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Why pillows turn yellow and how to clean them

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    Those yellow stains on your pillows may be disgusting, but they are not permanent.

    Although we know that the human body – including our own – can sometimes be disgusting, we prefer not to remember it. So when you change the sheets and discover that your once perfectly white pillows are now covered in a web of yellow and brown stains, it can be unsettling.

    But these faded pillows look worse than they really are. There is a reasonable explanation for the origin of these stains and they can be removed. Here’s what you need to know.

    Why do pillows turn yellow?
    There are several reasons why pillows turn yellow, but the most common cause of these stains is sweat. People sweat while they sleep, some more than others. The more you sweat, the more moisture seeps into the pillowcase and pillow, causing stains. And when you think about how many hours you spend your head and face on that pillow, that’s a lot.

    In addition to sweat, your hair may be the culprit: specifically, if it is especially oily or if you often go to bed with wet or damp hair. Certain types of makeup and skin care products can also be the cause of these yellow spots. It can also be slime. Placing a waterproof pillow protector before your pillowcase can help prevent much of the fading.

    How to wash pillows in the washing machine
    Make sure your washing machine is big enough.
    If your washing machine is large enough, you can wash small pillows in it. But if you have queen or king-sized pillows, head to the laundromat to use their front-loading, extra-large washing machines. “What cleans is not the water, but the movement of the clothes inside the washing machine,” says Roberts. “If you put pillows in the washing machine, they get wet but they don’t turn.”

    Continued on the next page

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    Use the gentle cycle.

    Too much stirring can break down the filling.
    Use cold or warm water.

    Avoid hot water, which can break the filament in your pillows.
    Don’t use too much detergent and skip the fabric softener.

    Reduce the amount of laundry detergent you usually use; Say, ¼ cap if you use a full cap during regular loads (too much is harder to rinse). Don’t use fabric softener, as it can build up on pillows and cause a shine that attracts more dirt and oils.
    Rinse well.

    If possible, choose a second rinse or deep rinse option to completely remove any residue.
    Now it’s time to dry.

    Place the pillows in the dryer on low heat. Add a couple of clean dryer balls or tennis balls to prevent the filling from clumping. Down may take longer to dry, which is normal, Roberts says. It’s okay to use a dryer sheet to reduce static. And triple check to make sure the pillows are completely dry (so they don’t get moldy!) before making the bed.
    More pillow tips
    Clean pillows by hand if you can’t use a washing machine.

    If you can’t find the tag on your pillow, you can always wash it the old-fashioned way. Wait for a sunny day and take the pillows outside to hit them with the handle of a clean broom (or a carpet trowel if you have one like your great-grandmother’s!). Then let them air out in the open air for a few hours. For foam pillows, you can get out the vacuum cleaner and use the upholstery brush attachment.
    Use pillow protectors.

    Cover pillows with pillow protectors before putting covers on them. Then wash them every week when you wash your sheets.
    Fluff daily.

    Between washes, fluff your pillows when you make your bed each day. This helps keep them full and redistributes the filling to restore their shape, says Roberts.
    Have extra pillows on hand.

    If you find a pillow you like, buy a few more, Roberts suggests. That way, when your favorite doesn’t support your head and neck like it used to, you can replace it with one of the same type. Plus, it’s always good to have extra pillows on hand for overnight guests.
    Know when to say goodbye to your pillow.

    If your pillow is lumpy and flat, it’s probably time to part ways. The same goes if the pillowcase is stained and yellowed. Old pillows can also accumulate allergens like dust mites and pet dander, so go ahead and treat yourself to a new pillow every year or so (or as needed).

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