There can be nothing more disturbing than a glimpse beneath the pillowcase – those long, summer nights have certainly left their mark.
The sweltering heat has been soaked up like a sponge, and your plush white pillows have turned an alarming yellow.
But not to worry, one cleaning expert has come up with an easy way to reverse the damage – and it will only cost you 4p.
So here’s how you can do it…
Experts believe that every household should be washing their pillows a minimum of twice a year (File image)
It should be noted that the longer the yellow stains are there, the harder they’ll be to get rid of. So you need to work fast if you spot them (File image)
Fans of cleaning sensation Mrs Hinch shared their recommendations for cleaning pillows and removing stains.
One fan questioned how she could go about removing the discolouration on a dedicated Facebook cleaning page: ‘Hi, how does everyone remove yellow stains from their pillows, mine is covered in them.
‘I’ve tried using baking soda and white vinegar but the stains are still there. What else can I try?’
It should be noted that there are several reasons why pillows turn yellow, but sweat is the main cause.
However, people with oily hair or those who go to bed with wet or damp hair may also discover unsightly yellow stains on their pillow. Some types of makeup and skincare products can also cause these marks to appear.
Therefore it’s important that the first time you notice any yellowing to attempt to clean it off. And, the experts suggest every household washes their pillows at least twice a year.
But if you don’t have time for that, there is a cheap and effective method that won’t break the bank, and will see your pillow looking brand new.
In replying to the query, several Facebook users advised that using a dishwasher tablet is a ‘no-effort hack’ that will rid the nasty colouration in just one wash.
It can always be a harrowing sight when we see our pillows covered in yellow stains when we swap the sheets over. But we shouldn’t be embarrassed by this – and there is a really easy way to solve this problem (File image)
One person commented: ‘I always use a dishwasher tablet to wash my pillows and any white laundry. My whites and pillows have never looked so white.’
While another chimed in saying: ‘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.’
A third put replied: ‘Nothing has given me better results when washing my pillow than a dishwasher tablet has.’
And a fourth Facebook user replied: ‘Add a dishwasher tablet to your washing machine when cleaning your pillow with nothing else and it’ll come out gleaming.’
The reason why this tip is so great is because every clean will work out at just four pence.
A pack of 30 dishwasher tablets can be picked up from Asda for £1.34 – and this works out as 4p per tablet.
Meanwhile, a pack of 30 Sainsbury’s own-brand dishwasher tablets can be picked up for £3.00. This will set you back just 10p per use.
And a packet of 40 Tesco all-in-one dishwasher tablets cost £3.90, meaning it will cost you 9p to use one tablet.
Dishwasher tablets do not only give effective cleaning results, but most people already have them in their kitchen too.
However, some cleaning advice websites and have warned against this practice, following claims dishwasher tablets can be used to clean the washing machine.
Speaking to Ideal Home, one AO’s large appliance expert said that while dishwasher tablets were unlikely to cause serious damage, she recommended always following the manufactuer’s advice’.
She said: ‘We’d advise that people follow the manufacturer instructions on how to clean the machine as these differ with each model and type. Many now even have their own cleaning programme to do so.’
Other Mrs Hinch fans on the Facebook page also suggested using soda crystals to remove yellow stains from pillows.
One user advised: ‘I add a cup of soda crystals to my washing machine when cleaning my pillows. It works wonders.’
And a second person put: ‘Use soda crystals. Not only will it remove pillow stains but it also helps to keep the washing machine clean.’
It should be noted that the longer the yellow stains are there, the harder they’ll be to get rid of.
So you need to work fast if you spot them.
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk