Initially, a pillow is white and bright. However, after a few months of use, it takes on a yellowish hue, which can appear unhygienic. Are these stains due to dirt, wear, or something else?
The answer is simple: This yellowing is caused by the accumulation of sweat, body oil, saliva, and residue from personal care products . Even with clean pillowcases, these substances penetrate the pillow over time and cause discoloration.
Let’s take a closer look at the main causes of this phenomenon.
The main causes of yellowed pillows
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Night sweats
During the night, your body naturally secretes sweat, even if you don’t realize it. On average, a person loses between 500 and 700 ml of sweat per night . This moisture penetrates fabrics and, over time, leaves yellow stains.
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Body oils
The skin constantly produces natural oils that deposit on bedding. Unlike sweat, these oils are greasier and harder to remove . Over time, they penetrate the pillow and contribute to its yellowing.
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saliva
If you tend to drool while you sleep , this can also accelerate the discoloration of your pillow. Saliva contains enzymes that, when accumulated, change the color of the fabric.
Continued on the next page
