With young people from across Swindon and Wiltshire starting or going back to university this month, many may be faced with the task of doing laundry for the first time.

Stains caused by sweat, food, fake tan, and makeup can be a particular challenge for freshers washing their bedding for the first time.

Ashley Hainsworth, founder of Bed Kingdom, has shared his top tips for removing these stains from bedding and pillows.

Sweat stains, often a result of hormones, high physical activity, or warm, non-air-conditioned student rooms, can leave yellow marks.

The key, Mr Hainsworth said, is to address these oil-based stains promptly. A paste of baking soda and water can be applied to the stain for 30 minutes before washing.

For white sheets, a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, followed by a small amount of white vinegar, can also be effective.

A cold rinse is recommended before washing to prevent the stain from setting.

Biological laundry detergents are best for breaking down sweat stain proteins, and washing at a hot water cycle of at least 40 degrees is advised.

It is important to avoid fabric softeners, Mr Hainsworth said, as they can trap sweat and oils.

Once the stain is gone, air-dry outside or in a well-ventilated area, as sunlight acts as a natural bleach.

For food stains, washing-up liquid can be used as a pre-treatment to break down oils and pigments.

A cold rinse is again recommended as this "may encourage the stain to come out more easily".

Turning the bedding inside out and rinsing from the back of the stain can help to push grease out of the fabric.

Soaking the bedding in a vinegar solution can further break down oils and neutralise residues.

Wash as usual at the highest possible heat setting, adding half a cup of baking soda to the wash cycle for "extra cleaning power".

Fake tan and makeup stains can be treated with an oxygen bleach soak, but only for white bedding.

The stained area should be soaked for at least one or two hours, or overnight if the stain is severe.

Fresh stains are easier to remove, so blot any excess immediately.

After pre-treating, wash and dry as usual, ideally at the highest temperature.

Mr Hainsworth said prevention is always better than cure, so advised letting fake tan dry fully before bed, wearing loose clothing as a barrier, and using old bedding or towels to absorb any potential stains.