A yellowed pillow looks (and probably also smells) disgusting. But is it dangerous to sleep on and is there anything you can do to save it? 

In this post, we explain why pillows turn yellow, whether it’s bad for your health and what you can do to save your pillow. 

Why do Pillows Turn Yellow?

The yellow (and sometimes brown) spots and patches on your pillow are stains. Everytime you lie on your bed, you leave a lot of stuff behind including sweat, water from wet hair, saliva, body oils, skin products and dead skin cells. 

Over time, this stuff builds up and causes stains on your pillow. Even if you are using a pillowcase, stains can still form on the pillow. It doesn't help that pillows are typically not washed often or at all. 

Is a Yellowed Pillow Dangerous to Sleep on?

Because the yellow stains indicate an accumulation of grime, a yellow pillow can be unhygienic to sleep on. 

A buildup of dirt, sebum, skin products and bacteria can clog your pores, leading to acne breakouts and other skin issues such as eczema. 

Sweat and moisture on the pillow create the perfect home for mold and mildew to grow. In fact, if you notice black, gray or green stains on your pillow, that’s a sure sign there’s mold or mildew, both of which can cause or trigger allergies and other respiratory problems. 

Other allergens that are likely hiding in your yellowed pillow include dust mites, dead skin cells and pollen.  

In most cases, yellow pillows also tend to be old, flat and lumpy. They no longer provide proper neck and head support, which can cause pain and aches in your neck, shoulders and back. 

How to Make A Yellowed Pillow White Again 

There is no guarantee that you can recover your yellow pillow. If it’s old and worn out, you are better off throwing it away and getting a new pillow. But if it’s still in good form, here are a few things you can try to get rid of the stains. 

Soak and Wash

A regular wash cycle is usually not enough to get the pillow white again. You’ll need to soak it first to loosen the stains. 

Add some oxygen bleach to a bucket or container of water then submerge the pillow (with the pillowcase removed). You can also use chlorine bleach, but it can be harsh and even damaging to some types of pillows like down and feather. 

Oxygen bleach does a great job removing stains, as well as killing bacteria and mold. 

If you are looking for something even gentler, use borax or white vinegar. For the borax soak, add a cup for every gallon of warm water. For vinegar, mix with water in a 1:1 ratio. 

Whatever soaking method you use, it’s best to leave it overnight to ensure it has enough time to work out the stains. 

After the soaking, wash your pillow in the washer using a good quality detergent. Remember to check the washing instructions on the care label, especially temperature and whether you can tumble dry. 

For Un-washable Pillows Spot Treat the Stains

Some pillows like memory foam and latex cannot be submerged in water. So you can’t soak them or put them in the washer. 

The best way to clean this is spot treating the stains. Create a paste by mixing a little bit of water with powdered oxygen bleach or borax. Apply the paste on the stained areas and leave it to sit for at least an hour. Wipe clean with a damp cloth. 

Use an Enzyme Stain Remover

Enzyme cleaners and stain removers are great for attacking organic stains such as those on a yellow pillow.

Spray or apply the enzyme cleaner on the stains and then leave it to do its thing for at least 8 hours (overnight is best). Then wash the pillow in a washing machine or wipe it clean with a damp cloth. If there are still stains left, repeat the process. 

How to Keep Your Pillows from Turning Yellow  

Here are some tips to ensure your pillows stay white and clean. 

• Always use a pillowcase on your pillow. It prevents some of the sweat, allergens, oils and other stuff from reaching the pillow. The Hercleon Jax Pillow is antimicrobial, so it also prevents bacteria from making your pillow home. This reduces odors and protects your skin from breakouts. 
• If you sweat a lot at night, get a waterproof pillow protector that fully prevents moisture from reaching the pillow. 
• Change your pillowcase often, at least once or twice a week. A dirty pillowcase can stain the pillow. 
• If your pillow is washable, machine wash it every three months. If it’s not, you can still keep it clean by vacuuming it, airing it in the sun and occasionally spraying it with a vinegar solution to keep it gleaming white.