How to Wash Throw Pillows?

Adding couch pillows as decor is the ultimate easy interior design hack. After you place your piles of pillows make sure you don’t neglect them on your couch or bed. It’s easy to overlook them but cleaning and caring for them can prolong their lifespan significantly! Plus, they will be much cleaner, who wouldn’t want that?

Follow this simple guideline on how to wash throw pillows, it’s very routine and straightforward to do.

How Often to Wash Throw Pillows

Generally, throw pillows are there for decorative purposes and don’t get that dirty regularly. But since they are easily neglected, and play a big part in the appearance of your space. They should be cleaned regularly.

If the pillow covers are removable then it is recommended that you wash the covers or cases once every month at least. The pillow inserts should also be cleaned every other month.

How to Clean Decorative Pillows

When it comes to how to clean throw pillows, there are two main methods. Either machine wash or by hand. Depending on the instructions on the care label and the characteristics of the material of the throw pillows, pick the correct washing method. TheHues pillow inserts are a great option as they are machine wash safe.

1. If possible, remove all pillowcases or pillow covers. The inserts and covers should be washed separately.

 a. For pillowcases and covers follow care instructions.

 b. For faux fur pillow covers, there are more things to keep in mind, refer to our How to clean faux fur guide.

2. Pre-treat any stains with a stain-remover solution.

a. If there are any stains that have penetrated the pillow inserts, please apply laundry stain solutions or other fabric cleaners to rub and pre-treat.

3. Remove any surface dust and debris.

a. Shake or use a lint roller to remove surface debris.

4. Washing throw pillow inserts.

 a. Machine – for those that are machine wash safe

i. Use the most gentle warm cycle to wash the pillow inserts.

ii.Select a gentle detergent.

iii. Avoid using bleach on the pillow inserts.

b. Hand wash

i. Fill a sink or bucket big enough to submerge the pillow inserts with lukewarm water.

ii.Add a few squirts of gentle detergent of your choice and mix well

iii. Slowly submerge the pillow inserts into the sink

iv. Gently rub the stains off with a brush

How to Dry Throw pillows & Treat Stains on Throw Pillows

You can dry throw pillowcases or covers normally but to dry pillow inserts you should pay attention to these tips: 

● Check the care tag to see if the pillow inserts are dryer-safe (most of them are)

● If they can be put into the dryer, do so on low heat setting and run until completely dry

If not dryer-safe. Use a towel and press on the pillow to remove excess moisture before letting it air dry somewhere with good ventilation.

If the pillow inserts or pillowcases are still left with stubborn stains or if you happen to spill something on them, then you might need to treat the stains separately.

● Mixing hot water with stain-remover products for a very strong and effective cleaning solution

● Rub on any stubborn stain to try to remove it

● Soak the pillow for 8 to 10 hours.

● Remove and pat dry with a towel.

How to Maintain Throw Pillows

● Spot-test the cleaning solution first

Before using any cleaning solution to wash the pillows, it is a good idea to spot-test it first. Use a brush or a sponge and apply a small amount of the cleaning chemicals onto the pillows to eliminate the possibility of any bad reaction to the chemicals.

● Sponge can do wonders

Sponges are an amazing cleaning tool that is gentle yet effective in removing the stains. Use it to rub stubborn stains off of fabrics.