As a rule of thumb, if your pillow has a few yellow stains it is probably okay to keep sleeping on it. But if your pillow has turned completely yellow, or has developed some brown stains, it is probably time for a replacement.
Pillows turn yellow because of sweat. There are other reasons why a pillow may start to turn yellow including falling asleep with wet hair, lotions and oils on the skin, and moisture. When moisture or sweat remains on the pillow for long periods of time, the pillow will turn yellow.
Pillow colours that can help you sleep
Blue is the number one choice as it “tends to evoke a calming effect on the brain, and is the colour most associated with rest and relaxation.” All blues are a good choice, but lighter and more muted tones give your pillows a tranquil feel.
Wondering why pillows turn yellow in the first place? That dingy yellow hue that bed pillows tend to develop over time is caused by the moisture they absorb while you sleep, including sweat, saliva, natural oils from your hair and skin, and even skin and hair product residues.
Most experts recommend replacing pillows every 1 to 2 years. Doing so helps to ensure that you're using pillows that are supportive, clean, and free of allergens. It is also important to care for the pillows you use to ensure their longevity. Generally, you'll be able to tell when it's time to replace your pillows.
First, start by mixing a few tablespoons of lemon juice with a cup of water in a large bowl. Dip a clean, white cloth into the mixture and use it to gently scrub the yellowed areas of the pillow. Be sure to avoid saturating the pillow, as this can cause it to become waterlogged and lose its shape.
The sweat, oil, and dead skin cells that turn a pillow yellow can also clog pores and potentially cause skin breakouts. Pillows can also be a source of bacterial buildup over time. We recommend replacing your pillow every one to two years or if it shows signs of excessive discoloration.
Down or feather: Most down pillows can be put in the washing machine. But use cool water and a mild detergent, then dry on low heat. (High temperatures can damage the down.) Memory foam or latex: Washer agitation can break up foam, so these pillows will probably need to be hand-washed.
After aging, your white (memory) foam starts yellowing due to oxidization, just like the paper becomes yellow over time. This is a completely natural process. Oxidization is not harmful or toxic in any way. Many people have a concern about their mattresses/pillows/cushions getting old.
'Blue is great for aiding sleep, so colors like lavender or periwinkle are worth exploring,' she says.
Blue light has the strongest impact. Exposure to blue light (and white light, which contains blue light) during the sensitive period can make it difficult for you to fall asleep and stay asleep.
They range from soft to medium-firm and when you're choosing your MyPillow online, the fill levels are categorized by color. From the lowest fill to the highest, the order goes: yellow, white, green, then blue. From yellow to blue, the fill levels slightly increase, adding loft and support.
If you wake up to a wet patch on your pillow in the morning, that drool is what is left of any excess saliva that escaped your mouth while you slept. We all produce saliva regularly, including when we sleep. View Source . People sometimes drool as a result.
What are some common causes of yellowing on white pillowcases? Yellowing on white pillowcases can be caused by a buildup of sweat and oils, regular washing with hard water, and using too much detergent. Other factors such as smoking, body lotions, and certain medications can also contribute to yellowing.
A recent study found that even after a week of washing, the average pillowcase still has over 170,000% the number of bacteria as a toilet seat. Per square inch, they contain 24.90% bacilli, 40.76% gram negative rods, 11.58% gram positive cocci, and 22.75% gram positive rods.
Polyester and down pillows can generally be put directly into a washing machine, but foam or buckwheat pillows cannot. If possible, it's best to wash pillows and bedding in hot water that is at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit in order to remove allergens, according to the AAFA.
If your pillow can be washed, it should be washed at least twice a year. If you eat in bed, have pets, or sweat a lot, you should wash pillows quarterly. Special pillows like body pillows or throw pillows should be cleaned every 3 to 6 months. This is dependent on how, where, and how often they are used.
One of the first methods to spot clean Karl suggested to remove yellow pillow stains is a combination of baking soda and white vinegar. He said: “Because vinegar is an acid, it helps to remove any stains from your pillows. This method is great for tough stains that might have been there a while.”
Sleep Drooling
Drooling is one of the biggest reason for pillow discoloration. If you check the pillow carefully, you will be able to identify the dried stains of your drool. These stains look like brown spots, and if you drool excessively, you will find them everywhere.
Fill a bucket, bathtub or sink with a mixture of lukewarm water and a tablespoon of detergent; the water should be deep enough to completely submerge the pillow. While submerged, gently massage the pillow to circulate the solution through it.
Remove the cases and spot treat any yellow stains with a commercial stain remover. Let it sit for 15 minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth. Machine-wash pillows with 1 cup (240 mL) of dish soap, 0.5 cups (120 mL) of laundry detergent, ¾ cup (6 oz) of washing soda, and 0.5 cups (120 mL) of white vinegar.
Peterson said the best way to hand wash is to fill up a large sink or bathtub with warm water then add a few drops of your favorite liquid detergent. You should submerge your pillow and massage it for several minutes to let the detergent seep into it.