Because they support and relax your head and neck, pillows are essential for a restful night's sleep. However, have you ever seen that your pillows gradually turn yellow? It can irritate you and make them appear dirty and aged. How can this discoloration be avoided or corrected, and what is causing it? This post will explain the causes of yellowing pillows and offer some practical cleaning solutions to restore their original appearance.

Why Do Pillows Turn Yellow?

Sweat and Body Oils
 
The natural oils our bodies create as we sleep are the primary cause of pillows turning yellow. Sweat from your scalp, face, and hair causes oils to seep into the fabric while your head is on the pillow. These oils accumulate and react with air over time, turning the cushion yellow. This is more likely to occur if you get a lot of sleep every night.
 
Cosmetics & Skincare Items
 
While you sleep, the lotions, creams, and makeup you use may rub off onto your pillow, leaving stains behind. Especially if they contain potent substances like retinol, these products' oils and chemicals can darken skin.

Environmental Aspects
 
The accumulation of allergies, dust, and pollutants on your pillow can also make it yellow. Furthermore, exposure to air contaminants or sunshine can cause discoloration, particularly in some materials.

How to clean the Yellow stains?

Soak in oxygen Bleach
Using oxygen bleach, such as OxiClean, to get rid of yellow stains on pillows is a safe and efficient way to do so without causing any harm to the fabric.  After adding the necessary quantity of oxygen bleach to a basin or bathtub filled with warm water, immerse the pillow in the water. If necessary, let it soak for a few hours or overnight. Simply wash the pillow in the washing machine as you would usually after soaking it.

Use dish soap to wash your hands.
 
A little dish soap solution can work wonders for minor stains. Simply use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub the yellowed areas after combining a small amount of dish soap with warm water. To get rid of those annoying stains, simply rinse the pillow well with clean water and allow it to air dry.
 
Apply hydrogen peroxide.
 
A decent substitute for bleach when bleaching yellowed pillows is hydrogen peroxide.  To use it, fill a spray container with equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide.  Wash the pillow in warm water with your usual detergent after spraying the yellowed spots and letting it sit for ten to fifteen minutes.  

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