White pillowcases can develop stubborn yellow marks from sweat, natural oils, and skincare products, even with regular washing. Before reaching for bleach, a cheap kitchen cupboard staple can be added to the next wash.
Baking soda as a laundry aid
Baking soda is often used as a simple laundry aid, particularly for bedding that has started to smell less than fresh. Around half a cup can be added to the washing machine alongside normal detergent when cleaning white pillowcases, provided the item's care instructions allow it.
It can help freshen laundry and tackle lingering odours without having to rely on bleach every time your whites begin to look tired.
Vinegar and safety precautions
White vinegar is another kitchen staple sometimes used in laundry, particularly where detergent and other residue has built up on fabric. However, there is an important safety rule to remember: vinegar should never be combined with chlorine bleach, as mixing the two can release dangerous chlorine gas.
It is also worth checking the care label on your pillowcases before trying either method, particularly if they are made from a delicate material.
Regular washing and pre-treatment
Washing pillowcases regularly can make a difference too. Rather than waiting for obvious yellow stains to appear, keeping on top of your bedding washes can stop sweat, oils and products from having as much time to build up.
For marks that have already become deeply set into the fabric, you may still need to pre-treat the area with an appropriate laundry stain remover before putting it through the wash.
