Pillows accumulate sweat, dirt, and bacteria every day, yet they are often overlooked when cleaning the bedroom. With just a few common ingredients like baking soda, lemon, or white vinegar, you can clean yellow stains, eliminate odors, and make your pillow smell fresher without much effort.

Tips for cleaning cotton swabs to remove yellow stains and unpleasant odors.
Many people are in the habit of changing the outer packaging of sanitary pads regularly, but they forget that the inner part is where most of the sweat, oil, and dirt accumulate. Especially in the summer, after only a few months of use, the inner part of the pad easily develops yellow stains and an unpleasant damp smell.

Not only does this make the pillow look unsightly, but it also allows bacteria and fungi to thrive. This is also why many people frequently experience acne on their cheeks, skin allergies, or discomfort while sleeping.

Instead of constantly replacing the pack, you can easily clean the inside of the pack using the simple tips below to make the pack whiter, more fragrant, and last longer.

Clean yellow stains with baking soda and white vinegar.
This is a method many people use when pillows become stained yellow over time due to accumulated sweat. Baking soda has the ability to absorb odors and clean naturally, while white vinegar helps soften stubborn plaque.

You just need to prepare a basin of warm water, about 40-50°C, then add half a cup of baking soda, half a cup of white vinegar, and a little dish soap. When the mixture starts to foam, soak the pillowcases in it for about 20-30 minutes.

While soaking, the dirt will gradually loosen from the fabric fibers and the inner lining. Afterwards, gently squeeze the bag to push out the dirt and rinse several times with clean water.

This method is especially effective for old, unwashed pillows or those with a noticeable musty smell.

Baking soda mixed with white vinegar is quite effective in removing yellow stains from the inside of tea bags. Baking soda mixed with white vinegar is quite effective in removing yellow stains from the inside of tea bags.

Use lemon and salt to naturally whiten the inside of the bag.
If you don't want to use harsh detergents, lemon and salt are a safe option. The natural acids in lemon help brighten fabrics, while salt helps disinfect and reduce odors.

You can squeeze the juice from 3–5 lemons and mix it with a cup of salt in warm water. After stirring until dissolved, soak the sausage casings in the mixture for about 1–2 hours.

For stubborn stains, many people also use lemon peel to rub directly on the surface before soaking to increase the cleaning effect.

After washing, the inside of the pillowcase usually has a mild, pleasant scent. This is a suitable tip for families with young children or people with sensitive skin because it doesn't leave behind a strong chemical smell.

Eliminate odors using white vinegar and essential oils.
Some bags may look clean but have a musty or unpleasant odor. In this case, white vinegar mixed with natural essential oils will help eliminate the odor quite well.

Mix a cup of white vinegar with warm water, then add a few drops of tea tree, lemongrass, or lavender essential oil. Soak the pillowcases in this mixture for about 30 minutes before gently washing them.

Essential oils not only make the laundry smell better but also support natural antibacterial properties. After drying in the sun, the vinegar smell will disappear, leaving only a mild fragrance on the fabric.

Many people often use this method on humid days or during the rainy season to reduce the unpleasant smell of their pillows.

Washing the inner lining of the pillow in the washing machine without worrying about clumping.
Many people are hesitant to put pillowcases in the washing machine for fear that the cotton inside will become dislodged or clump together. In reality, if used correctly, washing machines can save a lot of time.

First, fill the washing machine with hot water and dissolve the detergent along with a little hydrogen peroxide or mild bleach. If you have borax, you can add a small amount to increase cleaning effectiveness.

When placing the pillow in the washing machine, arrange it evenly on both sides to minimize shaking during the spin cycle. Choose a gentle wash cycle or a cycle for bedding to protect the inner filling.

A helpful tip is to turn on the extra rinse cycle to ensure no soap residue remains inside the laundry bag after washing.

Hydrogen peroxide helps to quickly remove stubborn stains.
Hydrogen peroxide is not only used for disinfection but also has the ability to clean sweat stains quite effectively. Compared to strong bleach, hydrogen peroxide is less damaging to fabric fibers and does not have an overly strong odor.

Simply pour hydrogen peroxide directly onto the yellowed area and leave it for about 15-20 minutes. When you see white foam appear, that means the hydrogen peroxide is breaking down the organic plaque.

After this step, soak the pillowcase in warm water mixed with detergent and wash it as usual. Many old stains will fade noticeably after just one treatment.

Hydrogen peroxide is a trick to clean old stains without using harsh detergents. Hydrogen peroxide is a trick to clean old stains without using harsh detergents.

The secret to drying the intestines quickly and maintaining their shape.
After washing, many people often wring out the clothes forcefully to make them dry faster, but this causes the cotton fibers to break and clump together easily.

A better way is to gently squeeze the pillowcase to let the water drain slowly, then use a large towel to absorb the excess water before drying. Hot, sunny days are the best time to dry the pillowcase because sunlight helps kill bacteria naturally and effectively.

While drying, occasionally turn the pillow over and gently pat it to loosen the inner filling. This will help the pillow retain its softness and fluffiness for longer after washing.

Experts also recommend cleaning the inner lining of the pillowcase about 2-3 times a year to reduce dirt buildup and protect the health of your family.