Ever wondered how to wash a decorative pillow? With proper pillow care, you can keep your fluffy companions around for a long time.
Considering that your pillows provide both functional and aesthetic value to your home, you should keep them fresh and clean. This does not have to be a tedious chore for you. You can have an easy time maintaining them if you do it the right way.
The Benefits of Using a Decorative Pillow
Did you know that decorative pillows are some of the most important decorative items in your home? Aside from the fact that they’re the least expensive option when it comes to transforming your home décor, they’re also extremely versatile. To give you a better idea about some of the benefits of using decorative pillows in your home, check these out:
They allow you to express your artistic side
Showing off your personality through your home décor is made easy with decorative pillows. You can choose to make a style statement by using colorful pillow covers or those that have funny or striking patterns on them. You make the rules!
You can keep up with the latest deco trends
If you’re someone who wants to keep up with the latest trends, you can always keep your home looking fresh and modern by using decorative pillows. Decorative pillow designs ranging from subtle to exotic can instantly set the theme of your space.
How to Wash a Decorative Pillow
Everyone loves a soft, comfortable, and beautifully designed decorative pillow. But what most people are forgetting is that these favorite pieces that adorn the living room also need proper attention every now and then.
There are a few methods to keeping your decorative pillows spotless and smelling good. Since these are usually displayed in the couch or bed area, it only makes sense that you get around to cleaning them regularly, perhaps at least once a month.
But before anything else, you’d best make sure if your throw pillows have a removable or non-removable cover. Here are a few practical techniques to clean your throw pillows without the danger of ruining them.
Step 1: Determine your pillow type
A very important yet overlooked step in the cleaning process is first determining your pillow type. There are some that need to be hand-washed. There are also those that need dry-cleaning. Mostly though, you can put them in a machine for easy washing.
In case you’re unsure which method suits your pillows, refer to the following guide. Leather requires spot-cleaning. Cotton, linen, and polyester material are fine with hand-washing. Silk, wool, velvet, and upholstery types must be dry-cleaned.
Step 2: Double-check the manufacturer’s care label
Once you’ve got pillow type and material figured out, double-check. Decorative pillows typically come with a manufacturer’s care label. This tells you how best to clean them. Then you can do spot testing of the fabric.
What does this entail? Well, before you decide to apply a chemical product on your pillow, check if it’s a safe thing to do first. Get a white towel and the appropriate cleaning solution for your pillow fabric.
Put a small amount of cleaner (a blot is fine) on the towel and pillow. Give it some pressure for half a minute. Check if there is a color transfer from your pillow to the towel. Then let your pillow dry and recheck for any staining, discoloration, or color fading.
Step 3: Use warm water to hand-wash throw pillows
For hand-washing throw pillows, use warm water. Swirl a tablespoon of low sudsing detergent until you see bubbles. Put your pillows in, carefully massaging the exterior to get rid of dirt.
Once the stains are removed, wash your pillows in cold running water. Wash away the excess soap and bubbles by submerging them in cold water. Leave them to air dry, completely free from dampness.
Step 4: Try light sponge cleaning with shampoo
Sometimes, your decorative throw pillows can benefit from light sponge cleaning. Get yourself a sponge and some high-quality upholstery shampoo. Start applying the liquid in a circular motion.
Doing this helps erase stains on your pillow accents, decorations, or trims. After the stains have been removed, you can dry the pillow. Simply blot the spots with a clean white towel.
Step 5: Soak warm water or set it to a delicate cycle for machine washing
Our throw pillows are very susceptible to dust mites, dust, and mold. If your throw pillow is made from solid foam, it’s harder to clean them properly, even in a washing machine. But worry not, because you can still get the job done.
First, remove the pillow cover. Then immerse your foam insert in a tub or large sink filled with warm water. Add a little bit of mild detergent. Clean, rinse, and dry the foam thoroughly.
For machine washing, set it to a delicate cycle and apply a mild detergent to warm water. If the machine has an agitator, balance the load by placing the pillows on each side. Once washed, put them in the dryer with a ‘no heat’ setting to retain their fluff.
Step 6: Wipe them with a moist cloth with a dry-cleaning solution before air drying
Though your throw pillows require the professional services of a dry-cleaner, there’s still something you can do to clean them. Use a moist cloth to wipe them regularly. Or spray some dry-cleaning solution over the pillow’s surface, then air dry afterward.
The Takeaway
Reading up on how to wash a decorative pillow enhances the longevity of your pillows. It’s time to start treating your throw pillows right. If you want to retain their shape, color, and style, you should pay attention to these helpful tips.