When you stripped down your pillowcase, do you ever see that yellowish stain and wonder, “Why do pillows turn yellow?” It can sometimes be surprising, maybe a little uncomfortable and gross to see but the truth is, it’s perfectly common.
For the parents who are caring for babies, this is more than just looking clean. Pillows are a part of your sleep hygiene, and when you’re getting little to no rest due to between attending to your newborn and other things, the last thing you’d ever want is to sleep on an unhealthy and uncomfortable pillow. In addition, many parents use different special types of pillows for nursing, support, or tummy time, like an organic nursing pillow, which is why having a better understanding on how to keep these essentials fresh and clean as much as possible is the key.
Let’s explore what’s behind this pillow discoloration and how to keep our sleeping space as healthy as possible.
The Science of Stains: What Exactly Are We Looking At?
It’s best to know the reason and have a deeper understanding of why this yellow staining is happening on our pillows before discussing solutions. Since our pillows are made from highly absorbent materials such as cotton, feathers, memory foam, or even polyester, they would naturally soak up moisture. Over time, the moisture that have been absorbed could carry substances like sweat, oils, and even your skincare residue into the pillow fibers. Resulting to the gradual staining that shows up like yellowish patches.
But this doesn’t technically mean your pillow is dirty beyond saving, it only means that it is heavily used and the moisture accumulation. This is similar to incidents when babies spills milk or leaks on bed sheet and requires sheet changes, along side adult bedding and including pillows which also needs cleaning.
The Main Culprit: Sweat and Body Oils
Sweat is a major factor in answering the question, “why do pillows turn yellow”?
We may not be realizing it, but we sweat a lot at night. In addition, we produce body oils that transfers from skin to scalp, and our pillows are super absorbent which becomes like a sponge for moisture. Over weeks or months, the fluids that are absorbed oxidize, which then leave behind the yellow stains.
For parents this problem is often magnified. Moms after postpartum may experience night sweats due to hormonal shifts, making this phenomenon more common. And when you’re cuddling with your little ones during those late-night feeds, some of their sweat and drool can also be absorbed into your pillow.
This is why more families are switching to those washable covers and organic nursing pillows which has those materials that breathe better, resists buildup and are far safer for delicate skin especially for newborns.
Beyond Sweat: The Role of Skin and Hair Products
Another major factor that contributes to the yellowish stains that we see on our pillows are the products that we use in every day.
- Face creams and lotions – Even if these products are applied hours before bedtime, they still rub off as we sleep.
- Hair oils or treatments – they easily transfers onto your pillows every time your head rests down.
- Makeup residue – if you’re not double cleansing or really fully cleansing your dace, leftover makeup adds to this problem.
As a parent, you may likely skip these steps on your nighttime routine because you’re too tired from taking care of your baby, which is understandable, but is could also mean more buildup on your pillows.
Babies aren’t even exempted. From lotions, baby oil or spit-up, they can also contribute to staining your pillows, especially if you co-sleep or lay your baby down briefly on your pillow. This is why choosing to go for the safe, washable, and breathable types of materials, like the organic nursing pillow, is more than a wise move, it’s a commendable investment.
The Silent Contributor: Humidity and Moisture
Sweat and oils from the body are the main culprits for the discoloration of our pillows, but humidity also plays a crucial role.
Mostly, in warmer or humid climates, moisture can linger longer in fabrics which gives stains a chance to set in. This, combined with the lack of airflow, in bedrooms just like when parents keep all the windows closed to maintain a quiet sleeping environment for the baby which turns the pillows a breeding ground for discoloration.
Moisture is another factor that contributes to molding or mildew risk, which isn’t just a problem on the beauty side but a health one. Babies who have weaker immune systems are more vulnerable to allergens which is why it is with utmost importance to keep their sleeping environment clean at all times, dry and fresh, as it doesn’t only benefit them but the whole family.
Proactive Prevention: How to Keep Your Pillows Pristine
These yellow stains aren’t forever and there are ways how you could prevent them, just like the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. These small and manageable changes can help prolong the life of your pillow and keeps them fresher for extended periods as well.
Here are some simple strategies that could help:
- Use pillow protectors – this zipped protector underneath the pillowcase can add as an extra protection and barrier against sweat and oils.
- Wash your pillowcases more frequently – aim for washing them at least once a week or more often if you’re feeding or cuddling your baby in bed.
- Choose breathable fabrics – cotton types and organic fabrics helps reduce heat and moisture buildup keeping everything dry with maximum airflow.
- Rotate your pillows – Just as you rotate your baby’s beddings to help extend its life, rotating your pillow can also distribute the wear.
- Washable options are great investments – Many organic nursing pillows comes with removable, machine-washable covers, ideal for busy parents who don’t have too much time on their day.
If you’re giving your pillow the same care you’re giving your beddings, you’re likely to have a healthier, stain-free and longer lasting pillows.
Simple Solutions: How to Clean and Brighten Yellowed Pillows
If your pillow is already showing the signs of the yellowish stain, don’t panic and don’t just throw your pillows away. There are many ways which helps them not only looks fresh and clean but actually clean and free from these yellowish stains.
- Regular machine washing – most synthetic and down pillows can be washed in the washer but make sure to double check with their labels. Use a gentle, fragrance-free detergent, especially if your baby will also be using or be near the pillow.
- Natural brighteners like baking soda and white vinegar are great for lifting these stains without the use of harsh chemicals.
- Sunlight treatment through laying the pillows under the direct sunlight can somehow naturally bleach out stains.
- Spot cleaning – these are for organic or memory foam pillows that can’t be fully washed, spot clean stains and always use a washable pillow cover.
Final Thoughts
So, why do pillows turn yellow? the short answer, sweat, body oil, products and environmental considerations. The longer answer is that a pillow is a part of our everyday life, but with the proper care and adjusting simple preventions it gives our pillows longer life and keeps it fresher.
As a parent, this is just like any other type of mess, from spilled milk to diaper blowouts. Taking good care of your pillows is just like any other step that contributes in maintaining a clean, healthy and comfortable home environment for your family.
