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How to Whiten Yellowed Pillows: Simple and Effective Tips
Over time, your once bright and fluffy pillows may start to turn yellow, making them look worn out and less inviting. This can happen for various reasons, including sweat, body oils, makeup, and simply the natural oils from your skin. While it’s common for pillows to yellow with use, there’s no need to throw them out. With a little elbow grease and the right cleaning methods, you can restore them to their former white glory. Here’s how to whiten up yellow pillows with simple and effective advice!
Why Do Pillows Turn Yellow?
Before diving into how to clean and whiten your pillows, it’s helpful to understand why they yellow in the first place. The main culprits are:
- Body oils: When you sleep, your body naturally releases oils, which can seep into your pillowcase and transfer to the pillow.
- Sweat: Sweat is another major factor, especially in warmer weather or if you tend to sweat at night.
- Makeup: Makeup, especially foundation or mascara, can leave stains on your pillows.
- Spilled liquids: Accidental spills (coffee, water, etc.) might leave behind yellowish stains if not cleaned immediately.
Fortunately, there are some tried-and-true methods to remove these stains and bring your pillows back to life.
1. Wash with Baking Soda and Vinegar
One of the most popular and effective natural cleaning solutions is using a combination of baking soda and vinegar. This duo works wonders to break down oils and grime, while also neutralizing odors.
What you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- Laundry detergent
Steps:
- Prepare the Wash: Add your pillows to the washing machine (make sure they’re machine washable). Set the machine to a warm water cycle. Add your usual laundry detergent along with the baking soda.
- Add Vinegar: During the rinse cycle, add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to help break down the oils and remove any lingering stains.
- Dry Thoroughly: After washing, dry the pillows on low heat in the dryer. Adding dryer balls or clean tennis balls to the dryer will help fluff the pillows as they dry and prevent them from becoming lumpy.
This method is gentle yet powerful enough to remove yellowing caused by sweat and oils.
2. Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful stain remover and is particularly effective at tackling yellow stains caused by sweat or body oils. It can whiten your pillows and help brighten them without damaging the fabric.
What you’ll need:
- 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide (3%)
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup dish soap (mild)
Steps:
- Create a Cleaning Solution: In a large bowl or bucket, mix the hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap. Stir until the baking soda dissolves.
- Soak the Pillows: Submerge your pillows into the solution and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. For best results, let them soak for 1-2 hours.
- Wash and Rinse: After soaking, wash the pillows in the washing machine with warm water and your usual laundry detergent.
- Dry: Dry your pillows on a low heat setting in the dryer or air-dry them outside, making sure they are completely dry to prevent mold or mildew
