Tired of replacing your white pillows again and again due to yellowing? Pillow discoloration is one of the primary factors why people to frequently need to change their pillows.
Surveys suggest that 30-50% people change their white pillows every two years due to discoloration and the health concerns that tag along.
We understand that replacing pillows every two years can be a hassle. If your current pillows are worn out and you're searching for durable, high-quality pillows in Pakistan, explore our premium white pillows at Softsiesta.
This blog will show you how to banish those pesky yellow stains, keep your pillows looking fresh and bright, and help them last way longer than ever!
Why White Pillows Turn Yellow?
Yellowing of white pillows isn't just an aesthetic issue; it's a common problem with several contributing factors. The primary culprits are often substances we shed naturally, combined with environmental elements.
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Body Fluids and Secretions
Blame sweat, saliva, and skin oils. Each night, our bodies shed fluids that contribute to the yellowing of the pillow. Sweat's salts, oils, and proteins, combined with drool and natural skin/hair oils, gradually saturate pillowcases, creating those unsightly yellow marks.
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Skincare, Haircare, and Makeup Buildup
Cosmetic and dermatological products, including lotions, moisturizers, serums, and sunscreens, cause white pillow discoloration due to their oily and chemical components oxidizing upon air exposure. Hair products like leave-in conditioners and styling gels also leave residues. Incomplete removal of cosmetics and oils before sleep worsens fabric staining.
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Humidity and Oxidation
Bedroom environment matters. High humidity fosters moisture and bacteria, worsening yellowing. Oxidation, a chemical reaction between pillow substances and air, breaks down organic materials like body oils and skincare products, causing yellow or brown stains.
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The Impact of Pillow Material and Age
White pillows turn yellow due to material, age, and trapped moisture/oils in synthetics. Dirt, dust mites, and skin cells contribute, while fiber degradation worsens staining. Regular cleaning and protection can prevent discoloration and extend pillow life.
Low-quality white pillows are prone to yellowing due to poor breathability, inefficient moisture breakdown, and material degradation, all of which accelerate discoloration.
Investing in high-quality white pillows offers numerous benefits, including reduced discoloration, improved hygiene, enhanced comfort, and better sleep, ultimately saving you from frequent pillow replacements.
How to Clean Yellow Stains Off White Pillows
Don't despair if your white pillows have taken on a yellow hue! Here's a step-by-step guide to cleaning yellowed pillows in your washing machine:
What You'll Need
Before you start, here's what you'll need:
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Hot water
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1 cup laundry detergent (liquid or powder)
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1 cup powdered dishwasher detergent
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1 cup bleach
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½ cup borax (optional, for extra brightening and deodorizing)
Step-by-Step Cleaning of White Pillows
Here’s how to turn white pillows white again:
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Check Pillow Care Tags: Before you begin, always check the care tag on your pillows. Most synthetic and down/feather pillows are machine washable, but memory foam or specific specialty pillows may require different cleaning methods.
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Load the Machine Evenly: For best results and to maintain machine balance, wash two pillows at a time. This ensures proper agitation and rinsing.
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Prepare the Cleaning Solution:
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Start filling your washing machine with hot water.
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As the water fills, add your laundry detergent, powdered dishwasher detergent, bleach, and borax (if using). Allow these to dissolve and mix thoroughly.
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Add Pillows and Wash: Once the solution is ready, add your yellowed pillows. Run the washing machine on the "hot" or "heavy duty" cycle with an extra rinse cycle to ensure all cleaning agents are completely removed.
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Rinse Thoroughly: The extra rinse cycle is crucial to prevent detergent residue buildup, which can attract dirt and cause further yellowing. You can even run a second rinse cycle if you feel it's necessary.
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Squeeze Out Excess Water: After the wash and rinse cycles are complete, gently squeeze out any excess water from the pillows before moving them to the dryer.
Drying White Pillows
Proper drying is just as important as washing to prevent mildew and ensure your pillows regain their fluffiness.
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Tumble Dry on Low Heat: Place the pillows in the dryer on a low heat setting. High heat can damage the pillow fibers.
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Add Dryer Balls or Tennis Balls: Toss in a few dryer balls or clean tennis balls (enclosed in a clean sock to prevent marking) to help fluff up the pillows and ensure even drying.
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Flip and Redistribute: Periodically stop the dryer to fluff and redistribute the pillow filling to prevent clumping and ensure thorough drying.
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Ensure Complete Dryness: Your pillows must be completely dry before you put them back on your bed. Even slight dampness can lead to mildew growth and unpleasant odors. If they still feel damp, continue drying in 15-minute increments until fully dry.
FAQs
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Why White Pillows Turn Yellow?
White Pillows turn yellow due to body fluid secretion, skin care and makeup product residue, humidity, or mildew growth.
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How do I stop my pillows from going white?
You can stop your pillows from going yellow by maintaining good hygiene and following a proper white pillow washing guide.
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How often should you wash your white pillows?
You should wash your pillows every 3 to 6 months at least. Make sure to wash according to the care label or a proper white pillow washing guide.
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Can you put Pillows in the dryer?
Yes, you can put your pillows in the dryer; however, always check the care label for dryer-safe drying.
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What to use instead of tennis balls in a dryer?
Instead of a tennis ball, you can use wool-dryer balls, clean sneakers in a pillow case, or rolled up towels.
Final Words
Transform your yellowed pillows into bright, fresh ones with these simple cleaning tips. Say goodbye to discoloration and extend the life of your pillows! Upgrade your sleep experience with Softsiesta's premium selection of new, high-quality pillows.
