Throw pillows make a room feel cozier, but they can also become dirty with time. Keeping them clean is important. But are you able to simply put them inside the washer? Let’s delve into how we can wash throw pillows effectively.
Different types of throw pillows
Throw pillow may be made of different materials and therefore have different requirements for cleaning.
Decorative Vs. Functional Pillows
Functional pillows are typically made from sturdier materials while decorative ones often have delicate fabrics and embellishments. This is an essential distinction to understand before washing.
Materials Used in Making Throw Pillows
Typical materials include cotton, polyester, velvet, silk, and various blends. Each material requires different washing methods; hence you need to know what your throw pillow is made of.
What You Need to Know About Pillow Labels
Care labels are essential when it comes to cleaning your throw pillows.
How to Read Care Labels
Use care labels as a guide on how to clean them up. Other things you should look out for includes instructions about water temperature, machine-washing method and drying method.
Most Popular Symbols And Their Meaning
A bathtub illustrates that the item can be machine washed while a hand shows that it should only be hand washed. A circle means dry cleaning. Knowing these symbols will save your pillows from ruin.
Before Washing: Preparation Tips
Proper preparation makes washing easier and more efficient.
Taking Off Pillow Covers
If your throw pillows come with removable covers then remove them so that you can wash both the inserts as well as the covers separately since they may require distinct care methods.
Checking for Stains and Spot Cleaning
Examine all the cushions in order to see if there is any staining or discoloration on them. To prevent such stains from becoming permanent, ensure that you pre-treat them before laundering processes commence on such articles like sheets and towels among others.
Are All Throw Pillows Machine-Washable?
Washing throw pillows is not a universal practice.
Pillows that can be thrown into washing machines
Polyester and cotton filled cushions can usually be machine washed. However, to preserve the fabric and the filling, always use the gentle cycle option.
Hand Wash Only Pillows
Such materials as silk or velvet are delicate such that if they are washing in any other way apart from hand-washing, then they will spoil completely. Intricate designs on other items should also alert you about using this method of washing only.
Dry Clean Only Pillows
If your pillow has these words “dry clean only”, it’s better to adhere to them rather than ruining its fabric or filling.
Choosing a Good Detergent for Washing
Always try out mild detergents. This is because too harsh ones could lead to damages on the fabrics as well as fillings.
Choosing the Right Cycle
Set your washing machine at gentle or delicate cycle depending with what is indicated in there. This will avoid damage like tearing that might occur during cleaning sessions.
Using a Washing Machine
The pillows can be placed inside the washer; sometimes it is even better if two pillows are washed together so that they can balance each other’s weights hence being cleaned evenly all through.
Hand Wash of Throw Pillows
For more delicate pillows, hand washing is recommended instead.
Materials Required
You need to have a basin, mild detergent and warm water ready before you start this process.
Steps for Hand-Washing
Take lukewarm water in a basin where you have added small amount of detergent soap solution and mix well with your hands so that bubbles form in it;
Gently swirl pillow around inside liquid until all sides get wet;
Rinse pillow repeatedly under running water until no bubble is visible anymore.
Drying Hand-Washed Pillows
Gently squeeze out excess water and dry the pillows flat. Don’t twist them to ensure that they are not damaged while drying.
Drying your throw pillows
You must dry them correctly because otherwise mold and mildew will grow on them.
Using a dryer
Low heat setting should be used for machine washable pillows. The pillows can also be made fluffy by adding a few dryer balls or clean tennis balls.
Air drying
Place pillows in a well-ventilated area in a horizontal position. Rotate the pillow occasionally to ensure uniform drying.
Tip for proper drying
The cushions should be completely dry before they are ready for use again as any remaining moisture could cause mould to develop.
Dealing with stubborn stains
Normal washing may not help remove hard stains sometimes.
Identifying common stains
Stains such as food, drink spills and pet messes are types of these common marks.
DIY stain removal techniques
To suck out spots, mix baking soda and water. For grease spots, you may use just a little bit of dish soap.
Commercial stain removers
There are different types of stain removers but it is advisable that you first test them over small areas so that they do not damage the fabric materials used in making such products.
Maintaining Pillow Shape
For the longevity and comfort, it’s important to maintain the shape of your pillow after washing.
Fluffing and Reshaping
These pillow should always be fluffed regularly and shaped back after being washed so that they can appear fuller and more supple.
Proper storage tips
Avoid storing in humid areas; store them coolly to avoid smelliness. Do not compress long term. Special considerations for different fabrics
Each kind of fabric has its own way of care. Washing delicate fabrics
Delicate clothes should be handled gently using cold water as well as mild detergents. Caring for embellished pillows
When cleaning those cushions that have beads, sequins or other decorations, it is necessary to hand wash them or do spot cleaning so as not to damage them. Handling pillows with zippers or buttons
When pillows have zippers make sure they are closed. Also, buttons should be secured in order to prevent snags on other things.
Frequency of washing throw pillows
How often should I wash my throw pillows? It depends on how dirty they are and how much they are used.
Recommended cleaning schedule
Mostly 3 – 6 months is okay for decorative pieces. But those ones you use daily may need more frequent washing. Factors influencing washing frequency
You should consider allergies, having pets and the environment at large when deciding about the period within which you can clean your pillow cases.
Alternatives to washing
There are times when it’s not necessary to wash. Here are some alternatives.
Using pillow protectors
The use of pillow protectors can help in ensuring that the life of the bedding material is extended thereby reducing the number of times one has to wash their bedding. Freshening sprays and fabric refreshers
If you want your pillows smelling good without being washed then these products will do for you. Spot cleaning as a maintenance routine
This refers to occasional cleaning up minor stains thus minimising instances where one needs to conduct full washes frequently.
Conclusion
Cleaning throw pillows doesn’t have to be daunting. Your cushions will continue looking great and lasting long if only you know what they’re made from and follow appropriate instructions regarding their care. You don’t have necessarily machine-wash or go for alternative methods; just keep them tidy all through by following simple steps such as hand washing, keeping them fresh etc., this goes a long way in making your home comfy and stylish.
Read more : How to Choosing the Right Pillow for Your Neck
FAQs
Can I wash feathered throw pillows?
Yes but remember that feathers can easily spoil when subjected high temperatures during drying time so ensure low heat settings for the latter process. What if my throw pillow doesn’t have a care label?
Are throw pillows can be bleached?
Better, do not use bleach as this may spoil the fabric and inside. Instead, apply gentle soaps.
How to take pet fur off throw pillows?
For you to remove pet hair from your throw pillows, make use of a lint roller or a vacuum cleaner attached with brush.
Can I dry throw pillows without washing them?
Yes, put two dryer balls in the dryer along with pillows in order to freshen them up and eliminate dust.