Throw pillows bring both comfort and style to your home, but over time, they can pick up dust, spills, and odors that make them less inviting. Knowing how to clean them properly is the key to keeping them fresh, fluffy, and welcoming. Whether they’re part of your living room décor or a cozy addition to your bedroom, clean throw pillows can make your space feel polished and hygienic.
In this guide, we’ll cover easy ways to wash and care for your throw pillows, no matter the type. From machine-washable options to delicate hand-wash-only fabrics, we’ll walk you through removing dust, tackling stains, and keeping them smelling as good as they look. Ready to refresh your favorite pillows? Let’s get started!
How to Wash Throw Pillows
Step One
If your throw pillows have removable covers, remove them and wash them separately. This washing method is ideal for cotton or foam-filled throw pillows and polyester throw pillows.
Step Two
Fill a large basin or sink with warm water. Add a mild detergent and tangle with your hand.
Dip in the foam-filled throw pillow and gently squeeze till the pillow gets soaked. Keep doing this till all the dirt comes out. If the water becomes dirty before your pillow gets clean, drain the water and repeat the process until you get satisfactory results.
Step Three
Drain the dirty soapy water and refill the basin or sink with warm water. Dip the pillow and gently squeeze to remove the detergent residue.
Repeat the process until the throw pillow is clean and free from any more detergent.
Step Four
Remove the excess water by gently squeezing the throw pillow between two clean towels. Be keen not to squeeze the pillow on a tight knot as it will damage it.
Step Five
Lastly, you need to dry your pillow. So, how do you dry it? It is simple. Air-dry it for up to 72 hours or until you feel it is completely dry. Remember that replacing throw pillows before they are dry to the inside may lead to mold and mildew.
Ensure the place has a free airflow for effective and fast drying.
Machine Washing Throw Pillows
For machine-washable decorative pillows, it is necessary to pre-treat them before washing. For example, you can use a commercial stain remover or a homemade one and clear all the stains on your throw pillow before machine washing it.
Be careful not to use a stain remover on velvet, silk, or wool pillows as the chemical can damage the throw pillows.
Use this procedure to pre-treat throw pillows before machine washing them.
Add two cups of water or one cup of hydrogen peroxide and mix. Then, add a cup of washing soda to the hydrogen peroxide solution and mix well.
Pour the cleaning solution into a spray bottle and spray it onto the pillow. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wash it in a front-loading washing machine.
Step One
Fill the machine with warm water, then add a mild detergent.
Step Two
Put two pillows in the machine and let them wash in a gentle cycle for up to ten minutes. Repeat this step if you feel the throw pillows aren't clean enough.
Step Three
Change to rinse cycle and use warm water to rinse them. Rinse the pillows three times to eliminate all the detergent residues and all grime.
Step Four
Set the machine to the dry cycle and hang the throw pillows to dry on a low heat setting. Allow two to three hours for the cushions to dry, or until the stuffing are totally dry.
To prevent the fillings from clumping, fluff the pillows every 30 minutes throughout the dry cycle. Alternatively, you can use a few dryer balls to reshape them in a dryer without heat.
Spot Cleaning Throw Pillows
If your decorative pillows are covered with delicate fabrics like suede, leather, or upholstery, you will need to clean them in a special way.
Leather and Upholstery
Brush the throw pillows carefully and vacuum any debris for leather and upholstery. Then use a soft cloth and warm water to spot clean with a gentle soap. After cleaning the filth, dab the area with a clean damp cloth to eliminate any soap residue.
Once the pillows are clean, air dry to let them dry completely and replace them as needed.
Suede
To clean suede, lightly brush it against the grain to remove debris, then vacuum it. If you have any stubborn stain that won't come out that manner, you should always use a suede cleaner designed for this purpose.
Always do a spot test in an inconspicuous place to ensure there will be no discoloration.
Dry Cleaning Throw Pillows
If your pillow is made of a delicate fabric, you may need to dry clean them instead of washing the whole throw pillow in water.
If you choose to dry clean throw pillows, be keen to do it in an open and well-ventilated area, away from open flames. This is because dry cleaning fluid is flammable and can cause a fire.
Also, put on protective chemical-resistant gloves and a mask when working. Many solvents dissolve rubber and latex gloves.
Step One
Using a clean and dry terry cloth towel, wipe down a pail, then pour dry cleaning fluid into it.
Step Two
Wring out a clean, dry sponge after dipping it into the dry cleaning solution. Dry cleaning fluids, unlike water-based solutions, are solvents that do not produce suds or foam.
Step Three
In a circular motion, work the solution into the fabric. Pay close attention to the pillow's folds and contours, especially if there is piping. Then, blot the dry cleaned section with a clean white towel.
Step Four
As you clean, keep dipping the sponge into the dry cleaning solvent. Each time, wring away the extra liquid. Finally, place the throw pillow on a clean white towel to absorb any remaining dry cleaning fluid.
Tips for Cleaning Throw Pillows
a). Read the Care Label
The simplest way to clean your throw pillows is to check the manufacturer's care label. Your decorative pillows may require dry cleaning, hand washing with a mild detergent, or spot cleaning.
If the label doesn't say how to wash your decorative pillows, look for the sort of fabric they're made of and follow the cleaning directions for that fabric.
b). Spot Test the Fabric
Before using a chemical product to clean your pillow or pillowcase, run a spot test on your pillow or pillowcase. You can accomplish this by using a white towel and an approved cleaner solution for the sort of fabric you're cleaning.
Blot the white towel and cleaner on the cushion with some pressure for 30 seconds. Then, inspect the towel for any color transfer from the cushion. Allow your pillow cover to dry completely before checking it for any fading or discoloration.
c). Remove Foam Pillow Inserts
Many modern throw pillows are made from solid foam. If you have foam pillows, you won't be able to wash them adequately in the washing machine.
After removing the pillow cover, place the foam throw pillow insert in a big sink or bathtub filled with warm water and mild detergent. Thoroughly clean the foam, then rinse well and carefully press out any extra moisture before allowing it to air dry.
d). Sponge Cleaning Works
Some throw pillows that can't be put in the washing machine could use a sponge cleaning. So get a decent-grade upholstery shampoo and a damp sponge, and start removing spots from the cushions with the cleaner.
Cleaning the trim, embellishments, and other highlights on the decorative pillows should be done circularly. Then, blot the areas with a clean white cloth until they are almost dry.
How to Keep Your Throw Pillows Clean for Long
Decorative pillows are often overused, which makes them easily collect dirt. They are also not supposed to be cleaned weekly, as that can damage them, lower their lifespan, and make them full of lint.
Image: Designing ideas
a). Vacuuming and dusting your throw pillows regularly as you vacuum your upholstery will keep them clean.
b). Throw pillow covers in matching colors are also easier to clean, especially if they're machine-washable because you won't have to worry about dark dyes interfering with lighter whites.
c). Keep it difficult to clean and place pillows above ground and in hard-to-reach areas where dogs, cats, children, and people's feet are less likely to soil them.
Frequently Asked Questions on How to Wash Throw Pillows
1. Can you wash a whole pillow?
Yes, you can wash an entire pillow. However, ensuring it is completely dry before using it again is important. This will prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and unwanted odors.
2. Can I dry throw pillows in the dryer?
Most machine-washable standard throw pillows are safe to put in the dryer. However, ensure you use a low or no-heat cycle and dryer balls to help prevent clumping after you machine wash them.
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