Do not throw away sweat-stained pillow covers. Try this simple salt trick before washing

Those yellowish sweat marks on your favourite pillowcases can be surprisingly stubborn. Even after a regular wash, traces of body oils and sweat may linger, leaving the fabric looking dull. Before reaching for a stronger stain remover, you can try a simple household trick: a salt pre-soak. Common salt may help loosen fresh sweat and grime before the pillowcase goes into the washing machine, making it a handy addition to your laundry routine.

How can salt help with sweat stains?

Salt is a mild abrasive and can help loosen some residue from fabric when used as a pre-treatment. It can also help absorb moisture from fresh spills and stains. For sweat-stained pillowcases, the idea is simple: give the fabric some extra attention before the regular wash instead of expecting the washing machine to do all the work.

However, salt is not a guaranteed solution for old or deeply set yellow stains. The result can also depend on the fabric and the cause of the discolouration.

How to use salt on sweat-stained pillowcases

Start by checking the pillowcase's care label. If the fabric is suitable for soaking, fill a basin with cool or lukewarm water and add a few tablespoons of common salt. Place the stained pillowcases in the solution and let them soak for around 30 minutes. Gently rub the affected areas with your fingers or a soft cloth. Avoid aggressive scrubbing, particularly if the fabric is delicate.

Once you've finished the pre-soak, rinse the pillowcases and wash them using your usual laundry detergent according to the care instructions.

Don't dry them until you've checked the stains

Here's an important laundry trick: check the pillowcase before putting it in the dryer. If the yellow marks are still visible, repeat the appropriate stain-treatment process rather than exposing the fabric to high heat. Heat can make certain stains more difficult to remove.

For stubborn or older stains, a fabric-safe laundry stain remover may work better than salt alone.

Can you use salt on every pillowcase?

Not necessarily. Cotton pillowcases are generally more suitable for simple soaking, but delicate materials require extra care. Always check the care label before trying a home stain-removal method. It is also a good idea to test the salt solution on a small, inconspicuous section if you're unsure how the fabric will react.

And remember, salt should be used as a pre-treatment, not as a replacement for your regular laundry detergent.

A simple trick before your next wash

If sweat stains are making your pillowcases look older than they really are, don't immediately throw them out. A quick salt pre-soak can be a simple first step before washing.

Blot or rinse the affected area, soak it in a mild salt solution for about 30 minutes, gently work on the stain and then wash according to the care label. It costs very little, takes hardly any effort and gives your regular laundry routine an extra step to tackle everyday grime.