How to Whiten Yellowed Mattresses and Pillows Without Bleach
Yellowing is usually caused by sweat, body oils, skin products, and moisture. You can often improve it without bleach, although an old stain may not disappear completely.
For pillows
Check the care label first. Some pillows, especially memory foam and latex, should not be machine-washed.
For washable pillows, add your normal detergent plus ½ cup (120 mL) of washing soda to the wash.
Use warm or hot water only if the manufacturer’s instructions allow it.
Run an extra rinse to remove detergent.
Dry completely. For washable pillows, tumble-drying on an appropriate setting with dryer balls can help prevent clumping.
For a spot treatment, make a paste from baking soda and a small amount of water, gently work it into the stain, leave it for about 30 minutes, then remove it thoroughly and wash according to the label.
For a mattress
Don’t soak a mattress—the moisture can penetrate the interior and encourage mold.
Vacuum the entire mattress thoroughly.
Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the surface.
Leave it for several hours, preferably in a well-ventilated room.
Vacuum it up thoroughly.
For persistent yellow stains, lightly dab with a cloth dampened with 3% hydrogen peroxide mixed with a little mild dish soap. Don’t saturate the mattress.
Allow the mattress to dry completely before covering it.
Test hydrogen peroxide on an inconspicuous area first because it can lighten some fabrics.
Keep them white longer
Use a washable mattress protector and pillow protectors, wash bedding regularly, and allow the mattress to air out when changing the sheets.
Important: Never mix hydrogen peroxide with bleach, vinegar, ammonia, or other cleaning chemicals. And if a mattress has extensive mold, a persistent musty odor, or deep contamination, cleaning the surface may not be enough.
