Why Do Pillows Turn Yellow

Trouble sleeping?

Answer these 5 easy questions to discover your perfect pillow

Trouble sleeping?

Answer these 5 easy questions to discover your perfect pillow

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What position do you sleep in?

Side

Back

Stomach

Do you sleep hot?

Yes

No

Sometimes

Do you prefer a certain pillow height?

High

Low

I don’t know

Do you have any material preferences?

Down/down-alternative

Foam

None

Do you experience any neck or shoulder pain while sleeping?

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Why Pillows Turn Yellow

As you sleep, different types of bodily moisture can accumulate on your pillowcase. When this moisture seeps through, it can stain your pillow yellow. Though sweating is a frequent source of pillow discoloration, there are other common culprits.

Sweat

While excessive sweating at night can be a sign of a more serious health condition, a certain amount of sweating during sleep is a normal way the body regulates temperature. However, sweat can also leak through your pillowcase and cause yellow stains.

There are certain things you can do to minimize this process, though. Sleeping in a cooler room or wearing lighter pajamas are just a couple strategies to mitigate night sweats and keep your pillow from turning yellow.

Wet Hair

For people with long hair who shower at night, going to bed with wet hair might seem unavoidable. However, damp hair acts much like sweat when it comes to turning a pillow yellow. The water left over from a nighttime shower can penetrate your pillowcase, causing yellow stains and discoloration. Showering in the morning or leaving adequate time between a shower and bedtime can ensure drier hair and less moisture on your pillow.

Drool

Allergies, acid reflux, and teeth grinding are just a few of the reasons why you might drool in your sleep. Back sleepers are less prone to drooling than those who sleep on their stomach or side. By addressing the causes of drooling, you can help limit excess moisture on your pillow.

Skin and Hair Oil

The parts of the body responsible for producing hair and skin oil are called sebaceous glands. These glands work by producing a substance called sebum, which is critical to dermatological health. However, overactive sebaceous glands can lead to oily skin or hair. This excess oil can then absorb into your pillow and make it turn yellow.

Lotions, Face Creams, and Beauty Products

Whether it’s simply washing your face or applying various lotions or creams, many people have a nightly skincare routine. When you rub these beauty products on your face right before bedtime, though, they might not have adequate time to absorb into your skin. Unabsorbed skincare products can seep into your pillow and contribute to discoloration and stains.

Sleeping on a Pillow Stained Yellow

No product lasts forever, and over time, even the best pillow can turn yellow. However, there are a couple reasons why sleeping on a discolored pillow could disturb your sleep or even be bad for your health.

The first is the presence of allergens. Over time, dust mites, mildew, and other allergens can build up in a pillow, especially one that’s been significantly affected by moisture. When these allergens accumulate, they can cause allergic reactions that may make it harder to sleep. Lack of sleep in turn can lead to a weakened immune system and other health issues.

The sweat, oil, and dead skin cells that turn a pillow yellow can also clog pores and potentially cause skin breakouts. Pillows can also be a source of bacterial buildup over time. We recommend replacing your pillow every one to two years or if it shows signs of excessive discoloration.

How to Prevent Your Pillows From Turning Yellow

In addition to trying to minimize the amount of moisture you get on your pillow, there are certain steps you can take to better insulate your pillow and extend its lifespan.

• Use a pillow protector. A pillow protector is a sealed layer of fabric that goes between your pillowcase and your pillow. Pillow protectors act as one more layer between your pillow and the moisture that can discolor it.

• Use a good pillowcase. No two sleepers are the same, and different sets of bed linens are better suited to different types of sleepers. That said, pillowcases with higher-quality construction are more likely to keep moisture away from your pillow and slow down the yellowing process.

How to Remove Yellow Stains From Your Pillow

While pillow protectors and quality pillowcases can help prevent yellow stains, it’s difficult to completely protect your pillow from discoloration. If you notice your pillow starting to turn yellow, there are certain things you can do to try to remove these stains.

• Read care instructions. Pillows have varying care guidelines depending on their materials and construction. For example, while certain pillows are machine-washable, some are too delicate and must be taken to a dry cleaner or spot-cleaned. Before you try to remove yellow stains, make sure you’re familiar with the manufacturer’s care instructions so you don’t damage your pillow.

• Spot-treat stains. If your pillow isn’t machine-washable, you can spot-clean yellowed areas. Spot-cleaning involves carefully applying soap or another cleaning agent to the affected area, then wiping and washing it off using a small amount of water. By repeating this process, you can decrease the severity of yellow stains.

• Use bleach. By soaking a yellow stain in bleach before washing, you can help get your pillow’s color back to normal. Be careful, though: Bleach is a harsh chemical product and not all pillows can be bleached without damage. Make sure to carefully study your pillow’s care instructions before using bleach.

Why It’s Important to Keep Pillows Clean

The first reason why it’s important to clean your pillow is simple: longevity. Like all products, pillows degrade over time, but when you properly care for a pillow, you can prolong its lifespan.

Maintaining a clean sleep environment can help you get restful sleep by minimizing distractions like allergens or odors. And a good night’s sleep affects almost every aspect of your health, from brain, heart, and immune system functions to alertness and mood, making pillow maintenance a simple way to improve sleep hygiene.