-10-17

Address: Apt. 404 9899 Magnolia Roads, Port Royceville, ID 78186

Phone: +186911129794335

Job: Human Hospitality Planner

Hobby: Listening to music, Orienteering, Knapping, Dance, Mountain biking, Fishing, Pottery

Introduction: My name is Duane Harber, I am a modern, clever, handsome, fair, agreeable, inexpensive, beautiful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.