Leah Berenson

Leah Berenson

October 30, 2024

Why Do Pillows Go Yellow? Man Ignites Viral Debate Over ‘The Yellow Pillow’

While most people agree a yellow pillow is a sign of comfort, others find it unsavory. As such, a man has started a massive debate on X, formerly Twitter, and the responses are hilarious. 

Viral Yellow Pillow Post

Pillow with yellow saliva stains
Source: Shutterstock

Cam posted on X a hilarious picture with the caption: “My girlfriend is mad at me because I have revealed to her The Yellow Pillow. Fellas, I’m sure you all know that this thing is magic.”

“It’s not my fault the pillow is yellow and bestows upon me the most peaceful slumber,” he jokingly concluded. 

A Yellow Pillow Provides Comfort

Dirty pillow from saliva stain
Source: Shutterstock

It turns out that while many were disgusted, others knew precisely how Cam felt. After all, it most likely has discoloration from months or years of use and has done well to help provide a soft, comfortable, and familiar place to rest your head. One person commented that they “legit haven’t rested comfortably” since parting with their trusted old yellow pillow. Another joked that their life “has been in a downward spiral” since doing the same thing.

Avoiding the Stains

Stains of saliva and sweat on white pillows
Source: Shutterstock

Apparently, a few things cause the discoloration, but the good news is you don’t have to throw out your comfortable and familiar yellow pillow. The easiest way to get rid of the discoloration is merely to prevent it from happening in the first place. Doing so is easier if you know how it becomes discolored. 

Read More: Your Pillow Case Has More Bacteria Than Your Toilet Seat if You Don’t Wash Your Sheets Often

What Causes a Pillow To Yellow?

Old pillow with fungus Dirty pillow
Source: Shutterstock

The causes include:

  • Sweat
  • Saliva
  • Wet hair at bedtime
  • Face creams and skin care regimens

Minimizing the Problems

A woman peacefully sleeping. White bedding the background.
Image Credit: Pixabay

The best approach to avoiding these is to ensure your creams have fully absorbed and your hair is dry before going to bed. 

Sweat and saliva will be harder to deter because they naturally happen while most people are sleeping, but some medications may help ease the symptoms. Moreover, there are a few at-home solutions to quickly remove discoloration, such as turning your yellow pillow back to white. 

At-Home Stain Removal

White pillow with yellow saliva stains and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) on white background. baking soda to clean their dirty mattresses and Home cleaning concept.
Source: Shutterstock

According to bedding experts, you can add white vinegar to your cleaning routine to remove the stains from a yellow pillow. It can be added to the washing machine or diluted with water to make a solution and left to soak. 

Shaving Cream

Thick foam swirl texture. White cream, mousse, cleanser, shampoo, shaving foam. Foamy cosmetic product closeup
Source: Shutterstock

Shaving cream can also help turn a yellow pillow back to white. Generously spray a can of foam shaving cream, rub it into the stain, and let set for about an hour, then wipe away with a damp rag. 

Lime Juice

A lime and half a lime with leaves. White background.
Image Credit: Pixabay

Squeeze two limes onto the yellow pillow before adding it to the washing machine. Let the lime juice soak for at least an hour. Note: this tip only works for new stains and won’t be strong enough to lift old stains. 

Baking Soda Paste

Baking soda. Countertop in the background.
Image Credit: Pixabay

Mix 1 cup of baking soda with 2 tbsp of white vinegar, 1 tbsp of water, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil if you want. Leave the paste to dry and vacuum away the residue. 

Make Another Paste

Isolated plastic bottle of 91% isopropyl alcohol with label
Source: Shutterstock

Surprisingly, you can easily remove stains and discoloration, turning your trusted friend back to white, and sanitizing it by creating a paste using these ingredients:

  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Toothpaste 
  • Dish soap 
  • Water

Pillow and mattress protectors are another great way to prevent discoloration. Either way, many agree that their old yellow pillow provides more comfort and better sleep than a new one. 

Read More: Are Your Pillows Toxic?