It’s perfectly normal for your pillowcases to yellow over time from things like sweat saliva and the oils from your hair. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about, but you really to need to remove yellow stains on pillowcases to keep your sleeping set up fresh and hygienic.
If you think about it, your pillows get a real hammering over time. If you’re lucky enough to get 8hrs sleep every day then that’s a third of every single day that your head is in contact with your pillow. That’s a lot of time for drool to soak in. Yuck.
The problem with having yellow pillowcases is that it’s a sign there’s still a bit of grime and bacteria left. When a regular wash cycle isn’t shifting the stains, you need to go all out to get them back to their original white shade (or whatever shade they started with). These methods should also work for the pillows themselves, but you could probably do with replacing your pillows if the stains won’t budge.
Methods for Removing Yellow Stains on Pillowcases That Actually Work!
Removing yellow stains on pillowcases isn’t an exact science. Different stains need different treatments so there is an element of trial and error. You can make an educated guess about what caused the stains originally and treat accordingly. For example, if you mostly sleep on your back, chances are the grease from your hair is causing the yellow. That means you’ll need to use a stain remover that breaks down grease.
Below are the methods I’ve found to work best:
1. Soda Crystals and Vinegar Solution
A soda crystal and vinegar solution has long been a hack for lifting sweat stains out of fabrics. This natural method is both effective and gentle on fabrics and was probably used by your grandma when she was cleaning your grandad’s work shirts. I don’t rate the smell of it, so you’ll need to wash the pillow afterwards and throw in your favourite scent booster to give it a lovely homely scent again.
What You Need:
- Soda crystals
- White vinegar
- Warm water
Steps:
- Fill a washing up bowl or sink with warm water.
- Add soda crystals and vinegar, stirring until dissolved.
- Soak the pillowcases for at least 30 minutes.
- Wash them in the washing machine using your regular detergent.
- Dry as usual, preferably in direct sunlight to help with further whitening.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda Paste
Hydrogen peroxide is a mild acid and baking soda is a base compound so when the two are mixed, they create a chemical reaction that works to break down stains. I find the chemicals a bit harsh for my hands so I’d wear gloves if you used this message so as not to irritate your skin.
This method is great for targeting specific stubborn stains, you just mix it up and spread it on, then you leave it to do all the work. Perfect!
What You Need:
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Baking soda
- A few drops of dish soap
Steps:
- Mix the hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap into a paste.
- Apply the paste directly to the stained areas.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Scrub gently with a soft brush or cloth.
- Rinse thoroughly and wash as usual.
This won’t work on any pillowcases with a pattern or colour, as hydrogen peroxide acts as a bleach. So plain white fabric is fine, but you might ruin anything else. Also be mindful that this probably won’t work on silk or bamboo fabric.
3. Sunlight to Remove Yellow Stains on Pillowcases
Did you know sunlight is a magical stain remover? I’ve always used it to remove stains on baby clothes without using harsh chemicals. For some reason, everything your baby eats will be orange and all their clothes will be white and this phase will last about 4 months. I have no idea why this evil crossover happens, but when it does, sunlight is your best friend.
What You Need:
The sun, a washing line and a few pegs!
Steps:
- Wash the pillowcases on a normal wash cycle and hang them on the washing line in bright sunlight.
- Leave for 12hrs and check how the stain is coming along.
- If the stain is reduced but still visible, keep putting it on the washing line in bright sunshine for every day until it has gone. You don’t need to wash in between, just put it out dry.
- If it takes more than 2 days on the line to get rid of the stain then you should run it through the washing machine again to get rid of any allergens it could have collected outside.
4. Oxygen Bleach Treatment
For tougher stains, oxygen bleach is a powerful yet fabric-safe alternative. I tend to buy things that say “Oxy action” and it’s powder in a tub. You can various brands that make this and I don’t necessarily think one is better than another because bleach is bleach, right?
What You Need:
- Oxygen bleach (such as OxiClean)
- Warm water
Steps:
- Dissolve oxygen bleach in warm water, following package instructions.
- Soak the pillowcases for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Wash normally in the machine.
- Dry completely before use.
5. Ammonia and Dish Soap Method
Ammonia is another bleaching agent so you need to be careful with this solution too. I still can’t fully tell if mixing dish soap with ammonia works better than just ammonia alone but they are safe to mix, so you might as well try. I think the dish soap breaks down oils while the ammonia works on the stain and generally bleaches the fabric.
What You Need:
- 1 tablespoon ammonia
- 1 tablespoon dish soap
- 2 cups warm water
Steps:
- Mix ammonia, dish soap, and warm water.
- Apply the solution to the stains using a cloth or sponge.
- Let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Wash the pillowcases as usual.
Preventing Future Yellow Stains
Once your pillowcases are fresh and clean, you can take steps to prevent future yellowing:
- Wash Pillowcases Regularly: Wash pillowcases at least once a week to prevent oil and sweat buildup.
- Use a Biological Powder: Biological washing powder attacks stains much more effectively than regular detergent.
- Avoid Oily Skincare Products Before Bed: Let skincare products fully absorb before lying down.
- Shower Before Bed: If you have naturally oily skin, washing your face and hair before bed can help reduce residue.
- Use White Vinegar in Laundry: Adding a cup of white vinegar to your wash cycle helps break down oils and detergent buildup.
- Rotate Pillowcases: Using multiple sets of pillowcases in rotation reduces wear and staining on any single set.
Yellow stains on pillowcases can be frustrating, but they don’t have to be permanent. By using simple, effective household ingredients or store-bought solutions, you can restore your pillowcases to their original whiteness. With regular maintenance and a few preventative measures, you can keep your bedding looking fresh and clean for longer.