White pillowcase cleaning hack: How to remove yellow stains, body oils and sweat from your bedding and make it bright again

A simple white pillowcase cleaning hack could help tackle the yellow stains, sweat, body oils and skincare buildup that can leave your bedding looking dull. Experts explain how to use the right washing and soaking methods to get white pillowcases looking fresh again and how to prevent those stubborn stains from coming back.

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Why do white pillowcases turn yellow?

The most common reason is surprisingly simple: your body leaves things behind while you sleep. “Yellow discoloration typically stems from a buildup of body oils, sweat, and skincare products,” explains textile expert Parima Ijaz, according to Marthastewart.


Natural skin oils, known as sebum, can soak into pillowcase fibers and oxidize over time, creating a yellowish appearance. Sweat can add to the buildup, while night creams, retinoids, sunscreen and hair products can also transfer onto the fabric.

“[Fabric softener], dryer sheets, and under-rinsed detergent can leave a film that holds onto oil, and the optical brighteners in most detergents build up into a dingy cast people mistake for yellowing,” says Elizabeth Cook, founder of ZILK Sleep.

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The cleaning hack for yellow cotton pillowcases

Before treating any stain, check the care label. Cotton and percale can generally handle stronger treatments than delicate fabrics such as silk. For cotton or percale, Cook recommends washing pillowcases every three to four days to prevent oil from accumulating.

For an effective cleaning hack, try this:

• Fill a basin with warm water and add an enzyme-based laundry detergent.
• Soak the pillowcase for 30 minutes to one hour.
• Rinse it thoroughly.
• If yellowing remains, soak it in an oxygen bleach solution for one to four hours, following the product instructions.
• Rinse again and wash normally using warm water and detergent.
• Check the stain before putting the pillowcase in the dryer.

Don't tumble-dry a stained pillowcase. Heat can set the discoloration and make it harder to remove. If possible, line-dry cotton or percale pillowcases, as sunlight can provide an additional brightening effect.

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What about yellow stains on silk pillowcases?

Silk needs a much gentler approach. Use cool water and a small amount of pH-neutral, enzyme-free detergent. Gently move the pillowcase through the water for 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid scrubbing, wringing or twisting the fabric. Rinse thoroughly.

If the care label allows machine washing, place the silk pillowcase in a mesh laundry bag and use a delicate cycle with cool water and the lowest spin setting.

• Lay it flat to dry away from direct sunlight and heat.
• How to prevent pillowcases from turning yellow
• The easiest cleaning hack may actually be preventing the buildup in the first place.
• Rotate pillowcases: Using several pillowcases gives each one a break between washes.

Wash your face before bed: “Cleansing your skin properly before bed is the biggest benefit by a wide margin,” Cook says. “Most yellowing is whatever was still on your face at 11 p.m.”

Give skincare time to absorb: Wait around 15 minutes after applying products before getting into bed.

Dry laundry completely: Never store pillowcases while damp. Keep them somewhere clean, dry and breathable.

Dry your hair: Damp hair, combined with styling products, can transfer moisture and oils onto your pillowcase.

With regular washing, careful product use and the right cleaning hack, those yellow marks don't necessarily have to become a permanent feature of your favorite white bedding.