How to wash throw pillows: Throw pillows may be a fun way to bring comfort and decor to any area of your house. They may, however, gather dust, grime, and stains with time. Maintaining their hygiene and attractiveness requires routine cleaning. In order to keep your throw pillows looking brand new for many years to come, this tutorial will teach you everything you need to know about cleaning them.
Understanding Your Throw Pillows
Before diving into cleaning methods, it’s crucial to understand the construction and material of your throw pillows. Throw pillows typically consist of two main components: the cover and the stuffing. The cleaning method can vary significantly based on these materials.
Cover vs. Stuffing
Cover: The outer fabric of the pillow, which can be made from various materials like cotton, polyester, velvet, etc.
Stuffing: The inner filling, which can include polyester fiber, down, feathers, or foam.
Types of Throw Pillows
Different cleaning methods are needed for different kinds of throw pillows. Here is a brief synopsis:
Cotton Throw Pillows
Cotton pillows are durable and generally easy to clean. They can handle regular washing without losing their shape or integrity.
Polyester Throw Pillows
Polyester pillows are synthetic and resistant to stains, but they can sometimes trap odors. They are often machine washable.
Velvet Throw Pillows
Velvet pillows are luxurious but delicate. They require careful cleaning to avoid damaging the fabric.
Down and Feather Throw Pillows
Down and feather pillows are soft and plush but require more specialized care to maintain their loft and prevent clumping.
Preparing to Wash Throw Pillows
How to wash throw pillows: Proper preparation is key to effective cleaning. Follow these steps to get ready:
Check the Care Label
Always start by looking at your throw pillows’ care label. The best cleaning advice will be found in the manufacturer’s instructions.
Remove the Pillowcase
Remove the cover from your pillow before washing it if it is detachable. This guarantees that the inside filling is not harmed and makes the cleaning procedure easier to handle.
Spot Clean First
For any visible stains or spots, perform a spot cleaning before a full wash. This will help lift dirt and prevent it from spreading.
How to Wash Throw Pillows by Material
Different materials require different washing techniques. Here’s how to handle each type:
Cotton Throw Pillows
Machine Washing:
Pre-treat Stains: Apply a stain remover to any spots.
Select the Right Cycle: Use a gentle or normal cycle with cold or warm water.
Add Detergent: Use a mild detergent to avoid harsh chemicals.
Rinse and Spin: Ensure the pillow is thoroughly rinsed and spun.
Hand Washing:
Fill a Tub: Use lukewarm water and a mild detergent.
Soak and Agitate: Submerge the pillow and gently agitate.
Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse until all detergent is removed.
Polyester Throw Pillows
Machine Washing:
Pre-treat Stains: Apply stain remover to problem areas.
Use a Gentle Cycle: Wash on a gentle cycle with cold water.
Dry Properly: Use a low heat setting to avoid melting.
Hand Washing:
Prepare Soapy Water: Use lukewarm water and mild detergent.
Gently Clean: Submerge the pillow and lightly scrub.
Rinse and Squeeze: Rinse thoroughly and gently squeeze out excess water.
Velvet Throw Pillows
Spot Cleaning:
Use a Mild Cleaner: Apply a velvet-friendly cleaner with a soft cloth.
Blot, Don’t Rub: Gently blot the area to lift stains.
Professional Cleaning:
Consult a Professional: For deep cleaning, consider professional velvet cleaners to avoid damage.
Down and Feather Throw Pillows
Machine Washing:
Use a Large Capacity Washer: Ensure there’s enough room for the pillow to move freely.
Use a Gentle Cycle: Wash on a gentle cycle with cold water.
Add Tennis Balls: To keep the filling from clumping, add a few tennis balls to the dryer.
Hand Washing:
Soak in Lukewarm Water: Use a mild detergent and avoid soaking for too long.
Gently Agitate: Lightly agitate the pillow.
Rinse and Squeeze: Thoroughly rinse and squeeze out excess water.
Spot Cleaning Throw Pillows
Spot cleaning is ideal for minor stains and spills. Here’s how to do it effectively:
Blot the Stain: Use a clean cloth to blot the area. Avoid rubbing as it can spread the stain.
Apply Cleaner: Use a mild detergent or stain remover appropriate for the pillow’s fabric.
Gently Clean: Use a soft cloth or sponge to work the cleaner into the stain.
Rinse and Blot Dry: Rinse with clean water and blot dry with a towel.
Hand Washing Throw Pillows
Hand washing is a gentle method, suitable for delicate fabrics. Follow these steps:
Prepare a Basin: Fill a basin or tub with lukewarm water and mild detergent.
Submerge and Soak: Submerge the pillow and let it soak.
Gently Agitate: Use your hands to gently agitate the water.
Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse with clean water until all detergent is removed.
Press Out Excess Water: Gently press the pillow to remove excess water. Avoid wringing or twisting.
Machine Washing Throw Pillows
How to wash throw pillows: The following rules apply to machine-washable pillows:
Check the Care Label: Confirm that the pillow is machine washable.
Use a Gentle Cycle: Select a gentle or normal cycle with cold or warm water.
Use Mild Detergent: Add a small amount of mild detergent.
Rinse Thoroughly: Ensure the pillow is well-rinsed to remove all detergent.
Avoid Overloading: Wash one or two pillows at a time to ensure they have enough room to move.
Drying Throw Pillows
Proper drying is crucial to maintain the shape and integrity of your throw pillows.
Air Drying
Shape and Pat Dry: Shape the pillow and pat it dry with a towel.
Lay Flat: Lay the pillow flat on a clean surface to air dry. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Machine Drying
Use Low Heat: Set the dryer to a low heat setting.
Add Dryer Balls: Include dryer balls or clean tennis balls to help keep the filling fluffed.
Monitor Closely: Check frequently to prevent overheating.
Dealing with Stubborn Stains
For stains that don’t go away, think about these suggestions:
Use a Stain Remover: Apply a stain remover specifically designed for the type of fabric.
Repeat Cleaning: Sometimes multiple treatments are necessary.
Consult a Professional: For very stubborn stains or delicate fabrics, professional cleaning might be required.
Protecting Your Throw Pillows
How to wash throw pillows: To keep your throw pillows looking new:
Use Pillow Covers: Consider using removable covers to protect against spills and stains.
Regular Cleaning: Regularly clean pillows to prevent dirt buildup.
Fluff Regularly: Fluff pillows regularly to maintain their shape and comfort.
Conclusion
How to wash throw pillows? Although cleaning throw pillows may seem difficult, you can maintain their cleanliness and fresh appearance with the correct methods and attention.
You can prolong the life of your throw pillows and maintain the trendy appearance of your home décor by being aware of the materials, getting ready, and utilizing the right cleaning techniques. Their aesthetic appeal and usefulness can also be maintained with routine upkeep and spot cleaning. If you ever need a reminder on how to properly clean your throw pillows, don’t hesitate to consult our article!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:1 Can you wash throw pillows with zippers?
A:1 Yes, but make sure to check the care label first. Remove the cover and wash it separately.
Q:2 How often should you wash throw pillows?
A:2 It depends on usage, but a good rule of thumb is to wash them every 3-6 months or as needed based on stains and dirt.
Q:3 Are throw pillows machine washable?
A:3 Many throw pillows are machine washable, but always check the care label for specific instructions.
Q:4 How do you remove odor from throw pillows?
A:4 Sprinkle baking soda on the pillow, let it sit for a few hours, then shake it out or vacuum it off.
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