Yellow stains on your pillow, a clear warning not to ignore for the sake of your health
Stained pillows are a common problem for many but there are health issues associated with using them regularly.
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of sleeping on freshly washed bedsheets, although in some cases they - and pillowcases in particular - could be hiding a potential health hazard: yellow stains on your pillow.
Many of us have been there at one point or another at some stage of our lives. With regular use, most pillows inevitably develop such yellow stains, no matter what they are made of, their size or shape.
What causes yellow stains on pillows?
The cause of the color change can be natural, with sweat, saliva, body oils and dead skin cells all contributing factors.
There can also be chemical reasons, with hair products and facial creams also capable of turning white into yellow. Additionally, it’s thought sleeping with damp hair can have a similar effect.
What happens if I sleep with a stained pillow?
The fact your pillow turns yellow is, therefore, perfectly normal and extremely common. However, continuing to rest your head on a stained pillow can put your health at risk.
According to German magazine Chip, those yellow stains can become a breeding ground for dust mites, mold spores and bacteria, which could in turn lead to allergies, skin irritation and breathing problems.
How to stop pillows turning yellow
As you might expect, regular machine washing is key. For pillows, experts recommend doing so just a few times a year, every three to four months. An additional tip is to make sure your pillow dries thoroughly. Leaving it in direct sunlight is ideal, as ultraviolet rays can help eliminate even the most persistent of bacteria and odors.
Most people use the same pillow every night, so those in the know believe it’s best to replace yours every one to two years.
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