How Often Should Throw Pillows Be Replaced
The rule of thumb is to replace your bed pillow every one to two years. Certain types of pillows last longer than others, due to the quality and construction of their materials. For foam pillows specifically, you can replace every 18-36 months.
With that said, throw pillows can last you much longer than this because they arent often used as heavily. When will you know its time to replace them? Here are a few signs to watch for:
How To Clean Throw Pillows Without Removable Cover
We usually use throw pillows as a decoration and support to our couch or even in our bed. That is why, these throw pillows are susceptible to harboring dust, dust mites, and molds therefore, they need regular cleaning as well.
However, make sure that before you clean your throw pillows, you know if the cover is non-removable or removable and if it is covered with delicate material such as silk, leather, and wool.
Otherwise, you will just ruin the throw pillow therefore, to prevent that from happening, here is a quick tip on how to clean them.
The rule of thumb when cleaning throw pillows withoutremovable cover is to spot test the pillow first, especially if you are notsure what kind of material it is made from. If spot cleaning does not work, youcan consider washing your throw pillows by hand since this is the safest way toclean your throw pillows.
Unfortunately, not all throw pillows work with neither spot-cleaning nor handwashing. Some throw pillows that are made from silk, velvet, wool, and upholstery require a professional dry cleaning only.
Hence, you can see below are the guidelines on how to clean different types of throw pillows without removable cover.
Can You Wash Throw Pillows Without A Removablecover
You surely can wash throw pillows easily without a removable cover and hand-washing toss pillows is the most effective and safest method of cleaning non-removable throw pillows.
Sponge cleaning is the other way of cleaning toss pillows without a zipper, it greatly works for removing stains from this type of non-removable toss pillows.
Also, if the cleaning instruction allows, you can wash toss pillows without a removable cover using a washing machine. But you must use warm water, a delicate cycle, a very mild detergent, and a washing machine with an agitator.
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How To Wash Throw Pillows To Keep Them Smelling Fresh
Although considered decorative pillows, we tend to overuse throw pillows, making them get soiled easily. This means you have to wash them frequently. What if you don’t know how to wash throw pillows? Don’t worry about that we have written a step-by-step guide for you. Whether your pads have removable covers, you can easily wash your throw pillows to keep them clean and enhance your interior design.
However, it is important to check the caring instruction label before washing any throw pillow, no matter how washable it looks. There are different ways of washing a pillow you can machine wash, hand wash, and even simply dry clean. The cleaning method you use depends on the materials used to make the throw pillow.
It is critical to check the materials used so that you clean them appropriately and do not damage them in the process. So, in this guide, you will learn how to was throw pillows made of different materials.
Now let’s get started!
So Can I Just Throw Them In The Washer To Clean
First, look for removable stuffing and make sure it doesnt require dry cleaning, Mahdessian says. Wetting a dry-clean only pillow might cause the stuffing to clump and lose its shape.
If the stuffing comes out, start by washing the cover on a gentle cycle in cold-to-warm water. Mahdessian advises the brighter the colors, the colder the water.
If youre washing the whole pillow at once, stick with a warmer temperature on a delicate cycle, he says. Or if your pillow is composed of a super fragile material, simply hand-wash it in warm water and hang dry.
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In The Washing Machine
You can wash most pillows in the washing machine without problems. However, you should always check the label first.
One thats done, follow these tips:
- Use liquid soap, not powder. This way, you can be sure all of the cleaner washes out.
- Wash other light garments with the pillows. This way, your washing machine is balanced and doesnt get ruined.
- Rinse them twice. By doing this, all of the detergent will definitely be washed out.
When you have completed this process, let them dry in the sun for a full day. This part is very important. If theyre wet on the inside, they could get moldy.
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How Do You Wash Oversized Couch Pillows
Oversized couch pillows, with a deep layer of stuffing, can be a bit tricky to clean. A good rule of thumb is to separate the pillow into its components and clean each one with a different type of cleaner, so they dry at the same time. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt from the creases in the cover.
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Couch Pillows With Non
If your pillows do not have removable covers, you will need to either handwash or spot clean them.
Handwashing
Couch pillows are typically too large to fit into a standard washing machine, so if made from materials that are submersible in water, then you can wand wash in warm water in a large tub, sink, or your bathtub.
Spot Cleaning Delicate Fabrics
Couch pillows that are covered with non-washable fabrics like leather, suede, or upholstery need to be treated with special care.
For leather and upholstery, gently brush the pillows and vacuum any debris. Then spot clean with a soft cloth, and warm water, with a small amount of gentle soap. Once the dirt has been removed, blot the spot with a clean damp cloth to remove any soap residue.
Can You Wash Pillows With Stuffing
No, you should not wash pillows with stuffing inside. Pillows and stuffing should not be washed together because they can become lumpy and misshapen. If you want to wash the pillow cover only, it should be removed from the pillow first. Pillowcases can be machine-washed in cold water on a gentle cycle.
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How To Spot Clean Non
Some throw pillows made from a washable fabric but stuffed with non-machine washable filling. In these cases, the best option is to spot clean any dirt or stains on the surface of the pillow. For deeper stains or odors, take the pillow to a dry cleaner, or you may need to replace the pillow altogether.
To spot clean a pillow, use a good upholstery cleaner and a sponge to gently massage any dirt marks or stains on the surface of the pillow. Rinse the sponge, then use it to carefully ‘rinse’ any remaining soap from the surface of the pillow, without saturating the pillow. Blot away excess moisture with a clean towel.
What Options Do I Have To Wash Throw Pillows
Many homeowners tend to get jittery when it comes to washing the throw pillows. Such is the case because of the assumption that the throw pillows are primarily used for neck and head support. Therefore, they might be as dirty as thought. That notwithstanding, you need to be sure that your throw pillows are clean at all times.
Washing it by hand is one of the options you can use. As many homeowners believe, the method allows you to discover the spots that are dirtier than the others. If youre not thrilled by this or you have little time to spare, then using the washing machine might be the perfect option. We agree more with the washing machine format because it has proven to be the fastest and probably, the most effective for many homeowners.
That said, you want to discover how to wash throw pillows. We got you covered! Highlighted below are the steps you can use to bring back the shine to your throw pillows.
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No Instructions Use Your Best Judgement
If you have had your pillows for a while, or if you were quick to snip off those bothersome tags when you added these supports to your sofa, you might not know exactly how to launder them. Don’t fret, says Dulude. Simply use your best judgement, instead. “Try your best to identify the pillow’s fabric type and wash it like you normally would,” she says. “If you’re not entirely sure, then just clean one pillow firstnot all at once.” To be extra safe, she suggests using cold water and switching on the delicate cycle, as well. And if you simply don’t want to tackle this process yourself? “Another idea is to search for an upholstery cleaner and get the couch and pillows shampooed by a professional,” she says.
How To Wash A Throw Pillow Insert In The Washing Machine
- Remove pillow sham, pillowcase, or cover from your pillow. These covers will be washed separately from the actual pillow and can be properly cared for according to our Tips for Cleaning Decorative Pillows section above.
- Pre-treat any pillow stains at this time by applying cleaning solution with a sponge.
- A front-loading washing machine with no agitator works best to wash pillow inserts. Use warm water on a delicate cycle and choose a mild detergent for best results. If you must use a washing machine with an agitator, carefully place the pillows on each side of the washing machine to balance the load and use a very gentle cycle.
- Once the pillow inserts are washed, hang them to dry in a well-ventilated area until they are dry about 75 percent dry.
When the pillows are almost dry, you can then fluff them in the dryer. It is best to do this using a no heat setting for the best results. Including a couple of dryer balls is also a great idea to help reshape the pillows and make them like new again.
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Tips On How To Clean Your Throw Cushions Properly
You may have found yourself Googling how to wash my throw pillow or how to wash my decorative cushion only to discover that there are almost a dozen ways to do so for every type of throw pillow. Rather than sifting through countless articles, weve gathered all the information for you.
Here are 5 tips on how to clean your throw pillows and cushions properly, including washing instructions, maintenance, and a fabric guide.
Caring For Down Pillows
While your down pillows may seem like they need expert care, they can actually be washed at home. Of course, you’d want to check the fabric care label, but washing on a delicate setting in cool water is often sufficient for cleaning. “Launder two of them at the same time in order to help keep your washing machine balanced during the spin cycle,” says Sansoni.
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How To Keep Your Throw Pillows Clean Longer
Regularly dusting or vacuuming your throw pillows as you vacuum your upholstery will keep them from needing cleaning for a longer period of time. Also, using throw pillow covers in coordinating colors also makes it easier to clean them often, especially if they are machine-washable as you wont need to worry about dark dyes mixing in with lighter whites. Finally, keep hard to clean throw pillows above ground and in harder-to-reach places, where dogs, cats, kids, and peoples feet wont soil them frequently.
How To Clean Microfiber Pillows
There are various ways how you can clean microfiber pillows and sometimes they are listed on the label by code letter. While S code means you can use an alcohol-based cleaner, W code means you can use water based cleaning solution such as water and soap.
S-W code means you can use both water-based and alcohol cleaners and X code means you must vacuum your pillows.
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How To Wash Throw Pillows With A Sponge
Can you wash a bamboo pillow that is soiled? Of course. This recipe is ideal for bamboo or other more sensitive types of pillows. One way to clean memory foam or other non-machine washable pillows is with upholstery shampoo and a firm sponge. Purchase the shampoo from a big box retail store or make your own at home with common household ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon liquid laundry detergent
Combine all four ingredients inside a large mixing bowl or bucket. Stir well and pour the cleaner into a spray bottle. Spray your pillow with the shampoo and use a firm sponge to work the shampoo deep into its surface.
With a white towel, gently blot away the shampoo and dirt. Repeat this process as necessary until the pillow is clean.
Wash Your Throw Cushion
The first step to keeping your throw pillows clean is a proper wash. Follow these instructions closely to achieve the ideal cleanliness for your cushion.
Step 1: Take the cover off the cushion. Youll need to wash these two items separately.
Step 2: Check the washing instructions for your specific throw pillows material.
Step 3: Using a sponge and warm water, soak the soiled parts of your cushion coverwith a pre-treatment solution to remove any stains.
Step 4: Machine wash your throw pillow insert with warm water on a delicate wash cycle. Be sure to use a mild laundry detergent to avoid any lingering odors.
Step 5: Follow the recommended drying instructions until the cushions insert and cover is completely dry. See the next section for more details.
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How To Wash Feather Or Down Pillows
Feather and down pillows require special attention to protect the loft and integrity of the fill. Always follow the manufacturers specific guidelines, as many feather and down pillows can only be dry cleaned. If the pillow can be washed, it should be done carefully:
- Choose a soap designed for feathers or down, or a mild detergent.
- Use only a small amount of soap to prevent clumping or residue.
- Use cool or warm water, as hot water can damage feathers and down.
- Choose delicate settings in order to keep the materials inside from clumping.
- Add another rinse cycle to remove any remaining soap residue.
- Add another spin cycle to get rid of excess water.
- When using a dryer, use the lowest heat options over multiple cycles.
- Fluff your pillows between cycles to break up any clumps.
When drying, you can gently squeeze water out of the pillow, but do not wring it out. Consider using dryer balls to keep pillows fluffed while drying. You can also wash these pillows carefully by hand in a solution of detergent and water.
What Is The Best Way To Keep Your Throw Pillows Clean
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to things that can be as annoying to treat as throw pillows. These tips will help you reduce the number of times you need to sanitize your pillows:
- If you dont use your pillows much, dust them at least once a week. A quick wipedown is more than enough for most regular maintenance. You can also do vacuuming, if dusting isnt your jam.
- Dont be afraid to use a steam cleaner if you just need to sanitize the fabric. Steam cleaners just make sense as a refresher.
- Keep pillows away from food and moisture. Nothing quite ruins a good throw pillow like a tomato sauce stain.
- Avoid placing pillows in reach of pets and young children. We dont want to see doggie drool on them, do we?
- Most throw pillows take very well to linen spray. Linen sprays are excellent tools for people who just want to ensure that their pillows smell fresh. We suggest using lavender as a way to get your aromatherapy on.
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Washing Cotton Down And Synthetic Pillows
