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Why Do Pillows Turn Yellow?
If you’ve noticed that your duvets and pillows have started to turn yellow, don’t worry. It’s quite normal. Over time, factors like dust mites and sweat can affect the quality of your bedding. However, there’s no need to panic. With the right tricks, you can make your yellow pillows snowy white again. In this article, we will explore three simple and effective washing methods, along with practical tips to keep your linens clean.
The Importance of Regular Pillow Washing
All bedding, including pillows, needs to be washed regularly. It is essential to disinfect them and remove any yellow stains that have appeared. Moreover, pillows can easily become breeding grounds for mites, viruses, and bacteria. These unwanted guests come from sweat and dirt particles that accumulate over time. While yellow stains and odors may be worrisome, you don’t always have to throw away your pillows. If they are of good quality and have not exceeded a lifespan of 2 years, you can revive them with the right cleaning methods.
What Causes Pillows to Turn Yellow?
The main and most common reason for yellow pillows is sweat. Each night, your pillow gradually turns yellow due to the sweat your body produces. Sweat penetrates the pillow’s fibers and leaves behind a permanent stain. While sweat is the primary cause, other factors like saliva also contribute to discoloration. More importantly, yellowing pillows indicate the presence of bacteria and mites in the fibers. These unwelcome guests thrive in moisture and can lead to health issues such as asthma, allergies, or rhinitis.
Effective Methods to Wash Yellowed Pillows
1. Hot Water and Lemon
Lemon is a powerful ally when it comes to achieving optimal comfort for a good night’s sleep. You can take advantage of the whitening and disinfecting properties of citrus to make your pillows white again. Start by boiling 2.5 liters of water and add 6 cups of lemon juice. Soak the pillow in this lemon water for about 2 hours. Then, 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.
2. White Vinegar and Baking Soda
A combination of baking soda and white vinegar is an excellent solution to naturally lighten and soften the pillow’s textile fibers. These two ingredients have antibacterial and whitening properties that effectively remove dirt, sweat, and stains from the pillow. They also help eliminate unpleasant odors that may have settled in. 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 in the washing machine and let the pillow air dry. Baking soda can also be used to clean your mattress.
3. Lemon and Hydrogen Peroxide
Instead of using bleach, you can opt for a stain- and dust-fighting treatment with lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide. Both ingredients contain active agents that effectively remove sweat or saliva stains. Prepare a bucket of hot water and add half a cup of lemon juice and double the amount of hydrogen peroxide. Place the pillow in the bucket and let it soak for an hour. Afterward, run a normal cycle in the washing machine to rinse the pillow and let it dry in the sun.
Practical Tips for Washing Pillows
To ensure the optimal washing of your pillows, here are some recommendations:
- Always read the label: Each type of pillow, whether it’s made of polyester, cotton, or down, should be washed according to the care instructions on the label to maintain its quality. Make sure your pillow is machine washable.
- For large-capacity machines: If you have a large-capacity washing machine, it is recommended to wash two pillows at once to keep the machine balanced.
- Air-dry or sun-dry: After washing, hang your pillows in the sun to benefit from the UV rays. Sunlight promotes fabric bleaching, helping to eradicate mites. This will leave you with bright white pillows for a peaceful night’s sleep.
With these effective washing methods and practical tips, you can revive your yellowed pillows and enjoy a fresh and clean bedding experience. Say goodbye to yellow stains and hello to snowy white pillows! Remember, regular pillow washing is essential for your health and comfort.
