Throw pillows are a quick and affordable way to refresh your home decor, but they can quickly gather dirt, dust, and stains. Regular cleaning and maintenance are key to keeping them looking fresh.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the best ways to clean your throw pillows, from machine washing to spot cleaning, and offer tips on keeping them in great shape.
Know Your Throw Pillow Materials
Before you start cleaning, you’ll need to know what your throw pillows are made of. Different fabrics need different cleaning methods to avoid damage.
Throw pillows are made from a variety of materials, each with its own care needs:
- Cotton: Breathable, durable, and usually machine washable.
- Linen: High-end natural fiber that may require special care.
- Polyester: Affordable, durable, and often machine washable.
- Silk: Delicate natural fiber that needs gentle handling.
- Velvet: Plush fabric made from natural or synthetic fibers.
- Wool: Warm natural fiber that may require special cleaning.
To determine the material of your pillow, check for a care tag sewn into the seam or inside a removable cover. If there’s no tag, look closely at the fabric. Synthetic fabrics like polyester often have a slight sheen, while natural fibers like cotton tend to look more matte.
Pre-Cleaning Steps For Throw Pillows
Before you get scrubbing, take the preparatory steps below, which will help you safeguard the material and achieve the best results.
Checking Care Labels
Always start by reading the care label if the pillow has one. It will tell you how to wash your pillow, what temperature to use, and whether it’s safe for machine washing or needs dry cleaning. This step can save you from accidental damage and headaches down the road.
Spot Testing Cleaning Solutions
Before using any cleaning solution on your pillow, do a spot test in an inconspicuous area. Apply a small amount to a white cloth and dab it on the pillow for 30 seconds. Check for any color change or fabric damage before proceeding with a full clean. Doing this helps avoid unwanted discoloration and ensures the cleaner is safe for your pillow.
Machine Washing Throw Pillows
Machine washing is convenient, but not all fabrics can handle it. Pillows that feature these materials are typically safe for machine washing:
- Acrylic
- Cotton
- Polyester
- Some blends of synthetic fibers
How To Machine Wash Throw Pillows
Follow these steps to clean your throw pillows without damaging the fabric or filling:
- Remove pillow covers if possible.
- Use a gentle cycle with cold or warm water, depending on the fabric.
- Add a small amount of mild detergent.
- Wash similar fabrics and colors together in a small load.
- Use an extra rinse cycle to remove all soap residue.
- Dry according to care instructions, either by air-drying or using a low-heat dryer setting.
Hand Washing Delicate Throw Pillows
For delicate fabrics or when you’re unsure if a pillow can handle machine washing, hand washing is a safer option. This gentle approach helps protect fragile materials.
Opt for hand washing when dealing with:
- Any pillow without a clear care label indicating machine wash safety
- Pillows with embellishments or delicate details
- Silk pillows
- Wool pillows
How To Hand Wash Throw Pillows
Hand washing keeps delicate fabrics in good condition, preserving their look and feel:
- Fill a basin with cool water and add a small amount of mild detergent or fabric-specific cleaner.
- Submerge the pillow cover or the whole pillow if the cover isn’t removable.
- Gently agitate the fabric, paying extra attention to soiled areas.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean, cool water to remove all of the soap.
- Press out excess water without wringing or twisting the fabric.
- Air dry flat on a clean towel, avoiding direct sunlight.
Throw Pillow Spot Cleaning
Spot cleaning is great for dealing with small stains or refreshing pillows between deep cleanings. It allows you to target problem areas without washing the entire pillow. Here’s how to treat some common stains:
- Ink stains: Dab with rubbing alcohol using a cotton swab.
- Oil-based stains: Apply baking soda to absorb the oil, then vacuum after several hours.
- Water-based stains: Blot with a clean, damp cloth and mild soap.
Act quickly when spills happen to prevent stains from setting in. When applying cleaning solutions, use a gentle, circular motion. Avoid over-saturating the fabric, which can lead to water stains, and rinse the cleaned area with a damp cloth to remove any cleaning residue.
You can dry the spot with a hairdryer on the cool setting to help prevent water marks.
Drying Methods for Throw Pillows
Proper drying is key to maintaining your throw pillows’ shape and appearance. Careful drying can prevent shrinkage and fabric damage.
Air Drying vs. Machine Drying
Air drying is usually the safest method for all types of throw pillows, as it’s the most surefire way to prevent shrinkage and damage. However, you can machine-dry certain durable synthetic fabrics using a low heat setting. Knowing the right drying method for your pillows will help them last longer and look better.
How To Restore Pillow Shape After Cleaning
Gently reshape pillows while damp, and fluff pillows periodically during the drying process. For down or synthetic fill, add dryer balls or clean tennis balls to the dryer to help maintain the loft. Once they’re dry, give pillows a good shake and hand-fluff them to restore their shape.
Cleaning Throw Pillow Inserts
Pillow inserts can also collect dust and allergens, so it’s important to clean them regularly, along with the covers. Knowing how to clean inserts properly keeps your pillows fresh and keeps you healthy.
Removable vs. Non-Removable Inserts
Removable inserts are easier to clean and can often be machine-washed. For non-removable inserts, we recommend spot cleaning and airing them out. Identifying whether your inserts are removable will help you choose the right cleaning method.
Here’s how to clean different types of inserts:
- Down inserts: Dry clean or machine wash on a gentle cycle with a specialized down cleaner.
- Foam inserts: Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap, then air dry completely.
- Polyester inserts: Machine wash on a gentle cycle with warm water and mild detergent.
Special Care for Luxury Throw Pillow Fabrics
Luxury fabrics like silk and velvet need extra attention to maintain their quality. Proper care keeps these materials looking elegant and feeling luxurious:
- Silk: Hand wash in cool water with a silk-specific detergent or take it to a dry cleaner.
- Velvet: Vacuum regularly and spot clean with a damp cloth. Avoid water saturation and brush gently to maintain the nap.
When To Consider Professional Cleaning
We recommended professional cleaning for the following:
- Antique or heirloom pillows
- Any pillow you’re unsure how to clean safely
- Extremely soiled or stained luxury fabrics
- Pillows with complex embellishments
Advanced Cleaning Methods for Throw Pillows
Beyond basic cleaning, some enhanced techniques can provide extra care for specific types of pillows or unique situations.
Using Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning is a great way to sanitize and refresh throw pillows without water or detergent. The high-temperature steam kills germs and removes odors, making it a good option for pillows that can’t be machine or hand-washed. Follow these best practices:
- Allow the pillow to air dry completely before using or storing it.
- Always check the fabric care label first to ensure that steam cleaning is safe.
- Hold the steamer a few inches from the pillow and move it slowly across the surface.
- Use a handheld steamer or a steam cleaning machine with a suitable attachment for upholstery.
Natural Cleaning Solutions
In many cases, natural cleaners like white vinegar and baking soda can clean and deodorize your throw pillows effectively. Here’s how to apply these eco-friendly alternatives to fabrics:
- Baking soda: Sprinkle baking soda on the pillow’s surface and let it sit for several hours to absorb odors. Vacuum thoroughly to remove all traces of baking soda.
- White vinegar: Dilute white vinegar with equal parts water and use it as a spot cleaner. Apply it with a cloth, blot the stain, and rinse with clean water.