Pillows can become discoloured due to a build-up of sweat in the fabric, but it is easy to get them white again in less than 30 minutes using ingredients in your kitchen.

10:38, Sat, Dec 28, 2024 | UPDATED: 10:48, Sat, Dec 28, 2024

Picture of stained pillow

You can get dingy pillows white again in only 30 minutes using items in your kitchen cupboard (Image: Getty)

Pillows are likely to become stained in winter as more people are sleeping under heavier blankets and have their heating cranked up, which causes sweat to soak into the bedding. 

While having your bedding turn yellow and dingy-looking might be alarming, it is incredibly easy to remove these stains without using harsh chemicals like bleach which can damage the fabric. 

David, a bedding expert from Down and Feather Company, has shared that one of the best ways to wash pillows is simply using lemon juice and baking soda.

He said: “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.” 

Picture of lemon juice and baking soda

Lemon juice and baking soda are very effective at removing stains like sweat and drool (Image: Getty)

It may seem bizarre but lemon juice is one of the best laundry cleaners since it contains citric acid, which can naturally break down organic stains such as sweat or drool. 

Not only will lemon juice remove tough stains but it is also antibacterial and a natural bleaching agent, so will have your pillows looking sparkling clean in no time.

It is also a good idea to mix baking soda with lemon juice as it is mildly abrasive, which means it will physically help lift the stains from the fabric. 

If your pillow is simply a little stained, then spot-treat it by mixing both lemon juice and baking soda together until it forms a paste. 

Spread the paste directly on the stain and then leave it on the stain for at least 30 minutes. 

Once the time is up gently scrub the stained area with a soft-bristled brush (like an old toothbrush) and then wash the pillow in the washing machine.

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Picture of pillows and other beddign hanging out to dry

Hang pillows outside after washing them in lemon juice as it will enhance their effects (Image: Getty)

Simply place your pillows in a tub of warm water and then add the lemon juice and baking soda. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes and then place it in the washing machine.

After the pillows have been washed it is a good idea to hang them outside if you can as sunlight naturally reacts to lemon juice and will also help remove stains. 

The heat and ultraviolet rays from the sun will amplify the effects of lemon juice and is especially effective at getting rid of yellow stain marks. 

David said: “Sunlight can help naturally bleach and freshen pillows. After spot treating 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.” 

Once your pillows have dried they should be completely stain-free so you can have a comfy and clean bed to sleep in.