White bedding is a popular choice as it conveys a sense of luxury. It’s no coincidence that hotels opt for white linens over colours. That said, white linens are notoriously unforgiving as stains show up easily and they can get dingy and grubby if they are not regularly cleaned, most commonly when it comes to pillowcases. Unfortunately, detergent alone won’t be able to remove these stains, specific treatments are recommended.
In search of ways to remove yellow stains from her pillow cases, One woman took to the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips and Tricks group on Facebook to ask for some advice.
Posting an image of her yellow-stained pillowcase, Lisa Shoosmith wrote: “Can anyone recommend anything for getting yellow stains off white pillowcases?
“I think it’s a combo of sweat and my husband’s hair gel. Also have yellow stains on some white towels and not a clue what they are, please help! Thank you.”
Yellow stains on pillowcases can be caused by oils from the hair and body, sweat and/or saliva.
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But the good news is that treating yellow stains doesn’t take long and is a “cheap” and “easy” method when using Elbow Grease spray, according to Mrs Hinch fans.
Lynn Sonnenfeld recommended: “The stains will come off easily with Elbow Grease spray (yellow one. Just spray it on the area and wash as normal. You can pick it up cheap at Home Bargains for like £1.”
Terri Haynes wrote: “I sprayed the stain with elbow grease and washed on a 90 degree wash. it looks so much better now.”
Andrea Dolby said: “Elbow grease spray and leave for 10 minutes, then soak in bio detergent in hot water for 10 minutes and then wash as normal. They’ll be white again.”
Samantha Mutch McNeaney wrote: “Spray Elbow Grease and leave for five to 10 minutes and give it a light scrub before putting in wash on a bedding cycle. The marks will vanish.”
Nicola Stevens commented: “Omg my husbands are the same, I think its oily skin – it’s disgusting. Just give it a spray down with Elbow Grease and the stain will be gone after a wash cycle.”
Aside from Home Bargains, Elbow Grease All Purpose Degreaser can be picked up from Asda for £1.25.
As well as being used to remove grease and stains from hard surfaces, this spray can also be used on fabrics. However, it is worth always testing it on an inconspicuous area of the pillowcases before too much of the product is used.
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Retailing for a little more, other Mrs Hinch fans recommended using Napisan to remove the yellow pillowcase stains.
Sandra Russell Wilson said: “I’ve had this problem, Napisan is amazing to get all things back white, if it’s an old stain you are best to soak overnight then always wash on the bedding cycle. Hope this helps.”
Alison Howman wrote: “Soaked them in Napisan overnight and washed them with detergent on my usual cycle. They are now the brightest thing in the house.”
Stephanie Williams agreed: “I would soak them in Napisan overnight before you wash them.”
Bethany Taylor said: “My partner’s pillowcase was similar to this. I soaked his in Napisan and then put it in the washer with a bit more and it’s gone back white.”
Wendy Jones wrote: “I soak my son’s pillowcases in Napisan or give them a heavy dose of Elbow Grease. They are all teenagers and the combination of oily hair and hair products doesn’t help. They are also changed every week.”
Households should change their pillowcase at least once a week. That’s even for those who don’t sleep with a pillow right under their neck or face. For those who want to do it every few days, that’s even better.
However, in a realistic world, once per week is good enough for most and helps prevent the yucky buildup of skin, dirt, and oils.
