Decorative pillows can instantly liven up any space with their vibrant colors, prints, and textures. However, keeping these pillows looking fresh and bright requires following proper care methods when it’s time to wash them. Unlike regular bed pillows, many decorative pillows are delicate and require special handling to avoid damage during cleaning.
Following these guidelines can extend the lifespan of your pillows and maintain their shape and appearance after laundering.
Read Care Labels to Avoid Harm
The first step before washing any decorative pillow is to carefully check the care label. These labels provide crucial details on recommended washing methods, water temperatures, and any warnings you need to heed.
If the label states “Dry Clean Only,” do not attempt to launder the pillow at home. Take it to a professional cleaner to avoid harming the fabric. For pillows labeled “Machine Washable,” you can wash them in your home washer if you follow the provided instructions.
Pay close attention to any temperature or cycle settings. Washable pillows should be cleaned on a gentle, delicate cycle in cold or warm water. Hot water can cause dye bleeding and other damage.
Pre-Treating and Spot Cleaning
Before tossing your decorative pillows in the wash, do some prep work to make cleaning easier. Give pillows a quick vacuum to remove loose dirt and debris. Check for any stains and spot treat them with a small amount of mild detergent and warm water. Gently dab the stain, avoiding vigorous rubbing.
Also inspect pillows for loose threads, buttons, or other embellishments that could catch on other items in the wash. Hand sew any loose pieces in place prior to washing if possible.
Gentle Hand Washing Method
For delicate pillows prone to damage, the safest cleaning method is hand washing. Fill your sink or a small tub with lukewarm water and add a tiny amount of a mild detergent. Ivory soap or baby shampoo work well.
Submerge your pillow in the water and gently move it around to release dirt. Do not vigorously twist, scrub, or press the pillow, which can cause tears or misshaping. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all traces of soap.
After washing, gently squeeze excess water from the pillow. Reshape it to its original form and lay flat on a towel to air dry. Place the pillow in sunlight to brighten colors as it dries.
Using Your Washing Machine
If your decorative pillow has a “Machine Washable” label, you can wash it at home if you’re extremely careful. Choose a front-loading washing machine if possible, as they are gentler on fabrics.
Wash just 1-2 pillows at a time and use the delicate or gentle cycle with cold or lukewarm water. Add a small amount of mild detergent to the basin before adding your pillows. Allow plenty of space for the pillows to move around freely.
After the wash cycle ends, avoid placing pillows in the dryer, which can damage delicate fabrics. Instead, reshape them on a towel and allow to fully air dry.
Follow Proper Drying Methods
Proper drying is key to keeping your freshly washed decorative pillows looking their best. Lay pillows flat or hang them to air dry. This prevents heat damage from dryers. If machine drying, only use a low heat setting.
As pillows are drying, periodically reshape or smooth them gently by hand. Stuff with towels or cloths to help hold the original shape. Let pillows dry completely before use or storage.
Special Considerations for Delicate Fabrics
Pillows made from delicate materials like silk, wool, velvet, lace, or sequins require extra caution when washing. Check labels closely and opt for professional dry cleaning when needed.
If hand washing, use only cool water and extremely mild detergent. Reshape repeatedly while drying. Even with care, these fabrics are prone to shrinking, snagging and other damage during washing.
Keeping Pillows Clean Between Washes
To avoid frequent washing, keep pillows clean between laundering with these handy tips:
- Use pillow protectors to shield pillows from dirt and spills.
- Vacuum regularly to remove dust buildup.
- Spot clean stains immediately with a damp cloth.
- Freshen pillows with essential oils or fabric spray.
- Rotate and fluff pillows to prevent uneven wear.
Washing decorative pillows properly is simple if you heed care instructions, wash gently by hand, reshape during drying, and give them TLC between washes. With the expert tips in this article, you can keep your pillows looking vibrant while avoiding damage from improper washing and drying.
