Over time, even the cleanest pillows can develop yellow stains from sweat, body oils, saliva, lotions, and moisture. These stains are common and don’t necessarily mean your pillow is dirty, but they can make bedding look worn and may trap odors.
With the right cleaning method and a few household products, you can help restore many machine-washable pillows and leave them looking and smelling fresher.
Important: Always check the pillow’s care label before cleaning. Memory foam, latex, and some specialty pillows should not be machine washed.
Why Do Pillows Turn Yellow?
Yellow stains are usually caused by a combination of:
- Sweat
- Natural body oils
- Drool or saliva
- Hair products
- Lotions and skincare products
- Moisture trapped inside the pillow
Regular washing helps remove these residues before they become permanent.
What You’ll Need
Gather these supplies before you begin:
- 1 tablespoon Dawn Original Dish Soap
- 2 tablespoons Baking Soda
- ½ cup 3% Hydrogen Peroxide
- 1 tablespoon OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover
- Tide Original Laundry Detergent
- Small mixing bowl
- Soft cleaning brush
- Washing machine
- Dryer balls or clean tennis balls (optional)
