The easy cleaning hack to remove yellow stains from pillows

The easy cleaning hack to remove yellow stains from pillows

Discoloration of pillows - why do you get yellow stains?

As temperatures rise and the warmth of summer nights becomes oppressive, crisp, white linen sheets offer comfort to many people. The sleep may be restful, but the aftereffects on the pillows are anything but pleasant. Yellowed stains that develop on once-pristine pillows are a common nuisance. But there is no need to worry because the solution may be cheaper and easier than you think.

The discoloration or yellowing of pillows is primarily due to sweat. This problem mainly affects people who tend to sweat profusely at night. However, it can affect anyone and occur unnoticed. There are several main causes of yellow stains appearing on pillows.

The main cause of these stains is a chemical component in our sweat called urea. Urea is a harmless metabolic product that our body excretes in much larger quantities through urine. Over time, the urea breaks down and turns into ammonia, which ultimately causes the yellow stains to form on the pillows.

Another cause of yellow spots is damp hair. People who go to bed with damp hair can inadvertently contribute to their pillows turning yellow. The moisture from the hair penetrates the pillow and causes discoloration over time. In particular, hair care products such as leave-in conditioners can increase the stains if they are transferred from the hair to the pillow.

Saliva also plays a role in the yellowing of pillows. Although it may be uncomfortable to admit, most people drool to some degree in their sleep. Over time, this can also cause the pillow to turn yellow. Although saliva may not be the primary factor, it can contribute to discoloration when combined with sweat and other forms of moisture.

The body's natural oils and dead skin cells can also increase the yellowing process. Similar to sweat, these oils eventually penetrate the pillowcase and settle on the pillow. Additionally, topical beauty and skin care products applied before bed are the second most common cause of pillow yellowing. Similar to sweat, these products transfer to the pillows relatively quickly.

Regular cleaning of pillows is crucial to ensure their cleanliness. Experts recommend washing pillows at least twice a year. However, if you're pressed for time or have stubborn stains, there's an efficient cleaning trick.

One way to remove yellow stains from pillows is to mix a few tablespoons of lemon juice with a cup of water in a large bowl. Dip a clean, white cloth into the resulting mixture and gently rub the yellowed areas of the pillow. Be careful not to get the pillow wet, otherwise it may lose its shape. You can then sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on the yellowed areas and leave it to work for a few minutes. This will absorb any remaining stains and odors. Finally, you should rinse the pillow thoroughly with clean water to remove any residue. Afterwards, you can hang the pillow to dry in a well-ventilated place, but away from direct sunlight or high heat, as this may cause fading or shrinkage.

In addition to cleaning, it is advisable to take preventive measures to prevent yellow stains on the pillows. Using a pillow protector is an effective way to reduce the severity of yellowing. This extra layer, placed between the pillowcase and the pillow, can absorb a significant amount of sweat before it reaches the pillow. This is particularly beneficial for people who sweat excessively while sleeping. The protector should also be cleaned every time the bed linen is washed.

In summary, it is okay to continue using a pillow with some yellow spots as long as it still provides proper support and comfort. However, pillows should be replaced every one to two years to avoid accumulation of dust mites, allergens and bacteria. If the stains are stubborn and cleaning hasn't been successful, it may be time to invest in a new pillow.