How to Wash a Decorative Throw Pillow

Decorative throw pillows add style to a variety of different furniture pieces. They make ideal accents for beds and sofas, and can also be quite functional. Throw pillows are available in many different styles, colors, shapes and textiles and typically feature a removable covering with a pillow inside. Depending on the design and brand, a decorative throw pillow can be very expensive. Keeping your throw pillows looking their best doesn't have to take a lot of time or money.

Things You'll Need

• Mild laundry detergent
• Tennis balls

Instructions

Machine Wash

1. Remove the throw pillow from it's covering. Wash the covering and pillow in the machine together if you'd like, but the pillow must not be washed with its cover on.

2. Wash the pillow cover (and pillow, if necessary). Using cold water and a mild laundry detergent, wash the items on a delicate (or gentle) wash cycle.

3. Remove the pillow cover (and pillow) from the machine. Items should be removed from the machine as soon as the wash cycle ends. Leaving items in a machine for over 24 hours can cause them to smell musty or moldy.

4. Dry the pillow cover (and pillow). If your items are dryer-safe, place them into the dryer and tumble dry on a low heat setting. Adding a couple of tennis balls in the dryer with your items will prevent the pillow feathers from bunching and clumping, maintaining its original shape. If your pillow and pillow covering is not dryer-safe, allow them to air dry on a flat surface, such as a dryer rack.

Hand Wash

1. Remove the throw pillow from it's covering. Wash the covering and pillow at the same time if you'd like, but the pillow must not be washed with its cover on.

2. Wash the pillow cover (and pillow, if necessary). Fill your bathtub, sink or a large bucket with warm water, adding a mild laundry detergent to the water. Place the items in the water, and squeeze them gently to clean. Let the items soak for about 15 minutes.

3. Rinse the pillow cover (and pillow) in clean warm water. Continue to rinse your items until all soap is removed. All soap residue should be removed after 3 to 4 rinses.

4. Dry the pillow cover (and pillow). Gently squeeze the items to remove all the water. Allow them to air dry on a flat surface, such as a dryer rack. Make sure to fluff the pillow occasionally as it dries to retain shape. Allow pillows to dry for at least two days.

Tips & Warnings

• Some pillows require special care. Always read the care labels on your decorative throw pillows to assure that you're cleaning them properly.

• Decorative throw pillows made of suede, leather, wool or silk require dry cleaning and should not me washed.

References

• Washing Pillows
• Cleaning Pillows