Ever noticed your once-white pillows turning an unappealing shade of yellow? You're not alone. This common problem is caused by various factors, but the good news is that there's a solution. Let's dive into why pillows turn yellow and how you can restore them to their former glory using Nellie's Oxygen Brightener.
Why Do Pillows Turn Yellow?
1. Sweat: The most common culprit behind yellowing pillows is sweat. Even if you don't realize it, your body releases sweat while you sleep. Over time, this sweat seeps into your pillow and pillowcase causing them to turn yellow.
2. Natural Oils: Our bodies produce natural oils that can transfer to pillows. These oils, combined with dead skin cells, contribute to discolouration.
3. Saliva: Drooling during sleep can also cause yellow stains. Saliva contains enzymes that can discolour the pillow fabric.
4. Hair Products and Skincare: Residue from hair products and skincare can transfer onto pillows, leading to yellowing over time.
How to Clean Yellowed Pillows with Nellie's Oxygen Brightener
Nellie's Oxygen Brightener is a powerful, planet friendly solution that can help you revive your yellowed pillows. Follow these simple steps to make your pillows look fresh and clean again.
Tools Needed:
- Nellie's Oxygen Brightener
- Warm Water
- Washing Machine (optional)
- Mild Detergent (Nellie's Laundry Soda)
Step-by-step Guide:
1. Check Care Label: Before you start, check the care label on your pillow to ensure it is machine washable.
2. Pre-Treat Stains: For heavily stained areas, mix a small amount of Nellie's Oxygen Brightener with warm water to create a paste. Apply the paste directly to the yellow stains and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
3. Option 1: Overnight Soak and Hand Washing
- Soak in Warm Water: Fill a large basin or bathtub with warm water and add a generous scoop of Nellie's Oxygen Brightener. Stir to dissolve.
- Soak the Pillows: Submerge the yellowed pillows in the solution and let them soak overnight. This extended soaking period allows the Oxygen Brightener to penetrate deep into the fabric and lift the stains.
- Hand Wash with Laundry Soda: After soaking, drain the water and gently hand wash the pillows using Nellie's Laundry Soda. Rinse thoroughly to remove all the soap and brightener.
- Dry the Pillows: Squeeze out the excess water and lay the pillows flat to air dry or hang them to dry completely before use.
4. Option 2: Machine Washing
- Prepare the Washing Machine: Set your machine to a gentle warm wash, and add the recommended amount of Oxygen Brightener and Laundry Soda. The combination of these two products will work to lift and remove the yellowed stains.
- Wash the Pillows: Place your pillows in the washing machine. To balance the load, it's best to wash two pillows at a time. Set the machine to a gentle cycle with an extra rinse to ensure all the brightener is thoroughly removed.
- Dry the Pillows: Once washed, it's crucial to dry your pillows properly. Use a low heat setting in the dryer and add a couple of dryerballs to help fluff the pillows and speed up drying time. Make sure the pillows are completely dry to prevent mildew.
5. Fluff and restore: After drying, fluff your pillows to restore their shape and enjoy their refreshed appearance and feel.
Additional Tips to Keep Pillows Clean and White
1. Use Pillow Protectors: Invest in pillow protectors to add an extra layer of defence against sweat and oils.
2. Wash Regularly: Aim to wash your pillows every three to six months to keep them clean and prevent yellowing.
3. Sun Drying: Occasionally air out your pillows in direct sunlight. Sunlight naturally helps to whiten fabrics and remove any lingering odours.
4. Replace When Needed: Pillows don't last forever. Replace them every 1-2 years to ensure you're sleeping on a clean and supportive surface.
By following these steps and incorporating Nellie's products into your laundry routine, you can keep your pillows white, fresh, and inviting. Say goodbye to yellow stains and hello to a cleaner, more comfortable sleep!