Expert's 5p trick to get your stained bedding as good as new

Sleeping in clean sheets is a pleasure but stubborn stains can be off-putting however there are simple and cheap ways to tackle a whole variety of marks

Climbing into a bed with clean sheets can be a real pleasure. But getting your bedding sparkling and stain-free can sometimes seem an impossible task.

Whether it is from fake tan, makeup or sweat it can be tough to get them out of the material. And for those who enjoy a snack in bed on a lazy day there is also the risk of food stains adding to the mix.

Many people who have been doing their own bedding for years can still find it difficult to get them pristine. And autumn sees thousands of students heading away from home and facing having to deal with washing their own sheets for the first time.

Now an expert has shared their tips for getting rid of stubborn stains from bedding and pillows. Ashley Hainsworth, founder of Bed Kingdom, says these are easy and effective - and they won't break the bank.

Sweat stains

Sweat stains are common, especially among students as a result of their hormones, high levels of physical activity, and warm environments such as student hall rooms that don't have air conditioning. While light sweating is unlikely to leave a mark, significant sweating may leave a yellow stain, which can be frustrating – particularly if you have white or light-coloured bedding.

For oil-based stains such as sweat, it is important to address the stain as soon as possible. You can do this in several ways, and these techniques will work at maximum efficacy if they’re applied as soon as you notice the stain.

One way to treat sweat stains is by mixing four tablespoons of baking soda with a quarter cup of water to form a paste. Apply it directly to the sweat stain and let it sit for 30 minutes before popping your bedding or bottom sheet into the washing machine.

If you have white sheets, a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda may also be an effective solution. After applying the baking soda paste, spray or pour a small amount of white vinegar onto the stain. This will help lift the stain and neutralise any lingering odour that may persist.

Before you wash your bedding, it is best to apply a cold rinse, as hot water can set the stain, making it harder to remove. You can rinse the sheets by hand in a bathtub of cold water or by using the cold-water rinse setting on your washing machine.

Once it’s time to wash your bedding, make sure to opt for a biological laundry detergent. These detergents contain enzymes designed to break down the proteins found in sweat stains, helping to reduce their appearance.

Place the bedding in the washing machine on a hot water cycle to ensure the best possible results. At least 40 degrees is ideal, but you may want to try 60 degrees or whatever the highest temperature setting recommended on the care label is.

While you may be tempted to add a fabric softener, these can leave a residue that traps sweat and oils, so it is best to avoid using one. After washing, inspect the stained area before putting the bedding in the dryer.

If the stain persists, repeat the treatment and wash process, as heat from the dryer can set the stain permanently. Once the stain is completely removed, air-dry it outside or in a well-ventilated area.

Sunlight acts as a natural bleaching agent and will keep your bedding as fresh as possible. If this isn’t an option, tumble dry your bedding on a low-heat setting.

Food stains

Many folk, especially students, may enjoy home cooking or takeaways from the comfort of their own bed – perhaps while watching a film or catching up with housemates. While this can be a messy habit, many will do it regardless, and there are ways to take action in the instance of any food transferring to the bedding and leaving a stain.

Food stains may be difficult to remove if they're highly pigmented, such as ketchup stains – and they may be quite greasy. Some food packaging, such as pizza delivery boxes, may also make your bed sheets greasy as the grease often soaks through the cardboard.

While your best bet to avoiding food stains is by restraining from eating in bed, there are ways to eliminate them effectively if they become a problem. A pre-treatment technique that can effectively tackle food stains is washing up liquid.

Gently rub this into the stain at least 15 minutes before washing your bedding. This will help break down the oil and pigment to minimise stains. As with sweat stains, you should apply a cold rinse as this may encourage the stain to come out more easily.

Try turning the bedding inside out and rinsing the stained area with cold water from the back of the stain, as this helps to push the grease out of the fabric rather than deeper into it. You can also soak the bedding in a vinegar solution by filling a bathtub with warm water and adding a cup of white vinegar.

Submerge the stained area and let it soak for about an hour – the vinegar helps to break down the oils from the food further and neutralise any lingering residues. If you pick up some distilled white vinegar (35p) from Tesco, this would cost only 5p for each stain that needs removing.

Wash your bedding as usual using the highest possible heat setting and a biological laundry detergent. For extra cleaning power, add half a cup of baking soda to the wash cycle, as this will help lift stains and deodorise the fabric.

Check the affected area after washing it. Hopefully, the stain will have disappeared, but if any pigment remains, you may want to repeat the process. Once you’re sure that the stain has gone, air or tumble dry on a low-heat setting.

Fake tan and makeup stains

Using fake tan is one way to achieve a healthy glow but it can yield unsightly stains that are extremely difficult to remove. Additionally, makeup stains from products such as foundation or mascara typically create a dark stain that may need a bit of extra attention to eliminate.

Before washing your bedding, check the stain carefully. If the fake tan or makeup stain is still wet, blot the excess with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Avoid rubbing, as this can cause the stain to spread beyond the original spot. Fresh stains are typically easier to remove, whereas old stains may require multiple washes or more pre-treatments to eradicate them completely, so bear this in mind.

An effective pre-treatment for fake tan or makeup stains is an oxygen bleach soak, as it can provide a more intensive clean. However, only apply this if you have white bedding. Fill a bathtub with warm water and add oxygen bleach per the package instructions. Soak the stained area for at least 1-2 hours or overnight if the stain is severe.

After working your pre-treatment into the fabric, wash and dry according to your usual laundry routine with the recommended settings. As with other stains, the highest possible temperature is ideal for washing bedding, and air-drying is beneficial for both removing stains and keeping your bedding as fresh as possible.

Prevention is easier than removal when it comes to fake tan and makeup stains, so it’s a good idea to take preventative measures to avoid staining your bedsheets. Be sure to let your fake tan fully dry before getting into bed to limit any potential transfer and wear loose clothing to provide a barrier between your skin and your sheets.

Ideally, use old bedding or put down towels over your bedding so that they bear the brunt of any stains instead of your regular bedding. Additionally, removing makeup before going to bed should prevent the transfer of makeup stains.