Humans spend about a third of their day sleeping, leading to pillows accumulating sweat, skin, and hair, resulting in yellow stains. These stains are primarily caused by sweat, natural oils, and hair products. To combat this, using protective covers, frequently changing pillowcases, and allowing pillows to air out are recommended. For cleaning, washing at higher temperatures and using stain treatments can help. Persistent stains might necessitate replacing the pillow to maintain hygiene and prevent health issues.
Humans spend approximately a third of their day sleeping, which means our pillows endure quite a bit. During those hours, various processes occur that often go unnoticed—sweating, shedding skin and hair, and occasionally, drooling.
While these occurrences are entirely normal, they can lead to pillows becoming increasingly dirty over time, regardless of whether they have covers. Eventually, those unsightly yellow stains become apparent.
In this article, we’ll explore effective strategies for tackling unsightly yellowed pillows and discuss when it might be time to consider a replacement.
Understanding the Causes of Yellow Stains on Pillows
As pillows are used over time, yellow stains can start to emerge. The primary offenders are sweat and natural oils that are released from the skin during sleep. Additionally, sebum from the scalp can accumulate, while hair and skin products like creams may contribute to the buildup.
Even showering before bed might not prevent these stains. In fact, going to bed with wet or damp hair can worsen the situation by fostering mold growth within the pillow.
If your pillow has become heavily stained, it’s advisable to replace it. Prolonged use of contaminated pillows can lead to health issues, including allergic reactions and respiratory problems. Furthermore, such environments are conducive to dust mites and bacteria.
Preventing Yellow Stains on Your Pillows
To keep stains at bay, consider using a protective cover beneath your regular pillowcase. This not only helps protect your pillow but can also be particularly beneficial for allergy sufferers, especially for high-quality pillows that you wish to preserve longer.
Regularly changing pillow covers is a good practice; experts suggest doing this at least once a week. However, many individuals find it hard to maintain this schedule. It’s essential to establish a routine that works for you.
After getting up, allow your pillow to air out to release trapped moisture. Giving it a good shake can also help refresh the filling inside.
Cleaning and Restoring Yellowed Pillows
For minor stains, a standard wash may do the trick. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s care instructions; washing at 60 degrees Celsius can eliminate mold spores and many bacteria. You can also pre-treat the fabric with stain sprays specifically designed for sweat stains.
If the staining persists, consider using stronger solutions prior to washing. A mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water (1:5) or vinegar and water (1:3) can effectively treat the stains before you toss them in the washing machine.
Once washed, ensure the pillows are completely dry before using them again. Placing them in direct sunlight is ideal, as UV rays are effective in killing germs and helping to bleach out stains.
Stains that have set over time can be challenging to remove. If it has been a while since your last wash, investing in a new pillow and using a protective cover moving forward may be the best option.
Maintaining Pillow Hygiene
Let’s face it: washing all your pillow covers weekly is a challenge most people struggle to meet. Nevertheless, cleaning your pillows regularly is advisable, even though yellow stains typically don’t pose health risks. They can be quite unappealing, and no decorative cover can truly hide that!