Updated at: 28-09-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

No, I have no idea how to get rid of yellowed pillows. You’ll find out how to do this in a variety of ways as you proceed through the article.

Your “white as snow” pillows have become yellow, haven’t you? Who hasn’t?

Fortunately, removing yellow stains from pillowcases is as simple as finding the correct combination of cleaning solutions.

A pillow is an object that provides a sense of comfort to a person. They are a comfort to those whose hearts are broken. Because of their owner’s brokenness, they’ve been drenched in tears.

That’s not all! Pillows have witnessed a variety of stories of two people becoming one.

A person’s desire to be embraced all night long can be sensed in the presence of some pillows.

If that’s the case, would it be OK if your pillow was dressed in yellowed cases? If so, then you’ll want to read on.

Methods To Clean Yellowed Pillow Cases

It’s possible that some of you are already fed up with cleaning your yellowed pillowcase.

Possibly, some people have already given up the search for answers. Another possibility is that some of you just fail to notice that your once-white pillowcase has begun to turn yellow over time.

How To Wash And Whiten Your Old, Yellowed Pillows

You’d be wise to take a look before things worsen!

Fortunately, there are a few simple steps that may be taken to fix this issue. Your time and effort will never be wasted after you accomplish this.

We’ll now have a look at a few different approaches to getting rid of yellowed pillowcase odors for good.

The following are the actions to take in order to remove the yellowing from your pillowcases:

Step #1. Change pillowcases regularly

Your pillowcases won’t be “clean” after using this technique, but they will be more sanitary in the long run.

The evident color change you may experience once you start changing your pillowcases on a regular basis can help keep your eyes from being sore.

“Prevention is better than cure,” as the adage goes.

As a species, we naturally produce yellow pillowcases. The fact that we’re sweating as we sleep isn’t a surprise. Good ventilation can help prevent this.

Despite how embarrassing it may appear, we all produce oil in our bodies — especially in our hair.

It’s no wonder our pillows are yellowish. Even if we use every method at our disposal, this product will continue to grow.

If we wait for these stains to fade on our pillowcases, we’ll have to work much more in the future to remove them.

You may want to consider changing your pillowcases once a week for your own health and well-being.

Pillowcases, as opposed to mattresses, are more prone to soil contamination.

Step #2. Knowing the right formula

Cleansing agents, like cooking ingredients, must work together to remove stains from a piece of clothing.

If you’ve tried a variety of detergents to get that yellowed pillowcase back to its original color, don’t give up just yet.

Possibly, all you need to do is use the correct formula.

To accomplish this, we’ll need to:

  • Washing detergent in a half cup
  • 1 quart of dishwashing detergent
  • 12 ounces of vinegar (distilled)
  • baking soda in a quart of water
  • Icy baths

These items are readily available in markets, as is seen. Finishing your purchasing may only take you five minutes.

But in this area, I’d like to offer a few of my own humble recommendations.

Step #3. Choosing the right laundry detergent

There are various types of laundry detergents. Liquid and powdered detergents are the most typical options available from retailers.

Which one is the most appropriate in this instance, do you think?

If liquid washing detergent is what you’re picturing, you’re correct! To remove grease and oil stains, use this.

The usual rule of thumb is to use powdered detergent instead than liquid.

It is possible to use a powdered detergent in place of liquid if that is all that is available to you at the time.

Using distilled white vinegar

Vinegar and lemon juice are frequently referenced in connection with cleaning.

Vinegar, on the other hand, comes in a variety of varieties. It’s not only good for our health, but it’s also a great cleaning agent.

In addition to softening and killing undesirable germs, distilled white vinegar can also be used as an antibacterial agent.

The fact that it appears to be colorless gives us peace of mind knowing that it won’t leave any further stains on our pillowcase.

It also has a milder smell than other vinegars.

Step #4. Making the right formula

Hand wash in lukewarm water after removing all yellowed pillowcases from your pillows.

Be sure to wring out all of the excess water from the fabric before drying it. The retreat will be held here.

Set them aside.

Then, put them away.

To use powdered detergent, measure out 1 cup and whisk it into the mixture until completely dissolved.

Step #5. Wash time!

The mixture can be used to soak the pillowcases. Make sure they’re all covered with mud. At the very least, let it to sit for 30 minutes.

Use a washing machine or just your hands and a brush to get rid of all of that unwelcome yellow before moving on to the next stage.

If you don’t have access to a washing machine, you’ll have to put in more effort, but the results will be worth it. Yes, I think this is a good one.

By doing so, you can feel comfortable that you have applied the necessary force to a specific location.

Your eyes will be pleased to observe the improvement when you remove the discoloration by brushing or rubbing it away.

Pour everything into the washing machine if that’s your preferred method.

Do this for at least twenty minutes. You can agitate it again for another 20 minutes if you still see yellows.

Step #6. Rinsing

Surely, you’ve mastered the art of washing your clothes. However, I’d like to point out that it’s more pleasant to cuddle up with pillows that have a fresh aroma.

Yes, thank God we didn’t lose track of you!

The pillowcases should be soaked in water mixed with your favourite fabric conditioner once they have been rinsed of the bubbles.

Your pillowcases are now not only clean, but also aromatic.

Step #7. Drying

Isn’t it always possible to go the easy route? Your pillowcase is an investment, and you don’t want to shorten its lifespan. Laundry dryers do damage to materials, as you correctly point out.

Just a kind recommendation, we’ll try to hang our freshly washed pillows out in the sun to dry.

The enormous ball of gases can disinfect.

Using a dryer to dry our pillowcases may not only help them last longer, but it may also keep them germ-free.

What Causes Yellow Stains on Pillowcases?

Oils from your hair and body, sweat, and/or saliva can cause yellow stains on pillowcases. As their chemical compositions varies, separate removal procedures may be required to get rid of each of these chemicals.

To get rid of the stains, it’s best to figure out what caused them in the first place. Because yellow stains can be treated quickly and easily, you’ll usually already have the necessary supplies on hand.

How to tell what’s causing your stains

Hair and body oils may not be the problem if you wash your hair and body before going to bed. Sebum from your hair and body can get transferred to your sheets at night if you don’t shower in the morning.

Sweat may be staining your pillow if you frequently wake up with wet sheets or clothing. Check your clothing for any yellow stains on the armpits or neckline of white things. This is particularly important.

If you know that you drool in your sleep, it may be more difficult to identify saliva as the reason. Salivation may be to blame if you wake up with a dry mouth or if you have a sleep problem that causes you to inhale through your mouth.

How to Remove Yellow Stains on Pillowcases

Your yellow pillows can now be removed by following one of the following techniques.

Removing hair and body oil stains

  1. Directly on the spots, use a tbsp of your standard shampoo. If you have larger stains, you may need to adjust the shampoo dosage.
  2. For around 10 minutes, soak the pillowcase in warm water.
  3. A soft brush, like a toothbrush, can be used to remove stains from a pillowcase.
  4. When the stain begins to disappear, wash the pillowcase in hot water on the hot cycle of your washing machine.

Removing sweat and saliva stains

  • 2 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid, directly added to the load, is a good rule of thumb.
  • Add your detergent as you normally would, and proceed as usual.
  • Rinse and repeat till the clothes come out clean.
  • Stop the cycle and let the laundry soak for about an hour after you’ve added all of the detergent.
  • The cycle can now be restarted.

A second option is to use dishwashing solutions and let the pillowcase soak in warm water for roughly 5 minutes before washing it normally.

Soak the pillows in white vinegar if the stains don’t come out. It’s okay to soak them in vinegar straight, but a 50/50 solution is also OK. After soaking for around 30 minutes, wash the pillowcases as usual.

How to Clean Bed Pillows - YouTube

How to Whiten Yellowed Pillowcases

Once the yellow stains have been removed, you may question how to brighten up your pillowcase. Pillowcases can be restored to a degree of their former whiteness using these three methods:

  • Once the stains have been entirely gone, add a few drops of laundry-safe bleach to the wash. The discoloration will get worse if bleach is used to clean stained objects.
  • Using a sun dryer is not suggested for colored pillowcases since the sun bleaches the colors. Your white objects can be securely dried in the sun to bring them back to their original brightness.
  • In order to brighten your whites, add half a cup of bicarbonate of soda to your regular laundry.

How to Prevent Yellow Stains on your Pillowcase

The following are some suggestions for preventing yellow stains on your linens so that you don’t have to go through this cleaning process as often:

  • Remove sebum from your hair and skin by taking a shower before going to sleep.
  • When you have a cold and your nose is clogged, you’re more likely to sleep with your mouth open and drool while you’re asleep, so choose for darker-colored pillowcases.
  • Washing your whites with fabric softener might leave a waxy residue on your pillows, which can encourage other substances to adhere to them.
  • When stains are just beginning to appear, try washing your clothes with vinegar or bicarbonate of soda.

How To Clean Yellowed Pillowcases

You’ll need a few items to revive your dingy pillowcases. As a last bonus, you’ll need some time to wash your pillows. Fortunately, washing the pillowcases in the laundry works just fine.

You’ll need these things:

  • Sulfate-free (I recommend just a cheap one)
  • Soap for the Laundry
  • brushing teeth with a toothbrush

What Causes the Yellow Stains?

Inquiring minds want to know what produces the yellow stains that appear on pillows. Even though it’s revolting, the oils from our hair and face end up on our pillowcases, turning them yellow.

Because bleach doesn’t remove grease, it won’t lighten the yellow stain. However, even if laundry detergent helps to lessen the yellowing, it will not remove all of the body oil.

Shampoo is the finest approach to clean pillowcases and get rid of yellow stains and make them white again.

Pillows may also be affected by the yellow stains! See here for instructions on how to machine wash pillows.

Removing the Yellow Stains

I came across an advice to clean the pillowcase using hair shampoo. The discoloration, according to the report, was caused by oily hair. Because my husband and I wash our hair in the morning, our hair is typically grease-free compared to people who wash their hair at night.

To test this, I sprayed some hairspray on my pillowcase. So, I used a lot of Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo because that was the shampoo that we use the most frequently and it was very inexpensive.

The yellow discoloration on the pillow case is clearly visible below. I used a little brush to apply the shampoo on the pillowcase and then rubbed it in.

The yellowing of the pillow is difficult to discern in the photos, but if you look closely at the edge of the pillowcase, you can see the fading.

For about ten minutes, I let the shampoo sit in the pillowcase. Afterwards, I ran hot water and soap through the pillowcase to clean it. I was astounded by how much it improved my life.

In the images below, you can see the spot where I sprayed the shampoo. Color differences were far more obvious when observed in person as opposed to on screen. In person, it’s even better than it looks on paper.

I propose rubbing a spoonful or two of suave shampoo into your yellowed pillowcase to get it thoroughly clean.

Applying shampoo to the pillowcase’s yellowed parts is as simple as massaging it together with a brush or rubbing it together.

After that, let it sit for about ten minutes before using it. Dry the pillowcase after washing it in the hottest water recommended for the material. You’ll be astounded by the impact this has. Cleaning yellowed pillows has never been easier than with this method.

Keeping Pillow Cases From Yellowing

Every time I wash my pillowcase, I find that it doesn’t need to be done like this. About once a month, I give it a good scrub down with a shampoo and a sponge. It prevents the yellowing of our pillowcases.

In addition, I often add a few squirts of Dawn soap to the laundry. It’s a great way to get rid of any lingering body oils from your pillowcases and sheets.

So, if you’re fed up with dirty, greasy pillowcases, try these simple methods for removing yellow stains off pillowcases. You’ll be able to see the whiteness of your pillowcases again.

To remove sweat stains from linens, you can also use this simple trick. It really does the trick!

Do you need some more pointers on how to do your laundry? Learn how to remove deodorant off clothing. It helps you get rid of the black stains left by deodorant.

How to Remove Sweat Stains from Pillow Cases

Sweat and natural oils from the body can leave stains on pillowcases. Regardless of how often you clean your clothing, these defects might cause it to become dirty.

It’s hard to beat hydrogen peroxide for cleaning out perspiration or makeup stains, but it’s hard to beat white vinegar, lemon juice, smelling salts, and making soda pop, too. Make sure to soak the pillowcase for at least 30 minutes in the water. The pillowcase should be washed with a basic cleaning in water before it dries out. If you discover a smelling salts combination, apply the blend to the stain and allow it to dissipate for a few minutes.

Use Anti-inflammatory medicine

Using three anti-inflammatory prescription tablets broken up in water has proven to be effective in some circumstances. Pretreatment with cleaner can only be followed once the stain has absorbed this solution for a few hours. Make careful to wash the pillowcase with warm water.

Salt

Salt and hot water should be placed in a well-defined pattern. When all of the salt has dissolved, soak the stain in water a few times until it is completely gone.

Use of Pre-wash chemicals

Synthetic chemicals in certain pre-wash cleansers are capable of removing tough stains with ease. To remove the discoloration, soak the pillowcase in water for a few hours before washing it.

Tips to Stop Stains

Balance

When you have a recurring problem with staining, look for the cause. To further minimize the risk of your pillowcases getting stained, always clean your cosmetics before going to bed with the proper cleaning cloths.

Early treatment

If you notice a stain, wet the pillowcase immediately and repeat as necessary to prevent the stain from setting in. If you wait for the stain to dry, it will be more difficult to remove.

Locate another cushion

Pillow texture and skin may become unusable if you are a regular user of sports cream or cosmetics and experience oil buildup on your pillowcase. Checking to see if your pillowcase needs to be replaced is a smart idea.

How to Remove Oily Stains from Pillowcases

Hair and scalp are kept nourished with natural oils. The scalp produces these oils, which are then transmitted to the hair as it grows outward. The amount of oil produced by each individual varies. Any amount of oil produced by your scalp is easily transferred to your pillow as you sleep, regardless of how often you wash your hair. The pillowcase’s hair oil causes discolouration and attracts dirt and dust if it is not properly cared for. Common household items and effective removal methods can be used to clean pillowcases of greasy hair stains.

Step 1

Remove the cushion cover. Use a flat surface to place it. To remove the oil stain, cover it with baking soda. Remove the baking soda from the stain area and let it to sit for 20 to 30 minutes to absorb the oil and any accompanying smells that may be left behind.

Step 2

Throw discard the pillowcase after rinsing the baking soda from it. To remove the oil from the pillowcase, soak it in a petroleum-based stain remover. Spend no more than two minutes letting the stain remover work its magic on the material.

Step 3

Use the hottest water permitted by the fabric to wash the pillowcase. Hair oil can be washed out with a solution consisting of 1 cup of white vinegar and tough clothing cleanser.

Step 4

Before placing the pillow in the dryer, be sure the fabric isn’t damaged.

Step 5

Dry cleaning solvent can be used to remove any leftover oil stains. To remove oil stains from the cover, wet a paper towel with the dry cleaning solvent and rub it in. The dry cleaning solution should be allowed to dry completely before washing the pillowcase a second time.

How to Whiten Yellow Pillows

One of the most often used items in a home is a pillow. If you opt to clean up without washing the pillowcase after using makeup or other oil on it, the stain on the pillowcase will turn yellow. While you can buy new pillows to replace yellowed ones, you can also wash, care for, and preserve your old yellowed pillows to bring them back to life.

Step-1:

  • Look at the care instructions. Always check the care labels before washing anything, as a general guideline. The fabric or filling of some pillows may disintegrate if they are washed, thus they may need to be dry cleaned or spot cleaned only.

When washing foam pillows, you may want to follow manufacturer’s guidelines, however this may void any guarantee you have on the pillows, and may even leak poisonous water.

Step-2:

  • Treat any stains that are specific to a certain area. In addition to oils and food stains, pillows are prone to getting dirty from things like sweat, grime, and cosmetics. Before washing yellowed pillows, clean any minor spots with a stain removal spray or a baking soda paste with water.

Step-3:

Using a mixture of vinegar, baking soda, and detergent, wash your pillows. Add a load of the usual detergent, as well as vinegar, soda, and dishwashing soap to the pillow wash.

  • 3 teaspoons of ordinary laundry detergent can be substituted with 2 cups of dishwasher detergent, 6 cups of baking soda, and 1 1/2 cups (4 ounces) of vinegar. Two pillows can be washed with this concoction.

Step-4:

  • Add one more high-temperature cycle. Because of the thick and gritty nature of the mixture described above, it may adhere to pads even after thorough flushing has taken place. Add 1 cup (4 oz.) of vinegar to the boiling water after the first cycle has been completed with the combination. Cleansing the cushions in this manner ensures a quick and thorough meeting of the toxins in the fabric.

Step-5:

  • Check the color of the pillows after they’ve been washed to see if it’s improved. Peroxide can be used as a safer bleach solution if it hasn’t improved, so you can rewash them and load them with around 14 cup (2 oz) of it.

After this technique, if the pillow’s color remains yellowish, it may be impossible to save. A covering is another option if you simply don’t like the pillow’s color and it doesn’t smell mustily or moldy. If the smell persists, it’s time to get a new pillow.

Step-6:

Keep tennis balls in the dryer at all times. Place the pillows and tennis balls in a clean dryer set to “air dry” after they have been washed. As the pillows dry, the tennis balls will “hit” them, resulting in a more equal drying cycle and a little extra fluff.

If tennis balls are all that are used, the pillows may take on a rubbery odor. Those with a strong sense of smell may choose to use an old shirt or a pair of socks to disguise the stink.

Tips for Cleaning Yellowed Pillows

Pillows that have turned yellow in the middle of the night are more prevalent than you believe. Some of the most common causes of this downside include the highly damaging sweat that can permeate the cover layers of the cushion up to turn it yellow, or an incorrectly cleaned pillowcase and pillowcase, or simply a lack of replacements.

Hot water and lemon juice: a natural anti-stain

Soak your pillow in a solution of hot water and lemon juice to get rid of that perspiration for good! With a box of six lemons and just the right amount of hot water, you can get your pillow to breathe and shine again. Preparation for washing the pillow calls for soaking it in hot water with lemon juice for several hours before putting it through the washer. We know what’s going to happen!

Bicarbonate and vinegar: the winning combination against sweat stains

Vinegar and baking soda can also be used in a DIY whitening solution. Because of this, 125 ml of vinegar mixed with 89 g of baking soda and hot water is all that is needed to remove stains from a pillow. After soaking in this solution for a few hours, the cushions should be cleaned in the washing machine and dried out in the sun. The whitening effect will be foolproof once again!

Tea tree oil and bicarbonate to remove stains and disinfect

Tea tree oil, sometimes referred to as melaleuca oil, and baking soda can be used to remove yellow from pillows. You may create a powerful stain remover and disinfectant by blending 100 grams of bicarbonate with a tablespoon of melaleuca essential oil. Sprinkle the mixture on your pillow and leave it there for around 45 minutes.

There should be a final washing in an automatic washing machine after the stain remover has had time to work.

Lemon and hydrogen peroxide

The lightning effect of hydrogen peroxide is well-known. It’s less well-known that it can also be used to “lighten” materials, notably cushions, as well as hair. Lemon juice and hot water in a 250ml container. Add 10 percent hydrogen peroxide to the solution. It is necessary to soak the pillow overnight before washing it in the washing machine.

Nifty And Easy Method To Make Yellow Pillows White Again

How To Whiten Pillows

The maximum safe temperature for your pillows can be found on the wash label. Fill your washing machine about a third of the way with very hot water. Switch on the machine, add the cleaning chemicals, and agitate for a few seconds until everything is thoroughly combined.

The water and cleaning materials can be used to wash your pillows. In order to keep your washing machine’s drum balanced, it’s best to wash two pillows at once. If required, turn pillows over to ensure that the cleaning agent can reach all areas. Allow pillows to soak for around 30 minutes.

Then, keep adding hot water to the machine as it fills up. If you don’t have a wash preset that includes two rinses, then set a second manual rinse once the first wash cycle is complete.

Having issues with your washing machine? Here’s what you need to do to fix it.

How To Dry Pillows

You have the option of air drying your pillows or using a tumble dryer to hasten the drying process. An air cycle is required to dry down and feather pillows whereas a low-temperature setting is required for synthetic pillows. Adding a few clean tennis balls or wool dryer balls helps keep your pillows fluffy.

Cleaning your pillows every three months or so is the best way to keep them in peak shape.

Final Words

I hope you have learned how to clean yellowed pillowcases by the end of this post.

I pray that you never have to deal with this issue again. Just keep in mind the correct equation.

The fact that you’ve made it thus far is a great honor. We appreciate all of your hard work and dedication!