Disgusting reason your pillow turns yellow - and free way to fix it

29 October 2023 , 18:00

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A Dreams expert revealed how you can remove yellow stains from pillows (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

We often complain about the yellow stains on pillowcases which can seem impossible to wash off - and leave us feeling frustrated. Thankfully one bedding expert has shared his top tips on how you can tackle the household issue.

Recently, a man has left social media users baffled after admitting he sleeps on his yellow-stained pillow - and his confession sparked a debate online. The heated discussion began over the weekend when Cam Thomson shared an image of his worn, yellowed, and lumpy pillow on X, formerly Twitter. In his post, he expressed: "Girlfriend is mad at me because I have revealed to her The Yellow Pillow. Fellas, I'm sure you all know that this thing is magic."

His choice of pillow drew criticism from his girlfriend, but he passionately defended his decision to stick with the faded pillow instead of replacing it. As the post quickly gained traction on social, it rapidly became a hot topic of conversation, with thousands of users engaging in a spirited debate over the legitimacy of Cam's choice versus his girlfriend's objections.

Fabio Perrotta, Director of Buying at Dreams, offered his perspective on when pillows should be washed or replaced, and explained the disgusting reason why pillows turn yellow in the first place - particularly for men. The expert said: "The debate surrounding yellowing pillows is a hot topic, and it's important to consider both comfort and hygiene in this discussion. Pillows should ideally be replaced, or thoroughly cleaned, when they no longer provide the necessary support for a restful night's sleep.

"Yellowing of pillows can be attributed to several factors, including the accumulation of sweat, body oils, and dust mites. Interestingly, there are some other reasons why pillows may yellow, and men may be more susceptible due to their habits."

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He added: "For instance, men's grooming products, such as hair wax or styling products, can transfer onto pillows, leading to discoloration. Additionally, hormonal differences may play a role; variations in sweat and skin oil composition can affect the rate of staining. Men also typically have facial hair, which can trap oils and other substances, potentially leading to more transfer onto the pillowcase."

Luckily, there is a free way of fixing the issue - and it's as simple as leaving your pillow in the sunlight. Fabio explained: "But there are many ways to prevent or tackle this issue. Some of my favourites include, placing your pillow in the sun for a few hours, which can help naturally bleach and freshen it, or using lemon juice or baking soda to scrub away stains. Also, be sure to always read the cleaning instructions on your individual pillow."

Ayaan Ali