Why Do Pillows Go Yellow and How to Clean Them in 2025 [Guide]

OCT 29, 2025

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Many people notice that when they remove the pillowcase from their pillows, they find that the pillow has turned yellow! Not only does this make the pillow look dirty, but up close, it may also have an unpleasant odor. This is not just an aesthetic issue.

In this guide, we will explore why do pillows go yellow, show you how to remove yellow stains from your pillows, and discuss how to prevent your pillows from yellowing in the future, ensuring a clean, healthy, and comfortable sleep environment for you and your family.

In this article

1. Why Do Pillows Turn Yellow? 2. How to Clean Pillows that Have Yellow Stains? 3. FAQs about Yellow Pillow

Why Do Pillows Turn Yellow?

Pillows turning yellow is a common issue many of us encounter, and while it might be frustrating, it’s usually due to natural factors that accumulate over time. Here are the main reasons why pillows tend to yellow:

1. Sweat and Body Oils

One of the primary causes of yellowing is sweat and the natural oils produced by your body. As you sleep, your body sheds sweat and oils that can seep through your pillowcase and onto the pillow itself. These oils build up and can eventually cause yellow stains, especially if the pillow is made from materials that absorb moisture, like cotton or down feathers.

2. Saliva and Dead Skin Cells

When you sleep, especially if you're a side or stomach sleeper, it's normal to drool or shed dead skin cells. These substances mix with the oils from your body and are absorbed into the pillow. Over time, this combination of saliva, skin cells, and sweat can cause yellowing on the pillow’s surface.

3. Hair Products and Cosmetics

If you use hair products like oils, gels, or serums, they can leave behind residue on your pillowcase. Additionally, makeup, facial lotions, and creams can transfer onto your pillow as you sleep. These products often contain oils or other ingredients that can contribute to yellowing, especially when left on the pillow for an extended period.

4. Environmental Factors

Exposure to sunlight and environmental pollutants can also cause yellowing. UV rays can break down the fabric, and pollutants like dust, smoke, or even humidity can interact with oils and dirt on the pillow, leading to yellow discoloration.

5. Not Washing Pillows Regularly

Pillows need to be washed every few months to remove accumulated oils, sweat, and other substances. If pillows are not cleaned regularly, these residues build up over time, causing yellow stains that are hard to remove. Regular washing can prevent these stains from forming and help maintain a fresh, clean pillow.

These are the primary reasons your pillows might turn yellow. The good news is that most of these causes are preventable with regular maintenance and proper care!

How to Clean Pillows that Have Yellow Stains?

You can often clean them successfully, but you must check the care label first to ensure your pillow is machine washable. Memory foam and latex pillows are often not safe for a washing machine. But you can wash the pillowcase.

Here are a few popular and effective methods for cleaning yellow-stained pillows:

Method 1 - Heavy-Duty Pillow Cleaning

This method is ideal for tackling tough yellow stains on machine-washable pillows.

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Powdered Laundry Detergent	1 cup	Deep cleaning and stain lifting
Powdered Dishwasher Detergent	1 cup	High concentration of stain-fighting enzymes
Bleach (or Oxygen Bleach)	1 cup	Whitening and sanitizing

Pillow Washing Steps:

Prep: Remove all pillowcases and protectors. Check the care tag to ensure your pillow is machine washable.
Soak Solution: Fill your washing machine (or a tub) about one-third full with the hottest water safe for your pillow.
Mix: Add the powdered laundry detergent, powdered dishwasher detergent, and the bleach (or oxygen bleach). Agitate to dissolve.
Soak: Add 1–2 pillows. Submerge them completely and let them soak for 30–60 minutes (or longer for very heavy stains).
Wash & Rinse: Finish filling the machine with water and run a full wash cycle, making sure to use an extra rinse cycle to remove all cleaning residue.
Dry: Tumble dry on low heat or air-fluff with dryer balls or tennis balls until they are completely dry to prevent mildew.

Method 2 - Spot Treatment Paste

For concentrated yellow stains, use a paste to pre-treat the area.

Ingredient	Purpose
Baking Soda	Mild abrasive and stain absorber
White Vinegar or Water	Activator and stain dissolver

Steps:

Mix: Combine equal parts baking soda and a liquid (white vinegar or water) to create a thick paste.
Apply: Gently rub the paste onto the most prominent yellow stains.
Wait: Let the paste sit and work on the stains for about 30 minutes.
Scrub (Optional): Gently scrub the area with a soft-bristled brush or damp cloth before washing.

After spot-treating, you can add these ingredients to your regular wash cycle for general cleaning and odor elimination.

Tips

The best way to maintain pillows and prevent them from turning yellow is to wash them regularly, expose them to sunlight frequently, and use pillowcases made of soft, breathable materials. This helps protect the pillow from sweat, oils, and skin cells. It’s also important to wash the pillowcases regularly.

But When to Replace Your Pillow?

Over time, even the best pillows lose their support and become less hygienic, impacting your sleep quality. It's crucial to know when to replace them. Here are the main signs that it's time for a new pillow:

Loss of Shape and Support: If your pillow stays folded, flat, or compressed after you press on it, the filling has broken down. A pillow that doesn't "bounce back" can no longer provide the necessary support for your head and neck.
Visible Stains and Odors: Persistent yellowing or stains from sweat, oils, and saliva signal a buildup of moisture that penetrates the inner material. This deep contamination can foster the growth of allergens and bacteria, even if you wash the pillowcase regularly.
Worsening Allergies: If you frequently wake up with a stuffy nose, itchy eyes, or other allergy symptoms, your old pillow is likely the culprit. Pillows become breeding grounds for dust mites and allergens over time.
Age Matters: As a general rule of thumb, most experts recommend replacing your pillow every 1 to 2 years, regardless of how durable it is. Regularly checking for wear and tear helps ensure you maintain a clean and supportive sleep environment.

At Newentor, we are dedicated to creating a clean and comfortable sleep environment for our customers. If you’re in need of a new pillow, consider our Ergonomic Memory Foam Pillow.

This pillow comes with two memory foam pads—one 2cm and one 3cm in height—so you can easily adjust the loft to your ideal level. With four possible height combinations, it provides personalized support whether you're a side sleeper needing extra lift or a back sleeper who prefers moderate support.

It’s an excellent choice for individuals with neck pain, people who switch between sleep positions, or couples with different preferences. Whether you're aiming to relieve pressure points, enhance spinal alignment, or enjoy cloud-like comfort, this pillow adapts to your unique needs, ensuring a restful and rejuvenating sleep every night.

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FAQs about Yellow Pillow

How often should I wash my pillows?

Ideally, you should wash your pillows every 3-6 months, but this can vary depending on use. If you sweat heavily or sleep with makeup on, you may want to wash them more frequently.

Are yellow stains harmful to pillows?

Yellow stains are usually not harmful to the pillow itself, but they can affect the appearance and hygiene. If left untreated, these stains might attract bacteria or dust mites.

Why do men's pillows go yellow?

Men’s pillows often turn yellow due to a buildup of sweat, body oils, and moisture that gets absorbed over time. Factors such as oily skin, hair, and products like lotions can all contribute to this discoloration. Since men typically have oilier skin and hair, the yellowing tends to be more noticeable.

Botton Lines

Don't worry too much, yellowing of pillows is normal. It is caused by sweat, oils, and other build-ups. Regular cleaning helps, but if your pillow is losing support or hygiene, it’s time to replace it.

Consider the Newentor Ergonomic Memory Foam Pillow for adjustable support, perfect for neck pain and varying sleep positions, ensuring better comfort and quality sleep.

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