If your duvets and pillows start to turn yellow, it's normal. Over time, various factors, such as dust mites and sweat, affect the quality of your bedding. Fortunately, with the right tricks, you can restore yellowed pillows to their brilliant white color.
As you probably know, everything related to bedding needs to be washed regularly, and pillows are no exception. In fact, it is important to disinfect them and remove any yellow stains that may have formed.
In addition, pillows can easily become a breeding ground for dust mites, viruses and bacteria. These come from, among other things, sweat particles and dirt that accumulate over time. Despite the yellowish stains and unpleasant odors that can come from pillows, they don't always need to be thrown away, especially if they are of good quality and have a lifespan of up to two years.
However, before taking such measures, you should focus on inexpensive cleaning methods to keep them in top condition. Here are some methods you can use once a month to effectively care for your pillows. This also applies to pillows and decorative cushions.
What causes yellow pillows?
As you might suspect, sweating is the main and most common cause. And rightly so: it causes your pillow to gradually and irreversibly turn yellow every night. Sweat penetrates the fibers of the pillow before it appears on the surface. Although sweat is still the most common cause, other factors, such as saliva, also play a role.
The fluids we excrete contribute to the yellowing of the pillow, which absorbs them. Moreover, this discoloration is not just an aesthetic problem; it indicates that bacteria and dust mites have settled deep within the fibers. This is natural, as these organisms are particularly fond of moisture, which can lead to conditions such as asthma, allergies and rhinitis.
Here are 3 effective methods to wash yellowed pillows:
1. Hot water and lemon
Lemon is an invaluable and incredibly effective ally if you want to revive your pillows and ensure a restful sleep and maximum comfort. The following trick will allow you to take advantage of the bleaching and disinfecting properties of citrus fruits.
Boil 2.5 liters of water and add 6 cups of lemon juice. Then soak the pillow in the lemon water for about 2 hours. Wash the pillow with soap and water to remove stains, then rinse and dry. You can add more water until the pillow is completely submerged in the solution.
2. White vinegar and baking soda
To naturally brighten and soften the fibers of your pillow, a combination of baking soda and white wine vinegar is ideal. Thanks to the antibacterial and bleaching properties of these two ingredients, you can remove all dirt, sweat and stains from your pillow. This will also help combat unpleasant odors.
Using it correctly is very simple. Place your pillow in a pan of warm water and add half a cup of white vinegar mixed with an equal amount of baking soda. Let it soak for an hour. Then, select a normal washing program and put the pillow in the washing machine. Let it air dry. It is important to know that baking soda can also be used to clean your mattress.
3. Lemon and hydrogen peroxide
This stain and dust mite remover is an ideal alternative to bleach and combines lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide to whiten clothes. These ingredients contain active ingredients that easily remove sweat or saliva stains.
To maximize the benefits, prepare a bucket of warm water with half a cup of lemon juice and twice as much hydrogen peroxide. Place the pillow in the bucket and let it soak for an hour. Then, run a normal program in the washing machine to rinse the pillow and let it dry in the sun.