Everyone has a pillow or mattress that has turned yellow and we’re not quite sure how to clean it.
These stains, mostly caused by sweat, can be easily removed with a few simple and effective tips. Skip to content
Yellow spots and streaks can appear despite a mattress cover or pillowcase.
These marks are mainly caused by sweat soaking into the fabric. Other causes can also explain these stains, such as oily creams and oils used on the body and hair. However, there are some simple and easy tips to clean a yellowed pillow or mattress.
Cleaning a yellowed pillow or mattress: the power of white vinegar
It cannot be stressed enough: white vinegar is a great ally for general cleaning around the house. It is non-toxic, has a very effective disinfectant effect and removes stains. To do this, pour 500 ml of vinegar into a bowl and add a little dishwashing liquid, mixing it with 200 ml of warm water. Then, using a sponge soaked in the mixture, rub the mattress or pillow you want to clean. Then rinse with clean water using a towel and let it air dry overnight.
Lemon juice: a valuable ally in restoring a yellowed mattress or pillow
Among the natural ingredients for removing yellow stains, lemon is one of the most effective. This simple and eco-friendly remedy boasts powerful stain-removing properties and will be a valuable assistant. To prepare the mixture, mix the juice of three lemons with a glass of warm water. Use a washcloth soaked in this solution to thoroughly rub the stains, then a dry cloth to remove any moisture. Then let the mattress air dry. You can also use a hair dryer to dry the mattress and pillow faster.
Washing powder for stubborn yellow stains
To remove stubborn stains, laundry detergent will restore the whiteness of a yellowed pillow or mattress. Prepare a solution of laundry detergent and very hot water (follow the dosage instructions on the package, as ingredients vary depending on the detergent). Use a cloth dampened with the solution to clean any stains and dirt. Remove any remaining detergent with another cloth dampened with clean water. Then let the pillow or mattress air dry.
Hydrogen peroxide + baking soda: an effective combination for cleaning a yellowed pillow or mattress
Hydrogen peroxide is known for its bleaching properties. Combined with baking soda, a powerful disinfectant, this solution will be very effective for a yellowed pillow or mattress. To dose, mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda with 500 ml of hydrogen peroxide. For greater effectiveness, pour the mixture into a spray bottle and dampen the yellowed surfaces with it. Then generously sprinkle the stains with baking soda and leave for at least 6 hours. Then remove the baking soda residue with a vacuum cleaner.
Yellowed pillows and mattresses: how to avoid stains
A yellowed mattress or pillow also means it doesn’t breathe well. To maintain its appearance and remove yellow stains, it’s recommended to air it out twice a year. Placing it in direct sunlight will also help kill dust mites, a major allergen.
Additionally, for health reasons, it is recommended to ventilate the bedroom for at least 15 minutes a day. This helps to clean the air in the room, as well as the mattress cover and all bedding.
To avoid excessive sweating at night and thus prevent the formation of unwanted sweat stains, it is recommended to choose breathable materials. Therefore, cotton, linen and bamboo are recommended for duvet covers, sheets including mattress protectors and pillowcases.