Over time, pillowcases tend to turn yellow due to sweat, oil from the scalp, and dirt accumulation. This not only takes away from the pillow’s original beauty but also affects your health. However, with a few simple laundry tips, you can restore your pillowcases to their pristine white condition.
1. Check the Care Label
Before you start washing, check the label on your pillow to get specific instructions from the manufacturer. Some pillowcases can be machine-washed, while others are hand-wash only. This ensures you don’t damage the fabric and maintain its durability.
2. Use Baking Soda and White Vinegar
One effective way to clean yellow stains from pillowcases is to combine baking soda and white vinegar. These are natural cleaning agents that can deeply penetrate and remove stubborn stains. Follow these steps:
Dissolve about 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of white vinegar in a tub of warm water.
Soak the pillowcases in this solution for about 30 minutes to loosen and remove the yellow stains.
Gently wring out the pillowcases and rinse them with clean water or put them in the washing machine.
3. Use Hot Water and Detergent
If you don’t have baking soda or white vinegar, you can use hot water and detergent. The hot water helps dissolve oils, sweat, and stubborn stains, while the detergent provides a deeper clean. Follow these instructions:
Place the pillowcases in the washing machine and select the hot water setting.
Add an appropriate amount of detergent and optionally, 1-2 tablespoons of bleach for better results.
After washing, air-dry the pillowcases in direct sunlight to eliminate bacteria and keep them fresh and clean.
4. Use Hydrogen Peroxide and Lemon Juice
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural and safe bleaching agent that won’t harm the fabric of your pillowcases. Combined with lemon juice, this solution works wonders in whitening:
Mix about 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide with the juice of two lemons in a tub of warm water.
Soak the pillowcases in this solution for about an hour, then rinse them by hand or put them in the washing machine.
After rinsing, air-dry the pillowcases in a well-ventilated area, preferably in the sun.
5. Proper Drying
For quicker drying and whiter pillowcases, it’s best to air-dry them directly under the sun. Sunlight helps eliminate odors and acts as a natural disinfectant, keeping your pillowcases fresh and maintaining their whiteness for longer.
With these tips, you can easily remove yellow stains from your pillowcases and keep them looking brand new.