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White pillowcases are prone to yellowing due to sweat, grease and makeup residue. Experts say bleach may not be effective. Soaking them in a lotion containing enzymes and then washing them with warm water and maintaining regular cleaning can restore their whiteness.
After using white pillowcases for a period of time, it is easy to gradually turn yellow due to factors such as sweat, sebum, hair oil and dust. Many people will immediately think of using bleach to clean it. However, cleaning experts remind that bleach may not be effective in removing yellow stains, and may also cause stains to deepen and damage the fabric.
Lifestyle website Southern Living reports that cleaning experts recommend soaking clothes in enzyme-containing laundry detergent overnight and then washing with warm water. There is no need to use bleach, and there is a chance to restore the whiteness of the pillow.
kentucky Elizabeth Shields, operations manager for Super Cleaning Service Louisville, said the most common causes of yellowing pillowcases are sweat and body oil. Because the pillow comes in contact with the face and hair every day and absorbs sweat, sebum and oil from the hair over a long period of time, stains will gradually accumulate. If not cleaned regularly the color will become darker and darker.
He told that most of these yellow stains are protein stains. After contact with chlorine bleach, a chemical reaction can occur, causing stains to stick more to the fabric and appear darker. Additionally, certain fabrics such as cotton are more prone to stains, and excessive use of laundry detergent can lead to detergent residue and dirt accumulation as it cannot be rinsed thoroughly.
Shields advises that the key to avoiding bleach is to treat stains quickly. “If you don’t want to use bleach, time really is your ally,” she says.
She recommends using enzyme-based cleaners because pillow yellowing is often caused by organic substances like body oils, sweat, and hair products, and enzyme cleaners can help break down these dirt.
The specific method is to prepare a basin of warm water, add enzyme-containing laundry detergent, soak the yellow pillowcase overnight, wash it the next day, and then put it into the washing machine for general cleaning.
