What is more delicious than slipping into freshly laundered, fragrant-smelling clean sheets at the end of another long balmy day? As simple pleasures go, it is pretty much unbeatable. We all know the value of being more mindful at these moments – and, that happiness lies not in having what you want but wanting what you already have…
However, what once might have been pure white cotton now risks become sadly jaundiced due to the triple threat of summer stainage: sweat, sunblock and sunless tans. We sought out advice from Ashley Hainsworth, founder of Bed Kingdom (bedkingdom.co.uk).
SWEAT
Warmer days mean warmer nights and there’s no polite way of saying this, but warmer nights can be sweaty. Even if your linen is of the finest quality and your bedding consists only of natural fibres, the chances are you’ve perspired into your pillow more than once over the last couple of months. Light sweating is usually not a problem as it’s unlikely to leave a mark, but the record high temperatures may well have resulted in significant perspiration, which can leave a yellow stain that is particularly noticeable on white or light-coloured sheets.
Produced by our sebaceous glands it’s no surprise to learn that sweat creates an oil-based stain which is best tackled as soon as possible – or at least as soon as the stain has become noticeable. Start by mixing four tablespoons of baking soda with around the same amount of water to form a paste. Apply directly to the area and leave for 30 minutes. If your sheets are actually white (rather than light-coloured) a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda may also be an effective solution. TIP: After applying the baking soda paste, spray or pour a small amount of white vinegar over the area to help lift the stain and neutralise any lingering odours.
When you wash your bedding, start with a cold rinse, as hot water can set the stain, making it harder to remove. You could do this by hand in a bathtub of cold water or, of course, by using the cold-water rinse setting on your washing machine. A biological laundry detergent contains enzymes designed to break down the proteins found in sweat stains but these are not suitable for all skin types.
Run your wash with a hot water cycle of at least 40o to ensure the best possible results. Don’t be tempted to add a fabric softener as it can leave a residue which will act as a magnet for sweat and other oils.
Finally, after washing check your bedding before drying. If you can still see any marks, repeat the process before drying – ideally outside on the line. Sunlight acts as a natural bleaching agent and will keep your bedding as fresh as possible. If this isn’t an option, tumble dry on a low-heat setting.
SPF
Sun cream is essential to protect face and body from harmful UV rays but there are very few that don’t leave a greasy white film that can stain coloured bedding. Ideally, you should wash sunblock off with a quick shower before bed, but this isn’t always possible or practical. Luckily, there are ways to eliminate these stains effectively.
A pre-treatment technique that can effectively tackle sun cream stains is washing-up liquid. Gently rub this in at least 15 minutes before putting your bedding on to wash. This helps break down the sun cream's ingredients to minimise stains. This technique also works a treat on other grease-based hazards, like tomato sauce, salad dressing – anything a messy eater might use to decorate their chests.
When it comes to the actual wash, as before, use cold water first to encourage the stain to come out more easily. Turn the fabric inside out and ‘flush’ the stained area with cold water to push the grease out, rather than encourage it deeper in.
If the stain covers a wider area, try soaking your bedding in a vinegar solution. Fill a bathtub with warm water and adding a cup of white vinegar. Submerge the stained area and let it soak for about an hour. Vinegar helps break down the oils from the lotion and will work to neutralise lingering residue.
Wash your bedding in the machine using the highest possible heat setting and (if possible) a biological laundry detergent. For extra cleaning power, half a cup of baking soda added to the wash cycle, will help lift stains and deodorise the fabric.
As with sweat stains, check the affected area after washing. If any pigment remains, repeat the process and only air or tumble dry on a low-heat setting once you’re confident you have tackled the issue.
FAUX TAN
We love the effects of sunless tanning on our bodies, but less so on our sheets. If you’re applying tanning product in the bedroom (more space, long-length mirrors) you may well find splashes and spills on your sheets. The key thing if a spillage does occur is to act while the stain is still wet as fresh stains tend to be significantly easier to remove.
If you’re in time, blot away any excess with a clean cloth or paper towel but avoid vigorous scrubbing which will only spread the damage. If you have pure white bedding, your next step should be to soak your sheet/s in oxygen bleach. There are many on the market, including sustainable options, so search up online if you don’t already have this in your home. Fill your bathtub with warm water and add bleach according to the instructions on the packet. Ideally soak the area overnight, or for at least two hours.
Then, work your pre-treatment into the fabric and wash and dry according to your usual laundry routine with the recommended settings.
Remember, prevention is always easier than removal when it comes to fake tan stains. If you are propping foot on the side of the bed when rubbing lotion into your legs, remember to put an old towel underneath. Similarly, ensure your tan is fully dry before bedtime to limit potential transfer. Loose clothing can act as a barrier between your skin and your sheets and ideally use old bedding or a covering layer of an old sheet which sleeping to bear the brunt of any stains.
Finally, here are some of the products which we’ve found help make the job of maintenance as pleasurable as possible…
For the ultimate in luxurious living, Mella 1809 adds fine fragrance to household cleaning, from countertop to counterpane. Choose from the floral woody notes of Hemm1ng Street or Rue Du Dragon, bright citrus, tempered by warm musk, mella.com.
A more purse-friendly option is to pop a fragrance pod in with your sheets. Cherry has been the one of the most popular notes in perfume this summer and Yass Clean’s Cherry Blossom has all the juicy sweetness of the fruit. We’ve also been impressed by their Rub & Done stain remover which works to remove dried-on stains, yassclean.co.uk.
If the main issue you’re grappling with is more pet-related than sweat-related, reach for Vamoosh’s range of pet-hair miracle workers. They have a Hair Shield conditioner to repel hair from fabrics and also a Pet Hair Dissolver to eradicate all trace of pet hair from your machine, vamooshcleans.com
Finally, forget Marmite, surely society’s greatest divide lies between those who iron and those who embrace the crease. If you are one of the former, we are confident that Daylesford’s Natural Ironing Water, scented with blue basil from the Gloucestershire estate, will please you greatly, daylesford.com.
Image (C) secretlinenstore.com
