Pillows naturally yellow over time due to sweat and perspiration seeping through even pillowcases during sleep. No need to replace them—restore their fresh white look with this proven washing method I've used successfully for years.
1. Check the care label to confirm machine washing is safe. Avoid this for pillows with shape memory foam.
2. Fill your top-loading washing machine about one-third with the hottest water possible, or add boiling water from a pot or two.
3. Add 1 cup of laundry detergent.
4. Add 1 cup of bleach.
5. Add 1 cup of soda crystals.
6. Run the machine briefly on the hottest cycle to dissolve ingredients fully.
7. Pause, add 2 pillows (for better balance during spin), then resume the full cycle.
8. Select an extra rinse for thorough cleaning.
9. For best results, sun-dry on a nice day—the UV rays naturally enhance whitening. Otherwise, use a dryer: air-dry for down pillows, low heat for synthetics.
Your pillows will emerge clean, white, and fresh—no more yellow sweat stains! Repeat 1-2 times yearly as needed.
If you lack soda crystals, source them here.
Note for top-loaders: Follow steps as listed.
For front-loaders: Use the hottest cycle and add ingredients sequentially after starting.
Pro tip from user Graziella Angela Formenti: Soak pillows overnight in a bathtub with all ingredients, then machine wash the next day.
