How to wash yellowed pillows

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If your duvets and pillows have started to turn yellow, this is quite normal. Over time, several factors, such as dust mites or sweat, affect the quality of your bedding. Fortunately, it’s possible to make yellow pillows snowy white again with the right tricks. Discover three simple and effective washing methods, along with some practical tips to always keep your linens clean.

As you probably know, all bedding needs to be washed regularly, and pillows are no exception. It is indeed important to disinfect them and remove any yellow stains that have appeared.

Moreover, pillows can easily become a breeding ground for mites, viruses, and bacteria. These come from sweat and dirt particles that accumulate over time. But despite the yellow stains and the odors that may emanate from the pillows, you don’t always have to throw them away. This is especially true if they are of good quality and have not exceeded a lifespan of 2 years.

What causes pillows to turn yellow?

As you can imagine, the main and most common reason is sweat. Indeed, your pillow will gradually and irreversibly turn yellow each night due to this. Body sweat penetrates the pillow’s fibers before surfacing. Although sweat remains the most common cause, other factors also come into play, such as saliva.

The fluids we secrete contribute to the yellowing of the pillow, which absorbs them. Moreover, this discoloration isn’t just an aesthetic concern, as it is proof that bacteria and mites have made a home in the pillow fibers. These creatures thrive in moisture and can cause issues like asthma, allergies, or rhinitis.

Here are 3 effective methods to wash yellowed pillows:

  1. Hot Water and Lemon
    Lemon is an invaluable and highly effective ally if you want to sleep well in optimal comfort. The following trick will allow you to take advantage of the whitening and disinfecting properties of citrus.

Start by boiling 2.5 liters of water and add 6 cups of lemon juice. Then, soak the pillow in this lemon water for about 2 hours. You will only need to wash the pillow with soapy water to remove the stains before rinsing and drying. You can add more water to fully submerge the pillow in the solution.

  1. White Vinegar and Baking Soda
    To naturally lighten and soften the pillow’s textile fibers, a combination of baking soda and white vinegar is an excellent solution. You can rely on the antibacterial and whitening action of these two elements to remove all the dirt, sweat, and stains on the pillow. Additionally, it will help fight unpleasant odors that may have settled in.

To use them correctly, it’s very simple. Place the pillow in a basin filled with hot water and add half a cup of white vinegar mixed with the same amount of baking soda. Let it soak for 1 hour. Then, run a normal wash cycle and put it in the washing machine, then let it air dry. Remember that baking soda can also be used to clean your mattress.

  1. Lemon and Hydrogen Peroxide
    Ideal for replacing bleach, this stain- and dust-fighting treatment consists of combining lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide to whiten fabrics. Both contain active ingredients that can easily remove sweat or saliva stains.

To take advantage of their properties, prepare a bucket of hot water in which you’ll put half a cup of lemon juice and double that amount of hydrogen peroxide. Place the pillow in the bucket and let it sit for an hour. After this time, run a normal cycle in the washing machine to rinse the pillow, then let it dry in the sun.

Practical tips for washing pillows:

To ensure optimal pillow washing, it’s important to follow some recommendations:

  • Always read the label: Whether it’s polyester, cotton, or down, each type of pillow should be washed according to the care instructions on the label to maintain its quality. So, always ensure yours is machine washable.
  • For large-capacity machines: Insert two pillows at once to keep the machine balanced.
  • Air-dry or sun-dry: After washing, hang your pillows in the sun so they can benefit from UV rays. These promote fabric bleaching, making sunlight the best way to dry your bedding while also helping to eradicate mites. The result: a bright white pillow for a peaceful night’s sleep.