Pillows become yellow over time due to a build up of bacteria on the fabric (Image: Getty)
Pillows are often overlooked when people wash their but if they are not washed regularly, they can be one of the most unhygienic parts of the bed. Since we lay our heads on every night, they can become soaked in sweat, body oils, and dead skin cells, and in spring, they can also become a hotspot for pollen.
If you do not clean your pillows, they can collect bacteria that irritate your skin, make your bed smelly, attract dust mites, or even worsen allergic reactions. David Smith, a expert from has shared that you do not need to spend money on harsh chemical cleaners or even a washing machine to wash pillows properly.
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A simple way to clean pillows is with baking soda and lemon juice (Image: Getty)
David said: “There are a few tried and true 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!”
One simple way to clean pillows is to make a homemade mixture using lemon juice and baking soda. This will clean the fabric and remove any yellow stains caused by bacteria.
David added: “Create a paste using lemon juice and baking soda, then gently rub it onto the yellow stains.”
Lemon juice contains a natural substance called citric acid, which has bleaching and antibacterial properties that will kill any germs on your pillows.
Baking soda can help break down oils and dirt on pillows but is also very absorbent and will get rid of any moisture trapped inside the fabric.
Baking soda can help break down oils and dirt on pillows (Image: Getty)
How to make a homemade solution to clean pillows
All you need to do is sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on a dirty pillow. Then, squeeze a few lemons into the baking soda. Try to use fruit instead of juice from a bottle, as fresh lemon juice will be more potent and effective.
Once the lemon juice and baking soda are mixed together, they may begin to fizz slightly as they work themselves into the fabric, but this will not damage your pillow.
Leave the pillow alone for at least 30 minutes to loosen any stains and break down any bacteria.
Once the time is up, use a soft cloth to rub the pillow gently to break up any dirt on the fabric.
Then, you can wash it normally in the washing machine or give it a quick soak in a basin of hot water to rinse it.
Hang the pillow up to dry, and once it has dried completely, you should have a thoroughly cleaned pillow. It should look much whiter, smell fresher and be completely germ-free.