This Pantry Staple Is A Game-Changer For Removing Yellow Pillow Stains

With all of the time you spend in bed, it might inevitably lead to a yellow pillow from all of that slumbering and snoozing. When they turn yellow, you might think you need to toss your bed pillows, but you only need to clean them with a simple ingredient. There's a way to quickly brighten them once again, and it's in your pantry. Vinegar is a proven way to zap the yellowing so the bedding is cleaner and whiter with just one wash. Depending on the severity, you can spot treat small areas, soak your pillows in vinegar and water, or toss them in the washing machine for a deeper clean and stain removal.

Yellow stains on your pillows come from drool, sweat, fluids, and natural oils you release as you sleep. Makeup and hair products may also contribute to the staining, discoloring the fabrics after prolonged contact. While you may need to replace your pillows every two years, or when they become lumpy, misshapen, or less supportive, regular cleaning with vinegar can help keep them fresh. Distilled white vinegar is an affordable solution for removing sweat stains and other buildup from your pillows. Vinegar is a time-tested effective yet gentle way to disinfect, neutralize, and reduce odors throughout your home. As a weakened acid, it helps break down the stains on a pH level, getting rid of sweat stains without the need for harsh chemicals. As the acid dissolves the residue, it results in softer, whiter pillow fabrics. Next time you make your bed and change your pillowcases, you won't be greeted with the sight of dingy pillows.

This cleaning method is an easy way to bring yellow stained pillows back to life. To spot treat, mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Apply it to the stains and let the vinegar solution sit for 30 minutes; then dab away with a clean cloth, lifting the stains. If the yellowing lingers, try soaking your pillow in a clean basin or bathtub filled with equal parts vinegar and water before washing it on delicates. You can also skip the pre-soak, going straight to adding 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar to a hot cycle along with less than half of your normal detergent. Be careful during this process, however, and never use vinegar with any bleach-based detergent, as this is a recipe for chlorine gas.

Depending on your machine, you may add the vinegar in the fabric softener dispenser, or simply pour it into the drum for older models. Once the cycle finishes, let your freshly washed pillows sit in the sun. Not only does this step help the fabric dry faster and prevent mold, the sunlight can also help kill any residual bacteria on the surface. Because pillows come in a variety of fillings, before cleaning yours with vinegar, read the care label. Some brands may recommend hand washing or spot treatments, so double check before you proceed, especially if it's memory foam or a down alternative. For machine-washable pillows, wash two at a time for a balanced load, spacing them in the washer for even distribution.