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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.