How to Remove Yellow Stains from Pillows

Pillows inevitably turn yellow over time due to a combination of sweat, body oils, and moisture seeping through the pillowcase. While it might look like your bedding is beyond saving, that discoloration is usually just surface-level grime that can be stripped away with the right chemical reaction. Deep cleaning your pillows twice a year is the best way to maintain their loft and hygiene. If the yellowing has reached the inner batting, a good soak will do more than bleach ever could, effectively breaking the bond between the oils and the fabric fibers so you can wash them away for good.

1. Check the Care Label First. Inspect the tag to ensure your pillows are machine washable. Avoid this process for memory foam or solid latex pillows, as they will break apart in a soaking tub.
2. Heat the Water Right. Plug your bathtub and fill it one-third of the way with very hot water. Aim for the highest temperature your water heater safely provides to help dissolve the oils.
3. Create the Stain-Breaking Mix. Add one cup of powdered laundry detergent, one cup of powdered dishwasher detergent, one cup of borax, and half a cup of washing soda to the water. Agitate the water by hand until all powders are fully dissolved.
4. Soak the Yellowing Away. Place the pillows into the water, pushing them down until they are fully saturated. Let them soak for at least two hours, flipping them halfway through to ensure even exposure.
5. Rinse and Spin Clean. Remove the pillows and wring them out manually. Transfer them to your washing machine and run a heavy-duty cycle with hot water and an extra rinse cycle.
6. Dry Until Bone-Dry. Tumble dry the pillows on a low heat setting with a pair of clean tennis balls or wool dryer balls. Ensure they are completely bone-dry before putting them back on the bed.