Pillows are often overlooked when doing laundry, but failing to wash them can result in an unhygienic and discoloured mess.

As time passes, they can become a breeding ground for bacteria, saliva, and sweat, leading to unsightly yellow stains that are difficult to remove.

However, laundry expert David Smith from Down and Feather has shared his expertise on how to restore your pillows to their former freshness and eliminate those stubborn yellow stains.

He said: “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.”

While bleach may seem like the obvious choice for whitening pillows, it’s not recommended as it can cause a harsh chemical reaction that weakens fibres and damages the fabric.

Instead of using bleach, which isn’t effective at tackling fabric stains, there are safer, more natural alternatives that work wonders, such as hydrogen peroxide.

The expert claimed that hydrogen peroxide is his go-to solution for more stubborn stains, which can be removed in just 10 to 15 minutes.

He instructed: “Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water. Dab the solution onto the stained areas, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse with water.

“Make sure to test a small, hidden area first to ensure it doesn't damage the fabric.”

Hydrogen peroxide can be used for many other cleaning dilemmas like stains on bed sheets or grout.

When the sky is relatively bright, 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.