Whether you’ve just purchased your brand-new throw pillows or you’re curious about whether they’re right for your home, you’ve come to the right place. Throw pillows are ideal for elevating your home decor, but you should familiarize yourself with the cleaning process to maximize their longevity. These stylish accessories can quickly accumulate dust, dirt, and even stains, so proper care is essential.
In order to keep your home decor in perfect condition over time, it’s important to know how to wash throw pillows the right way. We’ve created the ultimate step-by-step guide to provide you with everything you need to know about keeping your throw pillows looking pristine. From which pillows to purchase to the cleaning process itself, we’re covering all of the details. By the end of this guide, you’ll feel confident maintaining your throw pillows and keeping your space effortlessly chic.
What should I look for when selecting washable throw pillows?
Not all throw pillows are created equal. When shopping for throw pillows, it’s important to think about both form and function. First, consider the fabric that best suits your style and lifestyle. We offer two kinds of fabric to choose from:
Comfort Poly: This option is ideal if you’re looking for a casual fabric with a soft finish. It’s perfect for homes with a relaxed vibe and adds a cozy touch to any space. Comfort Poly pillows are not only stylish but practical, as they can endure everyday use without compromising their look or feel.
Poly Twill: Our more luxurious option offers a super-smooth surface and extra resilience. This fabric’s durability makes it an excellent choice for households with pets, kids, or frequent guests. Poly Twill also provides a sleek and polished aesthetic, ideal for modern or sophisticated spaces.
The major benefit of both of these fabrics? They’re fully washable! However, not every decorative throw pillow cover on the market can be tossed in the wash. Always check product descriptions or labels to ensure that the pillows you purchase are washer-friendly. If you’re unsure, rest easy knowing that all of our throw pillows are designed for easy cleaning, offering you a stress-free solution to maintaining your decor.
The complete steps for washing your throw pillows:
Now it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty! Once you’ve selected your washable throw pillow, you’ll want to know how to keep it clean, bright, and super soft. Here is our comprehensive guide to washing your throw pillow – step by step:
Step One: Unzip & Remove the Cover
The first step is to carefully unzip and remove the cover from the pillow insert. Our pillows are designed with a hidden zipper for a seamless appearance, but this feature also serves a functional purpose.
Removing the cover allows you to wash it separately, preventing the insert from becoming damaged in the washing process. Take care to handle the zipper gently to avoid tearing the fabric or breaking the zipper mechanism. Once the cover is removed, set the pillow insert aside, as it may not require cleaning as frequently as the cover.
Step Two: Select Your Wash Cycle
Always wash your pillow covers on a cold, delicate cycle. Cold water is crucial because it helps prevent shrinkage and protects the fabric’s dye from fading or bleeding. A delicate cycle minimizes agitation, which is essential for maintaining the structure of the fabric.
If your washing machine has a setting specifically for delicate fabrics, this is the time to use it. Avoid using hot water or heavy-duty cycles, as these can cause damage over time, especially to softer materials like Comfort Poly.
Step Three: Wash Your Cover
This is the easiest step! Simply throw (pun intended) your pillow cover in the wash. However, make sure to wash it by itself or with similar fabrics to avoid pilling or snags. Use a gentle detergent that’s free of harsh chemicals, as these can degrade the fabric over time.
For added care, turn the cover inside out before placing it in the machine. This small step provides extra protection for the outer surface, ensuring that your pillow looks fresh and vibrant wash after wash.
Step Four: Choose Your Drying Method
You have a couple of options when it comes to drying your pillow cover. You can tumble dry the cover on low heat, which is a quick and convenient option. However, if you’re concerned about maintaining the integrity of the fabric, laying it flat to air dry is a safe alternative.
Air drying is particularly beneficial for delicate materials or covers with intricate patterns. If you live in a humid environment, tumble drying might be a better choice to prevent mildew. For the best results, reshape the cover while it’s damp to ensure it fits snugly back on the pillow insert.
How often should I wash my throw pillows?
Great question! It’s generally recommended to wash your throw pillow covers once a month for regular maintenance. This frequency ensures that dust, dirt, and allergens don’t accumulate, keeping your home fresh and inviting. However, if your throw pillows are in high-traffic areas—such as on throw pillows on a couch in a busy living room—you may want to wash them more frequently.
Additionally, if you live in a home with pets or small children, you might notice spills, fur, or fingerprints on your pillows. In these cases, spot cleaning between washes can help keep your pillows looking their best.
What happens if my throw pillow gets stained?
If your throw pillow gets stained, don’t fret! Marks can happen, especially in households with kids, pets, or frequent entertaining. The key is to act quickly. First, spot clean the stain as soon as it appears. Use a small dab of mild laundry detergent mixed with water, and gently blot the stain with a clean cloth or sponge. Avoid using harsh stain removers or rubbing the area, as this can cause the stain to set deeper into the fabric. Always blot rather than rub, working from the outer edges of the stain inward to prevent spreading.
Once you’ve treated the stain, you can wash the cover following the steps outlined above. Be sure to double-check that the stain has been fully removed before drying, as heat can set any remaining residue permanently. For tough or persistent stains, repeating the spot-cleaning process may be necessary.
Who can benefit from washable throw pillows?
We might be biased, but we think everyone can benefit from washable throw pillows! These versatile decor items are perfect for anyone who values both style and practicality. If you have a busy lifestyle, washable throw pillows are especially helpful to simplify your life.
They’re also a game-changer for families with kids who love to snack on the couch or for pet owners dealing with fur and paw prints. Washable throw pillow sets are also ideal for allergy sufferers, as regular washing helps reduce allergens like dust mites and pollen. No matter your situation, washable throw pillows offer a stress-free way to maintain a clean and inviting home.
What kinds of throw pillows are best for easy washing?
If you’re looking for the best throw pillows to keep clean easily, look for ones with removable covers that are labeled machine washable. While some throw pillows are hand washable or can be spot treated, this process is much more labor-intensive and time-consuming. Machine washable options will make your life much easier, saving you time and effort.
Our modern throw pillows also feature a hidden zipper, which is ideal for easily unzipping the covers without detracting from the stylish look. Another important aspect to consider is the type of dye used on the covers. We use a dye sublimation process, which ensures that no color will be lost when washing. This means your pillows will remain vibrant and fresh-looking over time. Always make sure that the pillows you purchase won’t bleed in the washing machine or fade after repeated washes.
Looking for more home decor ideas?
Although they are one of our favorite stylish solutions, throw pillows aren’t the only way to add a touch of visual interest to your home. Washable rugs are another easy-to-clean addition that can create a cozy, dynamic atmosphere.
Beyond textiles, consider the power of wall art! Canvas art requires hardly any cleaning at all, making it the ultimate low-maintenance option. No matter what you choose, make sure that your decor doesn’t just look good but suits your lifestyle.
How to Wash Throw Pillows: Final Thoughts
Taking care of your throw pillows doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these simple steps, you can keep your pillows looking fresh, clean, and as beautiful as the day you bought them. Remember to unzip and remove the covers before washing, choose a cold and delicate wash cycle, and pick the drying method that works best for you. With regular maintenance and care, your washable throw pillows will remain a stylish and functional part of your home decor for years to come.
Check out our blog post for more information on how to decorate with throw pillows.
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