Pillows often slip under the radar in routine laundry, yet leaving them unwashed can lead to a breeding ground for bacteria and sweat accumulation, resulting in unsightly yellow stains that are tough to eradicate.

Over time, these factors contribute to pillows becoming unhygienic and discoloured.

Laundry guru David Smith from Down and Feather has shared his insights on how to clean and revive your pillows and do away with those persistent yellow marks.

David said: “There are a few tried and tested methods that can help reduce or eliminate yellow stains from your pillows and pillowcases, and plenty of them can be accomplished with everyday household items.”

Although bleach might seem like an ideal choice for whitening purposes, David warned against it due to its potential to trigger chemical reactions that diminish the strength of fabric fibres and harm the material.

Instead of bleach, which falls short in treating fabric stains, he endorsed gentler options boasting near miraculous efficacy, like hydrogen peroxide.

The expert claimed hydrogen peroxide to be his first port of call for tackling more adamant stains, noting they can be vanquished within a mere 10 to 15 minutes.

He instructed: “Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water. Dab the solution onto the stained areas, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse with water.”

The expert recommended a precautionary test on a small part of the fabric beforehand to confirm that it would not cause damage.

Hydrogen peroxide is versatile for many cleaning dilemmas, whether for blemished bed sheets or dingy mould-ridden grout.

When dealing with stained white bedding under a relatively bright sky, David recommends taking it outdoors.

He noted: “Sunlight can help naturally bleach and freshen pillows. After spot treatment or washing, hang the pillows in direct sunlight to dry. Rotate them occasionally for even exposure and ensure they are completely dry before using them again.”

After such treatment and once retrieved from the line, your pillows should return to being white, fresh, and clean, contributing to a comfortable night's sleep.

Alternatively, for a more accessible method, David suggested households can use a combination of lemon juice and baking soda. 

For this, create a paste using lemon juice and baking soda, then gently rub it onto the yellow stains. Let it sit for about 30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly and allowing the pillow to dry.