Pillows are often overlooked when it comes to laundry day, but frequent cleaning is crucial to avoid them from becoming a bacterial breeding ground and visibly stained. As the season heads closer to summer, pillows will frequently reveal evidence of the warmer months with unsightly sweat-induced stains that can leave the fabric with a greasy yellow tinge.

Thankfully, Katie Berry, the founder of Housewife How Tos and a pro at ridding homes of grime, has revealed an easy remedy to vanquish those persistent pillow stains without resorting to bleach. She pointed out, “Bleach won’t remove grease. In fact, it can make the stain more stubborn, even permanent. So here's how I finally got my grimy pillowcases clean again.” Katie also noted: “This method is just as effective as strip washing but won't leave your pillowcase thin or rough.

Curious about which kitchen staples double as pillow-cleaning powerhouses? The surprising heroes of pillow cleaning include none other than dish soap and baking soda, found in most kitchens.

Dish soap is formulated to cut through grease, making it an ideal candidate for tackling the sweat and body oil that commonly sully pillows.

And as for those tenacious yellow blots? Baking soda steps in with its mild bleaching prowess to restore your pillows to their pristine state.

It also doubles as a natural odour eliminator, neutralising any acidic elements responsible for unpleasant scents, ensuring your pillow is not only spotless but also smells wonderfully fresh.

For this method, begin by filling a sink or bathtub with very hot water, then add 240g of baking soda and 60ml of washing-up liquid.

Stir the mixture until the baking soda has fully dissolved, and then submerge your pillow.

Take your pillow and scrub it with your hand, or if you have two pillows, rub them together for a thorough cleaning.

Next, drain the sink or bathtub, refill it with clean water, and add a few drops of washing-up liquid. Soak the pillow in the solution for at least an hour, or preferably overnight.

After soaking, rinse the pillows thoroughly with hot water until there is no soapy residue and the water runs clear.

Finally, put the pillows on a hot wash and rinse cycle with your regular laundry detergent, but do not use fabric softener. Instead, add white vinegar to the washing machine detergent drawer, as it is antibacterial and helps break down and dissolve stains.

Katie said: “The vinegar in this final step removes any lingering greasy residue and kills odours, so don’t skip it. If your machine has one, use a second cycle.”