What Causes My Pillowcases to Discolor?

What Causes My Pillowcases to Discolor?
Written By
Lorna Hordos
Lorna Hordos
Published: Aug 19, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Discolored Case Causes

Sweat, breath, skin oil, saliva or any other body emission that comes with sleep can soil a pillowcase. Wash your pillow and any protective cover as needed to limit transferred soils to the case. It's fine to use bleach to sanitize or deep clean sheets and pillowcases but because of its potency, bleach also can cause pillowcase discoloration or yellowing; use bleach only occasionally and as directed on the label. Wash and dry bedding on cool or tepid settings; using hot wash water or a hot dryer sets stains, leaving them discolored. Borax or washing soda helps to whiten fabric and remove stains.

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Lorna Hordos

Lorna Hordos is a home-flipping business owner and freelance writer. She writes friendly, conversational business, home and lifestyle articles for Bizfluent, azcentral, Daltile, Marazzi, Lowes, Philips Lighting, WordPress.com and numerous…

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