Old pillows turn brown due to accumulated dust and dirt collecting on the surface over time. Pillows, especially those made from natural materials such as feathers or down, are magnets for dust, dirt, and other particles from the environment.
This dust and dirt can settle onto the surface of the pillow, eventually discoloring it. In addition, the oils from the head and face can also be absorbed into the pillow, leading to further discoloration over time.
In rare cases, yellow or brown spots on a pillow may be caused by mildew or mold; however, this is usually caused by moisture or humidity buildup rather than dirt. In any case, it is recommended to replace pillows at least every 18-24 months to keep them looking fresh and clean.
Why do pillows get discolored?
Pillows can become discolored for a variety of reasons, including exposure to sunlight, body oil, sweat, dust, and other environmental elements. Sunlight is a major factor in the discoloration of pillows, as it can cause fading and discoloration to occur over time.
Body oils and sweat can also cause discoloration, as chemicals released by our skin can attach to the pillow cover and potentially cause it to become stained. Dust and other environmental elements can also lodge themselves into the fibers of the pillow, making them appear dirty and discolored.
Cleaning your pillows regularly can help to minimize discoloration and maintain their appearance over time. Additionally, making sure to keep them out of direct sunlight and away from sources of strong moisture can help to keep their colors vibrant and true.
How do you clean discolored pillows?
To clean discolored pillows, you should first check the label for cleaning instructions, as some materials may require specific cleaning steps. If the label does not mention any instructions, then you can try the following steps:
1. Start by checking if the pillow is machine washable. If so, put it in the washing machine with a mild detergent, cold water and a few drops of vinegar. Use a mild cycle and let the pillow air dry when it’s finished.
2. If the pillow is not machine washable, spot clean it with a cloth and a solution of warm water and liquid detergent. Lightly blot the stained area, avoiding any scrubbing motions.
3. You can also try using a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to treat the stain. Mix equal parts of both ingredients together, then soak a cloth in the solution and rub it over the affected area.
Leave it for around 15 minutes and then rinse off the area with a clean, damp cloth.
4. For tougher stains, you may need to use a little bleach, but remember to check the label first to make sure it can handle bleach. Dilute a few drops of bleach with some water, then use a cloth soaked in the solution and gently blot the stains.
Let it stay for around 15 minutes and then rinse it off thoroughly.
5. Dry the pillow in the sun if possible, as the warmth and UV rays can help to get rid of any remaining discoloration. You can also use a hairdryer to speed up the process.
How do you keep pillows from turning yellow?
To keep pillows from turning yellow, there are several preventative steps you can take. First, use the proper detergent when washing your pillows, as some detergents contain excess bleach or optical brighteners that can cause discoloration.
Additionally, opt for a low-suds detergent to ensure the pillows are washed properly without leaving soap residue. To further prevent yellowing, use a special down detergent or specialized detergent for whites to ensure any yellowing is stopped before it begins.
If needed, you can also add a cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle to remove any excess detergent residue or discoloration. Additionally, it’s important to never overload your washing machine, as this can cause discoloration.
Lastly, always launder your pillows in cold water and never use hot water, as hot water causes the feathers and down in your pillow to degrade faster. By following these preventative steps and laundering your pillows regularly, you can easily keep them from turning yellow.
Why does my head stain my pillow?
One of the most common culprits is sweat. Sweat is produced throughout the night and can accumulate on your pillow, leading to staining, especially if the pillow is made of fabrics such as cotton or polyester.
The natural oils and sweat that your head produces can also accumulate in the fabric of the pillow, so if you tend to toss and turn while you sleep, your head can leave a more noticeable stain. Additionally, your scalp may be producing more sebum than usual, which can accumulate and cause staining.
Another potential cause of head-staining pillows is dandruff. Dandruff is made up of cells from the scalp that are being shed, and the oil and dead skin cells can accumulate on the pillow. If you have dandruff, it’s important to treat it as soon as possible so that it doesn’t continue to stain your pillow.
It’s also possible that the staining is coming from other beauty products. If you use styling products such as hairspray, gel, or mousse, they can leave residue which can accumulate and cause staining.
This can also be true for other products such as shampoos and conditioners.
Finally, if you’re sleeping on a pillow that is several years old, bacteria, fungi, and other residue can accumulate over time and eventually cause staining. To prevent this, you should replace your pillow every two years or so.
In conclusion, there are several different possible causes of head-staining pillows. It’s important to identify the source of the staining and take action to prevent it in the future.
How do I protect my pillow from hair oil?
The best way to protect your pillow from hair oil is to opt for a pillow protector. Pillow protectors are designed to provide a barrier between your pillow and the oils from your hair, preventing them from getting absorbed into the filling.
If your pillow is particularly prone to oil absorption, you can buy a waterproof pillow protector, which is an effective approach for keeping hair oils out of the pillow. Additionally, make sure to wash your pillowcases regularly to remove any oils that may have been transferred from your hair.
Finally, you can try using cotton or linen pillowcases specifically for sleeping at night, which can be more easily washed and changed on a regular basis.
How do you stop hair dye from bleeding on a pillow?
The best way to prevent hair dye from bleeding onto a pillow is to use pre-color treatments prior to dying the hair. These treatments are designed to prevent the hair dye from slipping, seeping, or washing out of the individual sections.
It is also important to wait a few days after dying the hair before using a pillow, and to make sure the hair is completely dry. Additionally, using a shower cap when sleeping can help to stop the hair dye from getting on the pillow.
When washing the hair it is important to only use shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for colored hair and to rinse the hair with cold water, as it prevents the dye from fading. Finally, a final touch-up with the color you used to dye the hair can be used to help maintain the color, and reduce the risk of it bleeding onto the pillow.
How do I stop getting spots on my pillows?
To stop getting spots on your pillows, you should practice good sleep hygiene and regular pillow cleaning habits. Make sure you wash your pillowcases and sheets at least once a week and use hot water to kill any bacteria.
Replace your pillows every 2-3 years, as older pillows are more prone to developing spots. Consider changing your nighttime skincare routine to one that discourages the growth of bacteria such as using benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid on the face before bedtime and using a non-comedogenic moisturizer.
You may also find it helpful to replace your pillow protectors every year, these are especially useful in preventing spots on pillows caused by sweat, oils and other substances. Finally and if you’re suffering from an ongoing skin condition, such as acne, you should consult your physician or dermatologist for advice.
How do you get a head stain out of a pillowcase?
Getting a head stain out of a pillowcase can be quite tricky. However, with the right supplies and the right methods, it can be done effectively.
Firstly, before beginning the cleanup, be sure to check the care label on the pillowcase to make sure that it can handle the cleaning method you’re about to use. Then, gather the necessary supplies: a mild detergent, water, baking soda, a brush, and white vinegar.
Once you have these ready, start by blotting the stain with a paper towel or soft cloth to absorb any excess oils and moisture. Then, mix the mild detergent with warm water, dip the brush in it, and gently scrub the stained area.
Once done, apply a mixture of baking soda and water on the stain, and leave it for a few minutes. Use the brush to scrub it off. Then, in a separate container, mix white vinegar and warm water, and use this mixture to rinse the area.
Finally, dry the pillowcase thoroughly. If the stain persists, try repeating the process as necessary until the stain is gone.
Should I throw away yellow pillows?
It depends. If the yellow pillows are still in relatively good shape, then you may want to consider donating them or giving them away to a family member or friend instead of throwing them away. If the yellow pillows are outdated or have significant wear and tear, then disposing of them would be the best option.
Additionally, if the pillows contain any hazardous materials, such as foam shards, stuffing, or beads, take the time to remove these materials before throwing the pillow away. Otherwise, these materials could end up in the landfill and potentially cause environmental problems.
What can you do with old yellow pillows?
First, you can use them for decorative purposes around the house. Consider making a small “pillow fort” with a few of the yellow pillows in a room or creating a cozy embellished corner of your living area.
You can also use the yellow pillows to make several DIY projects. For instance, old yellow pillows can be cut up and repurposed into cushions for furniture, rugs, and bedding. You can also make festive holiday decorations for Halloween or Christmas, such as a ghost pillow or a Santa sack.
If you’d prefer to make something more permanent, you could make a fun pillow quilt or wall hanging with old yellow pillows. Finally, you can also upcycle the old yellow pillows by donating or selling them.
Many thrift stores or consignment shops will accept used furniture or fabric-based items, and donating pillows is a great way to both reduce waste and benefit others.
Why is there orange stuff on my pillow?
It is likely that the orange stuff on your pillow is caused by rust, mildew, or dust. If it is rust, then it may be caused by metal on your pillow, such as a zipper or a sheet snap. If it is mildew, then it may be due to humidity and moisture in your environment.
And if it is dust, then it may be caused by dirt that has accumulated on your pillow. In general, the best way to determine the cause of the orange stuff on your pillow is to take a closer look at it and see if you can identify what it is.
If it seems like rust or mildew, then you may want to contact a professional to get a better diagnosis and recommendations for cleaning, disinfecting, and/or repairing your pillow.
How often should you get a new pillow?
Ideally, you should be replacing your pillows every 1-2 years. If you’re sleeping on a pillow older than this, it is likely that your pillow has been accumulating dirt, dust, body oils and other allergens, which can lead to skin irritations and even respiratory issues.
If you wake up feeling fatigued, stiff or with a headache, chances are your old pillow needs to be replaced. Additionally, if you see visible signs of wear and tear such as softened or “dented” pillow fibers, or if your pillow has started to look lumpy or misshapen, it is definitely time to invest in a new one.
So when choosing your new pillow consider what type best suits your sleeping style and comfort. Memory foam pillows have become increasingly popular and are known to be more supportive and comfortable than some traditional pillows.
Can you put pillows in the washing machine?
Yes, you can put pillows in the washing machine, as long as you pay attention to a few key considerations. Make sure you are only using a front-loading washer, as top-loading varieties may damage the pillow or the washer itself.
Additionally, many pillows require special care, such as hand washing or dry cleaning, so it is always best to check their care label prior to washing. You should also make sure the pillows are placed in the washer one at a time, in order to avoid excessive shifting in the drum.
Finally, avoid overloading the washer and opt for a gentle and cool cycle with a gentle detergent. If you follow these steps and use caution, you can put pillows in the washing machine.
How do I get old yellowed pillowcases white again?
If your pillowcases have yellowed over time and you want to clean them and return them to their original white color, there are a few strategies you can use. First, mix together a solution of one quart of water with detergent or a bleach alternative, and ¼ cup of white vinegar.
Immerse the pillowcases in the solution and let them soak for a few hours. This will help to break down the yellowing. After a few hours, remove the pillowcases and place them in the washing machine with a few drop of regular detergent.
Wash the pillowcases in the machine on the hottest setting that’s safe for the material. To maximize the whitening effect, add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the wash cycle along with the detergent. The baking soda will help to remove any remaining yellow stains and whiten the fabric.
Once the wash cycle is complete, hang the pillowcases outside in the sun to finish the whitening process and maybe even leave them to dry for a few hours after. Finally, put the pillowcases in the dryer for about 20 minutes on the hottest setting or until they are completely dry.
Hopefully, this process can get your pillowcases looking like new again!