Clear Warning Sign: Don't Ignore Yellow Stains on Your Pillow

Clear Warning Sign: Don't Ignore Yellow Stains on Your Pillow

Yellow stains on your pillow not only look unsightly, but they can also be harmful to your health.

We spend a significant part of our lives sleeping, so it's no wonder our pillows bear the brunt. Sweat, hair, dirt, makeup, and saliva are just a few of the factors that contribute to pillow discoloration over time.

Prolonged use of pillows can cause yellow stains to appear on their surface. The problem, beyond the unsightly color, is that these stains may indicate the presence of mold. The main culprits are sweat, saliva, and skin oils secreted while we sleep. Sebum from the scalp can also accumulate, along with care products such as creams or makeup. Mold can trigger allergic reactions when inhaled, as well as asthma attacks and fungal infections. It can also irritate the eyes, skin, nose, and respiratory tract. This is why showering before bed alone isn't enough to prevent mold, as moisture can still encourage its development.

How to Prevent Yellow Stains on Your Pillow

If your pillow is already old or heavily stained, it's best to replace it. To avoid yellow stains in the future, consider using a waterproof pillowcase, especially if your pillow is made of feathers.

  • It's also a good idea to change pillowcases regularly; experts recommend doing so weekly. When you wake up in the morning, allow your pillow to air out well so that any moisture can escape. Shaking it vigorously also helps, as this loosens the down or padding in the pillow.
  • For light stains, you can wash your pillow in your washing machine at a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius or higher to kill bacteria.
  • You can also pre-treat the fabric with stain-fighting sprays designed to combat sweat stains. If these methods aren't sufficient, you can clean the pillow using a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water (ratio 1:5) or vinegar and water (ratio 1:3), leaving it to sit for 20 minutes before washing.
  • Before using your cushions or pillows again, ensure they are completely dry. It's best to let them dry in the sun, as ultraviolet rays not only kill germs but also help bleach stains.

Anyway, there are many ways to prevent your pillows from becoming yellow over time.