The Reason Why Your Favorite Pillow Gets Yellow Stains, and How to Clean Them

Have you paid attention to your pillow lately? Most people have a favorite pillow they’ve been using for several years, and despite the stains it has accumulated, continue to use it. Moreover, many refuse to wash their pillow, arguing that the stains have become part of its identity and are the secret sauce for a serene slumber.

Why Do Pillows Turn Yellow?

As noted in The Hearty Soul, many agree that a well-used, yellow-stained pillow offers comfort, but others find it unsanitary.¹ The source of this debate is an X user named Cam. He started a discussion about this very topic, saying that despite how his pillow looks, “this thing is magic.”²

The post went viral, gaining millions of views. While many were disgusted, other people defended Cam, noting that the discoloration from long-term use offers a safe space where you comfortably rest your head. Other people jokingly said that they haven’t been able to sleep properly after they replaced their old, yellow pillows for new ones.

But why does this happen in the first place? According to the Sleep Foundation, pillow stains occur due to the different substances that embed themselves into the fabric as you sleep. Here are some of the most common factors:³

Is Sleeping on a Stained Pillow Unhealthy?

While sleeping on your favorite pillow is comfortable, there are several reasons why it would be wise to have it cleaned regularly. The Sleep Foundation provides several compelling arguments:⁷

“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.”

Indeed, microbes are most likely lurking in your dirty pillow. A study⁸ published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety noted that “pillows are known to be a source of human respiratory pathogens.” Examples that were found include adenoviruses, fungi and bacteria.

In another study,⁹ mold embedded on pillows was found to be a risk factor for hypersensitivity pneumonitis. This condition causes flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscle aches and coughing after inhaling an allergen. When exposed to the allergen for long periods, chronic shortness of breath and tiredness develops.¹⁰

Pathogens are hardy organisms, so again, it’s important to clean your beddings regularly. According to a study¹¹ published in GMS Hygiene and Infection Control, bacteria can survive on polyester for up to 206 days, and viruses can survive two to four weeks at room temperature.

Natural Remedies to Help Clean Your Pillow

If you have a favorite pillow, cleaning it is important because it harbors pathogens and other substances that pose health risks. The Hearty Soul provides several natural strategies to make your pillow nice and clean again without resorting to poisonous laundry detergents:¹²

• White vinegar — Incorporate white vinegar to your laundry routine to help remove stains. Add it in your washing machine or soak your pillow in it with water before washing. According to the BBC,¹³ vinegar helps remove stains due to its acidic nature. When it makes contact with stains, the reaction produces a salt that easily dissolves in water.
• Lime juice — Squeeze two fresh limes onto the dirty pillow and soak it for an hour before putting it in the washing machine. Note, however, that this method is not strong enough for old stains. Only use it for new stains.
• Baking soda — Mix 1 cup of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of white vinegar, 1 tablespoon of water and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Mix into a paste and place it on the stain. Dry and remove the residue, then wash.

In addition to the natural stain removers mentioned above, pay attention to the laundry detergent you’re currently using, especially if it contains artificial fragrances. Many laundry detergents sold today hinge their reputation on keeping your clothes, beddings and other fabrics smelling nice after washing. Consumers value this feature so much that analyses are published comparing how well each product smells and for how long.¹⁴

While fragrant fabrics are pleasing to consumers, the problem is that they’re toxic and will harm your health. And since you’re not the only one using these products, you’re exposing yourself to a large amount of these chemicals every day.

In an experiment by Anne Steinemann, Ph.D., a professor of civil engineering at the University of Melbourne, Australia, and her colleagues, they tested 25 top-selling household products, including air fresheners and all-purpose cleaners. The average number of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted was 17. They summarized the dangers of fragrances:

“A single fragrance in a product can contain a mixture of hundreds of chemicals, some of which (e.g., limonene, a citrus scent) react with ozone in ambient air to form dangerous secondary pollutants, including formaldehyde. The researchers detected 133 different VOCs. Most commonly detected were limonene, α- and β-pinene (pine scents), and ethanol and acetone (often used as carriers for fragrance chemicals).

Each product emitted [one to eight] toxic or hazardous chemicals, and close to half (44%) generated at least 1 of 24 carcinogenic hazardous air pollutants, such as acetaldehyde, 1,4-dioxane, formaldehyde or methylene chloride. These hazardous air pollutants have no safe exposure level, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.”

To protect your health, I recommend washing your pillows, beddings and clothes using natural ingredients. Here’s a recipe from Mommypotamus to get you started.¹⁵