Learn essential tips for cleaning throw pillows and pillow covers to keep your living space fresh and inviting. Find out the best practices for maintaining various pillow fillings and covers, whether you’re doing it yourself or seeking professional care.
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love throw pillows. They are the thing that completes the overall look of the sofa, bed, or armchair, and personally, I can’t do without at least four or five on the sofa at home. Not to mention they are super comfortable to lean on and read my favorite book on a quiet and peaceful afternoon. But, if you’re like me and have a bunch of decorative pillows that you use often, you should know that it’s important to take care of cleaning them in time so they can serve you for a long time.
So in this post, we’ll guide you through the cleaning process so you can keep your decorative fabrics looking as bright, colorful, and fresh as when you first brought them home. We’re also excited to share some amazing designs from The Cross Design shop, one of my top five favorite places to shop for throw pillows. Their super unique designs, which you won’t find anywhere else, are sure to inspire any space.
Here’s Exactly How to Wash Throw Pillows Properly
Understanding Your Throw Pillow
Before you begin the cleaning process, it’s important to know what material your throw pillows are made from. Check the care label for fabric content and washing instructions. Common materials include cotton, linen, polyester, and silk, each requiring different care methods.
When is the Right Time to Clean Your Throw Pillows?
The frequency at which you should clean your throw pillows can depend on a few factors, including how much use they get and whether they’re exposed to pets, children, or frequent spills. Here’s a general guideline:
- Daily Fluffing: Regular fluffing helps maintain the shape and comfort of the pillows.
- Weekly Dusting: Vacuum the pillows with an upholstery attachment to remove dust and pet hair. This is especially important for pillows on furniture that is used daily.
- Monthly Spot Cleaning: Check for and treat any spots or stains. You can usually do this with a mild detergent and water, but always check the care label first.
- Deep Cleaning: To keep your throw pillows looking and feeling their best, it’s a good idea to give them a deep clean every three to six months If the pillows have removable covers, you can wash those more frequently depending on usage and exposure to dirt. For the pillow inserts, you can wash them twice a month but don’t forget to follow the care instructions carefully. Some may only require air drying, while others might be machine-washable.
How To Clean a Throw Pillow Insert
Step One: Check the Care Label
Always start by checking the care label for specific cleaning instructions. This will tell you whether the pillows can be machine washed, hand washed, or if they require professional cleaning.
Step Two: Remove Covers
If your throw pillows have removable covers, take them off. These can often be cleaned more frequently and differently than the pillow inserts.
Step Three: Pre-Treat Stains
Before washing, pre-treat any visible stains on the covers and the pillow itself if fabric-safe. Use a suitable stain remover or a mixture of water and mild detergent.
Step Four: Washing
- Machine Washing: If the care label permits, wash the covers (and potentially the pillows) in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent. It’s a good idea to wash two pillows at a time to keep the machine balanced.
- Hand Washing: For more delicate materials, gently hand wash the pillows in a large basin with lukewarm water and a small amount of mild detergent. Squeeze the soapy water through the pillow and rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Step Five: Rinsing
Ensure all soap residue is rinsed out, as leftover detergent can attract dirt.
Step Six: Drying
- Air Drying: Lay the pillows flat on a clean surface, ideally in a well-ventilated area or outdoors if the weather permits. Flip them periodically to ensure they dry evenly. Avoid direct sunlight which might fade colors.
- Machine Drying: If the label allows, use a dryer on a low heat setting. Place a few dryer balls or clean tennis balls in the dryer to help fluff the pillows as they dry. Remove pillows while slightly damp to avoid over-drying.
Step Seven: Fluffing After Drying
Once dry, fluff the pillows by hand or beat them gently against a clean surface to restore their shape and remove any clumped filling.
Now, just take a minute and look at their stunning design ideas! The wonderful team at The Cross Design shop really inspires people to make any room feel cozy, like a warm hug. Their patterns are my absolute favorites. I love the natural colors—so simple and beautiful, making everything look just right. It’s amazing how these little details can transform a plain space into a place where you’d love to relax and enjoy a quiet afternoon.
How To Clean a Throw Pillow Cover
Step One: Check the Care Label
Always read the care instructions on your pillow cover’s label to see if it can be machine-washed, hand-washed, or dry-cleaned.
Step Two: Remove and Shake Off the Dust
Take the cover off the pillow insert. Shake it outdoors or in a well-ventilated area to remove dust and loose dirt. This step helps to minimize the amount of dirt washed into your laundry machine.
Step Three: Pre-Treat Stains
If there are any spots or stains, apply a stain remover or a small amount of mild detergent directly to the stained area. Gently rub it in with a soft cloth or a soft-bristled brush and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before washing.
Step Four: Machine Washing
If the care label permits machine washing:
- Use a gentle cycle with cold water to prevent shrinking and fading.
- Add a mild detergent that does not contain bleach.
- Consider washing the cover with similar fabrics and colors to avoid damage.
Step Five: Hand Washing
For covers that require hand washing:
- Fill a basin with cold or lukewarm water and add a gentle detergent.
- Submerge the pillow cover and gently agitate the water with your hands.
- Allow the cover to soak for about 15-20 minutes, then gently scrub any particularly dirty areas.
- Rinse thoroughly under clean running water until all soap is removed.
Step 6: Drying
- Air Drying: Lay the pillow cover flat on a clean towel to air dry, or hang it on a drying rack. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources, which can cause shrinking and fading.
- Machine Drying: If the label says it’s safe, you can tumble dry the cover on a low heat setting. Remove it while it’s still slightly damp to prevent wrinkles and make it easier to iron if necessary.
Step 7: Ironing (if needed)
If the fabric is prone to wrinkling, iron the pillow cover on the appropriate setting for the material while it is still slightly damp to achieve the best results.
Tips for Cleaning Different Types of Throw Pillow Fillings
- Synthetic Fill (Polyester, Polyfiber)
Synthetic fillings like polyester are durable and machine washable. Use a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. Ensure to dry thoroughly to prevent mildew. - Foam
Memory foam and other foam types should not be washed because they absorb water and break down when wet.
Recommended Method: Spot clean only. Vacuum regularly to remove dust and debris. If necessary, air out to eliminate odors. - Down and Feather
Down and feather fillings can be washed but require careful handling to maintain their loft and comfort.
Recommended Method: Machine wash on a gentle cycle with a down-specific detergent. It’s crucial to dry thoroughly, possibly with tennis balls to fluff the filling. - Microbeads
Needs Professional Attention: Microbeads are commonly found in smaller, therapeutic pillows and can be damaged by water.
Recommended Method: Spot clean and air dry. Avoid submerging in water. - Natural Fibers (Cotton, Wool)
Natural fibers can absorb a lot of water, making them heavy and hard to dry.
Recommended Method: Hand wash with mild detergent and air dry thoroughly to prevent mildew. - Buckwheat
Needs Professional Attention: Buckwheat hulls cannot be washed as they will deteriorate when wet.
Recommended Method: Empty the hulls into a container, wash the empty shell/case as per fabric guidelines, and air dry the hulls separately.
Conclusion
We hope our guide will help you keep your throw pillows always clean and fresh, whether you choose to handle it yourself or seek professional care. We’d love to have you back for more helpful guides.
Got something to share or need some advice? Please leave us a comment in the box below to share your experiences, ask questions, or provide feedback. We’re always here to chat! 🙂
