Are you wondering how to spot clean a pillow? The steps are straightforward; you can execute them with ease if you know the proper way.
But then, you have to take note of this:
The right method of cleaning a pillow may be dependent on the kind of pillow you have.
You can machine wash some pillows, while there’s a need to hand wash or spot clean other pillows to avoid damage.
In this guide, you will understand the proper way on how to clean your pillow and how to spot clean it.
Let’s start!
Steps In Cleaning A Pillow
Before you know how to spot clean a pillow, let’s quickly understand the basics.
Step #1. Determine the right cleaning method
You will know the right method to use by only looking at the label. There are indications that you can either dry clean, hand wash, or spot clean a pillow. It all depends on the pillow you have at home.
Step #2. Know the type of fabric used
You may ask, what if the care label is not present? Don’t worry, though. You can still determine the right method by merely specifying the fabric type.
You can dry clean a pillow if it is made of velvets and silks. Otherwise, you can gently wash a pillow with water (especially if it’s made of polyester or cotton).
Step #3. It’s time for a spot test
In this process, you will need a white towel and the right cleaning solution (according to the fabric you’ve determined in the previous step).
Perform a spot test by blotting it against the pillow. You should do the process for 30 seconds and then check if there are any towel color transfers.
After which, allow the portion to dry. After a while, make an inspection and check if the color did not fade.
Step #4. Do the sponge cleaning
Some pillows accept sponge cleaning. That being said, you can use a high-quality sponge and a shampoo.
Sponge clean the pillow in circles; make sure to pay extra care to crevices and piping.
Now, blot the extra shampoo and moisture using white towels.
Step #5. For dry cleaning
If it requires dry cleaning, then use a dry sponge that is dipped in a dry solvent.
In a circular motion, clean the fabric. See to it that you give special attention to the pillow’s folds, creases, and piping. Then again, blot it using a clean towel.
Ways On How To Spot Clean Your Pillow
Indeed, some pillows are washable, while others are not. If you’re not sure, then you have to spot clean them. Otherwise, they’ll be at risk of damage (especially if you don’t know the proper method on how to clean them).
Even if they’re exposed to pets, dust, or spills, spot cleaning the pillows are still a good idea. Here are ways to do this:
Step #1. Busting the dust
If you’re cleaning a particular spot in your pillow, make sure to get rid of the dust. Why so? This process can help avoid pushing the dust into the fabric.
It’s easy, though. You can take the pillow outside and smack it using your hands to get rid of light debris and dust.
If you have an upholstery brush, vacuum the pillow to get rid of the debris further. For beaded, fringed, and adorned pillows, exercise extra care; there may be loose elements that can travel in the vacuum hose.
Step #2. Blotting the spot
It’s important to blot the spot immediately in order to avoid stains.
Here’s what to do:
Get a white cloth or at least a paper towel and press it into the wet area.
This process can help remove liquid as soon as possible. The purpose of the cloth or towel is to absorb the spilled liquid.
Do this process until there are no more liquid transfers.
Step #3. Using soapy solutions
You can dip the cloth or towel in mild soapy water. Through this, you’re sure that it can spot-clean the spots on your pillow.
If there’s no care label, try to test a small area to ensure that the solution won’t affect the fabric’s dye.
If the spot is huge, you should do the wiping from the outside to the inside of the stain. This direction can help in avoiding the spread of the stain.
Step #4. For sticky spots
If the spot is due to chewing gum, a sticky syrup, or chocolate, apply ice at the top of the affected area. Wait until the spot is hardened.
After which, scrape the hardened spot using a knife or even a gift card. In doing so, push from the outside to the inside.
Make sure that you do the process while the material is still hard; if it softens, you can apply the ice again.
Step #5. For ink
The process of erasing ink from your pillow is easy; you can use rubbing alcohol.
Use a white cloth (just like what you did in the previous steps). Transfer the ink into the cloth and do the process until everything is removed.
It’s A Wrap!
Now, you’ve already known how to spot clean a pillow. Ensure that you maintain the cleanliness of your pillows at home.
Apply the simple processes above. I know- you can do all the steps with ease as long as you follow them religiously.
Enjoy cleaning!