For one pillow with yellow stains, a scoop of soda crystals added to the washing machine with a detergent capsule removed the discoloration in a single wash. The pillow emerged noticeably whiter after the cycle.
Soda crystals are an all-natural cleaning product sold at Home Bargains for under £2 per kilogram. They soften towels, brighten bed sheets, and remove brown stains from white socks.
How to Wash a Yellow-Stained Pillow
Before washing, check the care label to see if the pillow is machine washable and at what temperature. The pillow used in this case was suitable for machine washing at 40°C.
Add one scoop of soda crystals directly into the washing machine drum along with a laundry detergent capsule. To avoid underloading the machine and prevent the pillow's filling from clumping, include other white laundry items in the load.
Using a Laundry Disinfectant
Because a 40°C wash may not eliminate all bacteria, add a laundry disinfectant to the washing machine drawer. Dettol Antibacterial Laundry Sanitiser works well, but any comparable brand is effective.
Drying in Sunlight
After the wash and spin cycle, place the pillow on a drying rack outside in direct sunlight. The sun's UV rays act as a natural whitener, breaking down any remaining stain particles without chemicals.
