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Those yellow stains on your pillows may be disgusting, but they are not permanent.
Although we know that the human body – including our own – can sometimes be disgusting, we prefer not to remember it. So when you change the sheets and discover that your once perfectly white pillows are now covered in a web of yellow and brown stains, it can be unsettling.
But these faded pillows look worse than they really are. There is a reasonable explanation for the origin of these stains and they can be removed. Here’s what you need to know.
Why do pillows turn yellow?
There are several reasons why pillows turn yellow, but the most common cause of these stains is sweat. People sweat while they sleep, some more than others. The more you sweat, the more moisture seeps into the pillowcase and pillow, causing stains. And when you think about how many hours you spend your head and face on that pillow, that’s a lot.
In addition to sweat, your hair may be the culprit: specifically, if it is especially oily or if you often go to bed with wet or damp hair. Certain types of makeup and skin care products can also be the cause of these yellow spots. It can also be slime. Placing a waterproof pillow protector before your pillowcase can help prevent much of the fading.
How to wash pillows in the washing machine
Make sure your washing machine is big enough.
If your washing machine is large enough, you can wash small pillows in it. But if you have queen or king-sized pillows, head to the laundromat to use their front-loading, extra-large washing machines. “What cleans is not the water, but the movement of the clothes inside the washing machine,” says Roberts. “If you put pillows in the washing machine, they get wet but they don’t turn.”
Use the gentle cycle.
Too much stirring can break down the filling.
Use cold or warm water.
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