How To Clean A Throw Pillow: Our Top Maintenance Tips
It’s no secret that throw pillows can make a delightful addition to any room. What’s even more delightful is how easy they are to keep clean!
In this article, we'll guide you through simple and effective ways to keep your throw pillows in pristine condition. From routine maintenance to tackling tough stains, our expert tips will help your throw pillows remain as inviting and beautiful as the day you bought them.
Table Of Contents
- What is a throw pillow?
- How to clean a throw pillow
- Can you put throw pillows in the washer?
- Can you put throw pillows in the dryer?
- Can you wash pillow stuffing?
- How often should you clean your throw pillows?
- Conclusion
What is a throw pillow?
Throw pillows (also known as decorative pillows) are small, soft cushions that add both comfort and style to any room. Typically square in shape, throw pillows complement the aesthetic of sofas, chairs, beds, and even outdoor furniture.
They come in a wide range of fabrics, patterns, and colors and can easily be swapped out to refresh a room’s look. While their primary purpose is decorative, don’t be surprised if one of your loved ones snuggles up on one of your throw pillows.
How to clean a throw pillow
Proper maintenance is essential to keep your throw pillows looking fresh and to extend their lifespan.
The cleaning process depends on the type of throw pillow and its materials. Here’s a general guide to help you through the process:
No Zipper Throw Pillows
Throw pillows without zippers present a bit of a challenge since you can't remove the cover for cleaning. Here's how to clean them:
Spot Cleaning: Use a mild detergent mixed with water. Apply the solution to a clean cloth and gently dab the stained area. Avoid soaking the pillow to prevent damage to the filling.
Hand Washing: For a more thorough cleaning, fill a tub with lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Submerge the pillow and gently agitate the water with your hands. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap.
Drying: Squeeze out excess water without wringing the pillow to avoid damaging the filling. Lay the pillow flat on a clean, dry towel and roll the towel to absorb more water. Then, allow the pillow to air dry completely, flipping it occasionally to ensure even drying.
Throw Pillows with Removable Covers
If your throw pillow has a removable cover, cleaning is much simpler:
Remove the Cover: Carefully unzip and remove the cover from the pillow insert.
Check Care Label: Always check the care label on the cover for specific washing instructions. Most covers are machine washable, but some may require hand washing or dry cleaning.
Machine Washing: If machine washable, place the cover in a mesh laundry bag and wash on a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent.
Drying the Cover: Air drying is preferred to prevent shrinkage, but some covers can be tumble dried on a low setting. Check the care label for guidance.
Cleaning the Insert: If the pillow insert needs cleaning, spot clean or hand wash it following the instructions for no zipper throw pillows.
Can You Put Throw Pillows in the Washer?
You definitely can put throw pillows in the washer, but it’s important to take certain precautions.
First, always check the care label to ensure they are machine washable. If they are, it's best to wash two pillows at a time to keep the load balanced. Use a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent to prevent any damage to the fabric or filling.
Additionally, consider an extra rinse cycle to make sure all detergent is thoroughly removed. If your pillows have delicate or intricate designs, placing them in a mesh laundry bag can offer added protection.
After washing, be sure to dry them properly to maintain their shape and fluffiness.
Can You Put Throw Pillows in the Dryer?
Yes, you can put your throw pillows in the dryer! As mentioned in the section above about washing your throw pillows, drying them also requires handling with care to prevent any damage.
Use a low heat or air-dry setting to avoid overheating the fabric and filling. Adding dryer balls or clean tennis balls to the dryer helps fluff the pillows and prevent the filling from clumping.
Keep an eye on the pillows when in the dryer to make sure they are drying evenly and not overheating. If the pillows feel hot or unevenly dry, take them out and allow them to air dry completely.
For delicate or expensive pillows, air drying is often the safest option. Lay them flat on a clean, dry surface and flip them periodically to ensure even drying. Proper drying not only maintains the shape and fluffiness of your throw pillows but also prevents mold and mildew growth.
Can You Wash Pillow Stuffing?
Washing pillow stuffing is not a problem, as long as you use the proper method for the type of stuffing used. Always check the care label for specific instructions and consider testing a small area first to avoid damaging the stuffing.
Polyester fiberfill stuffing can be machine washed. Place it in a mesh laundry bag and use a gentle cycle with mild detergent.
Down or feather stuffing requires more care; hand wash with a gentle detergent and ensure thorough rinsing and drying to prevent mildew.
Foam stuffing should not be machine washed; instead, spot clean with mild detergent and water, rinse thoroughly, and air dry completely.
How often should you clean your throw pillows?
You should clean your pillows regularly to maintain their appearance and cleanliness.
For routine maintenance, spot clean any stains or spills as soon as they occur to prevent them from setting.
For a more thorough cleaning, you should wash the removable covers every few weeks, because they’ll accumulate dirt and oils quickly.
The pillow inserts or stuffing should be cleaned every three to six months, depending on their use and exposure to dirt and dust.
If the pillows are used frequently or are kept outside, consider cleaning them more often.
Regular cleaning not only keeps your throw pillows looking fresh and inviting but also ensures a cleaner, cozier home.
Conclusion
Incorporate our top maintenance tips into your cleaning routine to extend the life of your throw pillows for many years to come! Whether they need a simple spot cleaning or a full-on washer and dryer cycle, our tips have you covered.
Explore our Linens & Hutch Throw Pillow Collection for stylish, high-quality options that are easy to maintain and add the perfect touch to any room.