The Causes of Discoloration in Foam Pillows

Age

• There is no defense against the ravages of time; this holds just as true for foam pillows as it does for any other creation under the sun. The longer a pillow exists, the more its once-vibrant colors will dull or change due simply to the breakdown of the color's chemical structure over time. The more a color ages, the more it will fade away.

Sweat

• As nasty as it may sound, a foam pillow will change color due to exposure to human sweat, especially if the pillow goes a long time without being washed. Human sweat can cause unsightly yellowish-brown discolorations not just on foam pillows, but on bedclothes in general if they are not monitored and cleaned regularly.

Washing

• Improper washing -- or, in some cases, repeated correct washings -- can cause the color in some foam pillows to run or fade, resulting in a very noticeable discoloration of the material. Always take care when cleaning your pillows to follow the manufacturer's washing directions to avoid these discolorations. The color will still likely fade with repeated washings simply because no dyed-in color maintains its luster after repeated washing.

Stains

• Sometimes accidents just happen, and those accidents are occasionally of the type that introduces a stain -- from a wine glass, say -- onto your foam pillow. These discolorations may be removable if treated swiftly and correctly, but more often they will simply stick around regardless of repeated washings or treatments.