How to remove stains from pillows without washing machine, vinegar or bleach

Pillows are not something households are conscious about cleaning, in comparison to bed sheets.

As pillows can house a mixture of dust mites, bacteria, sweat and so much more, it’s important to make sure they receive just as much attention as anything else on beds.

To avoid any mistakes and ensure your pillows are fresh, clean and yellow-stain-free, Karl Huckerby, a cleaning expert from Spare and Square, has shared his top pillow cleaning tips.

He said: “Pillows can get dirty easily as they collect the likes of dead skin, sweat, forgotten makeup and other bacteria as we sleep on them. This means they need to be cleaned thoroughly often, to avoid the likes of yellow stains becoming a permanent feature.

“If you notice a stain on your pillow, the first thing you need to do is check your pillow’s care label, so you know how to wash it without damaging it. 

“Although the majority of pillows can be cleaned in the washing machine, the likes of feather pillows and memory foam often need to be hand washed instead.

“Many types of pillows can’t just be thrown in the wash with the rest of the washing, due to their unique or delicate properties. Luckily, these pillows can and should still be cleaned just as thoroughly, through a method called spot cleaning.”

Spot cleaning is when you clean a specific spot of the pillow, instead of just throwing the whole thing into the wash. 

One of the first methods to spot clean Karl suggested to remove yellow pillow stains is to use lemon juice.

He said: “Lemon juice is an acid that acts as a natural bleaching agent which takes out tough stains easily.”

For this method, mix two parts warm water with one part lemon juice. Use a clean cloth or towel to dab (gently) at the stain with the mixture above.

Repeat the dabbing until the stain comes out and rinse with water if necessary.

If households find that lemon juice on its only isn’t working well enough, the expert recommends pairing it with salt.

Salt can be effectively used as it works as a gentle abrasive element to help absorb moisture from liquid stains.

Start by cutting a fresh lemon or using lemon juice and pour or squeeze the juice onto the stain. Make sure to cover the stain completely.

Then pour salt over the top of the lemon juice/stain. Using a dry cloth, dab at the juice and salt until the stain has disappeared. Be careful to dab instead of rubbing as the salt could scratch the pillow. Finish by rinsing the stain with water.