Pillows might not be the first thing you think to wash when putting your bedding through laundry, but neglecting them could lead to a stinky and discoloured mess. 

Over time, they can become a hotbed for bacteria, saliva, and sweat, leading to unsightly yellow stains that are tough to clean.

Especially in the summer months, with increased sweating and airborne pollen, pillows can get even grimier and more germ-infested.

But fear not, laundry guru David Smith from Down and Feather has spilt the beans on how to get your pillows back to being "fresh clean pillows" and banish those stubborn yellow marks.

He claimed: “There are a few tried and tested methods that can help reduce or eliminate yellow stains from your pillows and pillowcases, and plenty of them can be accomplished with everyday household staples.”

You might think bleach is the go-to for whitening up your pillows, but it’s actually a big no-no for laundry as it can cause a harsh chemical reaction that weakens fibres and damages the fabric.

Instead of reaching for the bleach, which isn’t great at tackling fabric stains anyway, there are safer, more natural alternatives that work wonders like hydrogen peroxide.

The expert claimed that hydrogen peroxide is his go-to for those more stubborn stains fast in just 10 to 15 minutes.

When the sun is beaming down, David suggests taking stained white bedding outside.

He explained: “Sunlight can help naturally bleach and freshen pillows. After spot treatment 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 you've taken your pillows off the line, they should be white, fresh, and clean again, ensuring you get a comfortable night’s sleep.