Over time, even protected by a pillowcase, a pillow can turn yellow due to sweat and bodily fluids. No need to throw it away! With a few natural tricks, you can whiten your pillow and restore its shine. We explain how to do it.
Why Is My Pillow Yellowing?
Yellow stains on pillows are mainly due to night sweating. Even with a pillowcase, moisture passes through the fabric and infiltrates the filling, promoting the appearance of stains but also the proliferation of dust mites and bacteria in a humid environment.
To limit these effects, a trip to the machine can be effective, but be careful with the type of pillow.
Synthetic and feather pillows are usually machine washable (check the label).
Memory foam pillows, on the other hand, should not be machine washed, as this can damage their structure.
What Are The Tips For Whitening A Yellowed Pillow?
To restore shine to a yellowed pillow and prevent it from becoming a nest of bacteria, here are some natural and effective tips to try:
Dipping Method
Soda crystals + bleach + detergent: very powerful, ideal for embedded stains (wear gloves!)
Bicarbonate + white vinegar: gentler, but effective on stains and bad odors
Lemon juice: disinfects and perfumes, to soak for 2 hours.
In The Machine
Wash at 90°C if the pillow allows it, adding diluted preparations or suitable stain removers.
Use whitening or natural detergents
Drying
Sun: ideal for sanitizing and bleaching naturally
Tumble dryer: low temperature for synthetic pillows, air drying for feathers or down.
Always check the washing label before any operation, especially for memory foam pillows that should not be submerged or machine washed.
How Do I Prevent My Pillow From Yellowing Again?
To preserve the whiteness of your pillow, several simple gestures can make a difference:
Protect Your Pillow:
Use a pillow protector, more effective than a simple pillowcase, to create a barrier against perspiration.
Opt for a thermoregulating model if you tend to sweat at night.
Adopt A Good Maintenance Rhythm:
Wash the pillowcase and pillow protector every two weeks.
Clean the pillow itself every 6 months, even if it doesn't look dirty.
Renew Them At The Right Time:
A pillow is replaced every 2 to 3 years. Beyond that, dust mites settle, stains become encrusted and comfort deteriorates, even with good maintenance. Better to change your pillow than risk allergies!