Why your pillow is turning yellow even though you wash it — and how to stop it
Too tired for a shower before bed? It can take just one night for yellow stains to form on your pillow if you're making this common mistake.
Your pillow turning yellow, despite frequent washing, is often due to your hair. As you sleep, natural oils, hair products, and environmental pollutants from your hair transfer onto the pillow, causing yellow stains. Dr. Shanina C. Knighton, an infection prevention expert, explains that these oil and product residues accelerate pillow aging, even after washing.
The problem is compounded as the stains also transfer to your face, potentially causing irritation or pimples. To prevent yellowing, take a shower in the evening instead of the morning, allowing your hair to dry completely. Avoid heavy moisturizers and conditioners that could transfer to the pillow. If a bonnet is not an option, Dr. Knighton recommends using dish soap to remove oil and product stains.
Simply apply the soap to the stain, let it sit for 15 minutes, then wash the pillow as usual. This method, along with using a pillow protector, can help maintain a clean and yellow-free pillow.
Written by urgent.news from Tom's Guide's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
