There is little more disappointing than crisp white bedding becoming marred by unsightly yellow stains. Fortunately, a remarkably cheap and effective solution has been shared by cleaning enthusiasts, promising to restore your linens to their former glory.
The Problem with White Pillows and Sheets
Fresh white bedding offers an inviting and clean feel to any bedroom, but it is notoriously prone to marking. Over time, white pillows frequently develop stubborn yellow discolouration. This is typically caused by sweat soaking through the pillowcase during sleep or from going to bed with hair that is damp or contains natural oils.
While regular washing can help prevent these stains from setting permanently, sometimes it is not enough. This led members of a popular Facebook cleaning tips group to seek advice on tackling yellow marks that had resisted traditional methods like baking soda and white vinegar.
The 4p Kitchen Staple Solution
Among hundreds of comments on the social media post, one recommendation stood out for its simplicity and effectiveness. The most advocated solution was to use a dishwasher tablet in the washing machine.
Cleaning fans reported stunning results with minimal effort. Cat Christine advised: "Use a dishwasher tablet in your washing machine. It's a no-effort hack to get all the stains off in just one wash cycle."
Others echoed this success. Sandra Moore commented: "I always use a dishwasher tablet to wash my pillows and any white laundry. My whites and pillows have never looked so white."
Mandy Williams-Moss and Steven Reader also praised the method, with Reader stating: "Nothing has given me better results when washing my pillow than a dishwasher tablet has."
The financial appeal is significant. A pack of 30 dishwasher tablets can be purchased for around £1.34, working out to roughly 4p per tablet. They are readily available from most major supermarkets.
An Alternative: Soda Crystals
While dishwasher tablets were the star recommendation, some followers of cleaning influencer Mrs Hinch suggested an alternative: soda crystals.
Rachel Allen said: "I add a cup of soda crystals to my washing machine when cleaning my pillows. It works wonders."
Lyn Keith and Sylvia Smith also endorsed soda crystals, with Smith noting an added benefit: "Use soda crystals. Not only will it remove pillow stains but it also helps to keep the washing machine clean."
Sharon Bardin offered a word of caution, advising against using white vinegar in washing machines due to potential damage and recommending soda crystals instead.
Whether you opt for the powerful cleaning action of a dishwasher tablet or the brightening properties of soda crystals, these simple hacks offer a cost-effective way to maintain brilliantly white bedding without harsh chemicals or expensive products.
