ADVERTISEMENT
How to Whiten Up Yellow Pillows: Simple and Effective Tips
Yellowing pillows are a common household issue, and it’s no surprise why—over time, sweat, oils from your skin, dust, and other factors can cause your pillows to lose their bright, fresh appearance. But don’t worry! You don’t need to throw out your beloved pillows just because they’ve taken on a yellowish hue. With the right techniques and a little elbow grease, you can restore their whiteness and bring them back to life.
If you’re looking to freshen up your pillows, here are some simple and effective tips to help you whiten those yellowed pillows and get them looking like new again.
Why Do Pillows Turn Yellow?
Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s helpful to understand why pillows turn yellow in the first place. There are a few common culprits:
- Sweat and Body Oils: While you sleep, your body naturally releases sweat and oils, which can soak into the fabric and cause yellow stains over time.
- Makeup and Skincare Products: If you’re prone to wearing makeup or using oils and creams before bed, those products can transfer onto your pillowcase and eventually stain the pillow itself.
- Dirt and Dust: Over time, dirt and dust accumulate in your bedding, contributing to yellowing as they mix with oils and sweat.
- Moisture: If your pillows are exposed to moisture (from humidity or a wet pillowcase), the fabric can develop yellow stains due to mildew or bacteria.
Now that you know why your pillows might be yellowing, let’s jump into some easy and effective ways to whiten them up!
1. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
One of the easiest and most effective methods to whiten yellow pillows is by using common household products: baking soda and vinegar. Together, these ingredients work wonders in lifting stains and odors from your pillows.
What You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup laundry detergent
- Hot water
Instructions:
- Prep the Pillow: Check the care tag on your pillow to ensure it’s machine washable. If so, remove the pillowcase and any pillow protectors.
- Wash with Baking Soda and Vinegar: In your washing machine, add hot water, 1 cup of laundry detergent, 1/2 cup of baking soda, and 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the drum. Place the pillow inside the machine and start the wash cycle. The baking soda will help to break down oils, while the vinegar will lift stains and sanitize the fabric.
- Dry Thoroughly: After the wash cycle is complete, tumble dry the pillow on a low heat setting, adding a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls to help fluff it up as it dries.
2. Lemon Juice and Baking Soda Paste
For stubborn yellow stains, a lemon juice and baking soda paste can be an incredibly effective whitening treatment. The acidity of the lemon juice combined with the abrasiveness of the baking soda helps to lift and dissolve stains.
What You’ll Need:
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- Warm water
Instructions:
- Make the Paste: In a small bowl, combine the baking soda and lemon juice to form a thick paste. If the paste is too thick, add a little warm water to achieve a spreadable consistency.
- Apply to Stains: Apply the paste directly to any yellow stains on the pillow, gently scrubbing it in with a soft brush or cloth.
- Let It Sit: Allow the paste to sit on the stains for 30 minutes to 1 hour. The lemon juice’s acidity helps to break down oils, while the baking soda helps to lift the stains.
- Rinse and Wash: After the paste has had time to work, rinse the pillow thoroughly with warm water. Then, wash the pillow as usual in the washing machine using detergent.
- Dry Thoroughly: Dry your pillow in the dryer or hang it outside to air dry.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap Solution
Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent stain remover and natural whitener, and when combined with dish soap, it can break down oils and grime on your pillows. This method works well for pillows that have become yellowed from sweat or oils.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup hydrogen peroxide (3%)
- 1 tablespoon dish soap
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- Hot water
Instructions:
- Prepare the Solution: In a large basin or bathtub, combine 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide, 1 tablespoon of dish soap, and 1/4 cup of baking soda. Stir well until the ingredients are fully dissolved in the hot water.
- Soak the Pillow: Submerge your pillow in the solution and allow it to soak for 30 minutes to an hour. You can gently agitate it with your hands to ensure the solution penetrates all the fabric.
- Wash the Pillow: After soaking, wash the pillow in your washing machine with a normal cycle using your preferred laundry detergent. The hydrogen peroxide will help to lift the yellow stains, while the dish soap tackles any oils.
- Dry the Pillow: Tumble dry the pillow on low heat or allow it to air dry.
