How do you whiten yellow pillows without bleach?

What causes pillows to turn yellow?

There are a few common causes for pillows turning yellow over time:

• Body oils and sweat – The oils naturally produced by our skin and hair can slowly build up on pillowcases and stain the pillows themselves yellow.
• Drool and saliva – Nighttime drooling leaves behind saliva that can also discolor pillows.
• Hair products – Hair gels, sprays, and other styling products rub off on pillowcases and can transfer to the pillow.
• Environmental factors – Things like pollution, dust, and smoke in the air can create a yellowing effect.

The materials used to make pillows can also influence how prone they become to yellowing. Pillows made from natural fibers like cotton and feather are more absorbent and tend to show staining more than synthetic materials like polyester. Over time, the accumulation of body oils, saliva, and other staining agents causes the yellow/yellowish-brown discoloration on pillows.

How can you whiten pillows without bleach?

While bleach is an effective way to whiten yellowing on white pillows, it can damage more delicate materials. There are several good alternatives to bleach for whitening pillows:

Baking soda

Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that can lift stains without the harsh chemicals of bleach. Make a paste by mixing 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water. Rub the paste gently over the stained area of the pillow and let it sit for a few hours before washing as normal with detergent. The abrasive properties of baking soda will help break down the yellow staining.

Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is another bleach-free alternative for whitening. Mix together equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle. Lightly spritz the solution over stained areas of the pillow. Let it sit for at least an hour before washing with detergent. The peroxide will naturally oxidize and lift the yellow discoloration.

Lemon juice or vinegar

Citric or acetic acid solutions like lemon juice and vinegar can naturally whiten pillows. Mix 1 cup lemon juice or white vinegar with 1 gallon of warm water. Use a clean cloth dipped in the solution to dab the yellowed areas of the pillow. Let it soak for a couple hours before washing in the washing machine. The acidity helps break down the staining agents.

Sunlight

When possible, letting pillows sit in direct sunlight can help naturally whiten and brighten them. The UV radiation from sunlight acts as a mild bleach. For severe discoloration, soak the pillow in an oxygen bleach solution first. Then lay the pillows out in bright sunlight for a full day, flipping occasionally. The sun exposure will help finish the whitening process.

Oxygen bleach

Oxygen bleach (like OxiClean) uses hydrogen peroxide as the active ingredient to whiten and disinfect fabrics. Dissolve oxygen bleach powder in hot water, then soak pillows for at least 8 hours before washing. Oxygen bleach is color-safe and won’t damage fabrics like chlorine bleach can.

Step-by-step instructions

Here is a simple step-by-step process for whitening yellow pillows without bleach:

1. Inspect pillows for stains. Look for yellowing or yellow-brown discolored areas. Check the pillow tag and only use bleach-free methods safe for the pillow material.
2. Vacuum pillows to remove any surface dust and debris. This allows the whitening solutions to penetrate better.
3. Pre-treat set-in stains. Use a targeted stain remover, or make a baking soda paste. Let it sit for at least 2 hours.
4. Soak pillows in an oxygen bleach solution for 8+ hours before washing. Or apply hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice, or vinegar and let sit 1-2 hours.
5. Wash pillows in the washing machine on a hot water setting with detergent and oxygen bleach or baking soda for extra whitening power.
6. For maximum whitening, let pillows sit in direct sunlight for 6-8 hours after washing.
7. Tumble dry pillows as normal once fully whitened. Adding a couple tennis balls to the dryer will help fluff up the pillows.
8. Use white pillowcases and avoid oil-based hair products to prevent future staining.

Homemade whitening solutions

Here are some easy homemade solutions for whitening yellow pillows:

Baking soda paste

• 3 parts baking soda
• 1 part warm water
• Mix into a spreadable paste
• Rub thoroughly over stained areas
• Let sit 1-2 hours before washing

Hydrogen peroxide solution

• 1 part hydrogen peroxide
• 1 part warm water
• Mix together in spray bottle
• Lightly spritz over stains
• Let sit 1 hour before washing

Vinegar whitening solution

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 gallon warm water
• Mix together
• Dab onto stain with clean cloth
• Let sit 1-2 hours before washing

Tips for preventing future yellowing

Once you’ve succeeded in whitening your pillows, here are some tips to keep them looking brighter for longer:

• Use pillow protectors as barriers against oils and sweat.
• Wash pillows regularly, at least every 6 months.
• Spot clean pillows immediately if spills or stains occur.
• Avoid oil-based hair products to limit transfer and staining.
• Replace old pillows that have become irreversibly yellowed.
• Rotate and fluff pillows daily to evenly distribute contact and staining.
• Dry pillows in the sun periodically to naturally whiten.
• Consider hypoallergenic or antimicrobial pillow cases.

When to replace yellowed pillows

If you’ve tried all of the above tips and methods but the pillow remains quite yellow, it may be time to replace it. Here are signs that a pillow is too far gone:

• Yellowing across large portions or the entire surface
• Both sides are yellowed, not just one
• Severe yellow-brown or orange stains
• Visible grease marks or oily stains
• Pillow has a foul odor despite washing
• Lumpy, misshapen areas
• Over 5 years old

While whites will naturally dull a bit over time, pervasive yellowing indicates the pillow fibers have become permanently altered and degraded. At that point, bleaching would damage the integrity of the pillow. Replacement is the best option.

Conclusion

Yellowing of white pillows is a common annoyance, but through diligent spot cleaning, oxygen bleaches, and sun exposure, you can whiten pillows safely without chlorine bleach. Baking soda, peroxide, vinegar and lemon juice are great natural whiteners. Be sure to launder pillows regularly and protect them from buildup of body oils and hair products. With some elbow grease, most yellowing can be reversed. But heavily stained, misshapen or foul-smelling pillows are beyond salvaging and best replaced. Keep your bed looking fresh by addressing any yellowing right when it begins.