There's nothing better than snuggling into a soft, fluffy pillow at the end of a long day... and nothing worse than worrying about what icky stains might be hiding under your perfect pillowcase. Sure, you clean your sheets and pillowcases regularly, but when was the last time you did something about the yellow stains on your pillows? Is it even possible to get rid of them? The answer is a resounding yes. Even the best pillows discolor over time, and a little knowledge about how to remove sweat stains from pillows will go a long way. How to cope with this task and how to properly wash pillows, with or without stains, you will learn in this article.
Why do pillows turn yellow?
Our sweat causes these yellow stains on the pillow due to a chemical present in it – urea. Urea is a harmless byproduct of our sweat (and in much larger quantities, our urine) that converts back into ammonia over time. If you want to know exactly, it is actually the ammonia that causes these yellow spots.
How can you remove sweat stains from pillows?
The key to success lies in washing and drying the pillows correctly and using the right products. Most people turn to bleach to remove sweat stains from pillows, but this is an absolute no-go. When washing your pillow, resist the urge to use chlorine bleach to make it whiter. Sweat stains are protein-based, and bleach is not the ideal solution as it can cause further yellowing.
Instead, oxygen bleach is the way to go for yellow-colored pillows. Its active ingredients, hydrogen peroxide and sodium carbonate, dissolve in soda ash, an organic material generally considered environmentally friendly. Oxygen bleach works by releasing oxygen upon contact with water, which gently lifts stains from the material being washed. It is much safer for natural fabrics than traditional bleaches, which contain sodium hypochlorite and can damage certain fabrics.
Wash yellow discoloration by hand - this is how it works
To remove yellow sweat stains from pillows that cannot be machine washed, follow these instructions:
- Spray the stains with a laundry pre-treatment product.
- Leave the stain on for as long as directed in the instructions, usually between 15 minutes and an hour, depending on the size and severity of the stain.
- Prepare a solution of hot water and mild detergent in a small bowl or bucket. (The ratio should be 1 to 3 tablespoons of detergent per 3L for regular detergent, 1 tablespoon per 3L of concentrated detergent).
- Dip a kitchen towel or toothbrush into the detergent solution, then gently scrub the stain out of the fabric.
- When the stain is mostly gone, rinse out the soap and residue with detergent-free water by gently wiping your pillow with the wet cloth.
- Repeat the process as necessary until the stain is gone.
- Allow them to air dry. Never put them in a tumble dryer.
What home remedies can you use to remove sweat stains from pillows?
How to remove sweat stains from pillows? There are natural ways to get this done.
- With lemon juice: Lemon has bleaching and brightening properties. Squeeze the juice from five fruits and place it in a pot of warm water. Then rub your pillows with the concoction and hang them to dry. You can also simply sprinkle the stains with lemon juice and let the pillows dry in the sun.
What else can you clean around the house with lemon juice?Find out here!
- Remove sweat stains with vinegar: Simple white vinegar is essential for cleaning and has many uses. It can also be used to remove ugly yellow stains. Vinegar has both disinfecting and bleaching properties.
- Remove yellow sweat stains with baking soda: Baking soda is also a versatile cleaning agent. Make a paste of water and baking soda and apply it to the stains. Rub gently and wait about 2 hours. After this time, remove the paste and shake the pillows vigorously.
- Mixture for special tasks:If your stains are very stubborn and cannot be removed, then use a special task mixture. Mix hydrogen peroxide with water and baking soda in a 1:1:1 ratio. Apply such a mixture to the stains and be patient for about 1 hour. Then remove the paste and shake out the pillows.
Of course, you can wash in the washing machine after all stain treatments. However, in this case, follow the instructions on the label.
How to clean your mattress naturally?Find out here!
