With this guide, you will learn how to wash your throw pillows, even if they don’t have a zipper or any other way to remove the cover. Throw pillows add warmth to living space, but accidents such as spilling something on them can make cleaning a tough job.
In this complete guide, they will look at how to wash throw pillows without a removable cover so that your home can always be fresh.
Before You Clean
Before you start cleaning your throw pillows, make sure to check the following:
Read the Care Instructions
If there is a care label still on the pillow, check this to see whether the method of cleaning chosen will harm the pillow. Some of the decorative pillows which may be made of silk, wool, or those with embroidery may be washed by dry cleaning.
Identifying the Fabric Type
Materials used in throw pillows include cotton, linen, polyester, and a combination of these materials. It is also important to know the fabric type to be able to determine the right cleaning technique to use.
The first thing you should do is refer to the care tag or label on your pillows. It will give detailed information on the type of fabric used in making the clothes and any special washing in
Cotton and Linen throw pillows
If your throw pillows are made from cotton or linen, you should know that these fabrics shrink. If you want to wash your clothes without damaging them or causing them to lose their shape it is advisable to hand wash or spot clean them. It will also ensure that the fabric remains intact as your pillows are changed to increase their freshness.
Polyester and Blends
Polyester and blended fabrics are more durable and resistant to machine washing. But, it is essential to search for any additional parts that may require extra attention. It is crucial to know your fabric type that will help you set a good and safe cleaning regime for your throw pillows.
Examine the Stuffing
The washing technique used mainly depends on the type of pillow insert. There are many fillings that can look attractive after washing in the washing machine. Some of the known types of pillow fillings are more than twelve and materials such as memory foam are sensitive to machine washing.
If there’s no care label, you can evaluate it by touching its surface. A “choppable” pillow should be stuffed with down or some down-like material; a firm, non-choppable pillow is probably made of cotton or polyester.
Seal Any Holes
If the seams are not intact or have come out of the way, sew them first before washing the item so that the item does not come out. This step also helps prevent pillow damage during the washing process.
Preparing Your Pillows for Washing
Once you have known the fabric type, it is important to prepare your throw pillows for cleaning. First of all, remove any accessories, which are likely to be harmed by the washing process like beads or sequins.
Looking for Stains and Pre-Treatment
In addition to that, the pillows should be checked for stains before they are washed in the washing machine. In general, any stains can be pretreated with the appropriate stain remover or a combination of mild washing soap and water. This mark should not be spread all over the stained area and therefore it should be blotted gently.
Addressing Odors
If odors have gotten into your pillows, then dust them with baking soda before you wash them. Baking soda has the property of eliminating odors so the pillows will smell good after the baking soda has worked on them. This should be allowed to stand for at least 15 minutes before proceeding with the cleaning process.
Choosing the Right Detergent
Choose the right detergent if you want to maintain the quality of your throw pillows. Do not use bleach or fabric softeners when cleaning the clothes and avoid using a powder that is not suitable for the fabric type. This will also clean well without harming the fibers of the upholstery.
A mild and environmentally friendly product that can be used is Tru Earth’s eco-strips detergent. This one works on various kinds of fabrics and is not bad for the environment. Compared to aggressive chemicals, Tru Earth’s detergent ensures that your pillows don’t lose their quality, making it the best detergent to use in both aspects.
Machine washing vs hand washing
Machine Washing
When it comes to fabrics like polyester or any other blend, then it is usually safe to wash by machine. Wash it in a delicate cycle with cold water and a mild detergent only. The pillows should also be placed in a mesh laundry bag to minimize their damage during the wash.
Hand Washing
Cotton or linen for instance require hand washing because they can be easily damaged by washing machines. Take a basin and pour cold water into it then add some quantity of mild soap into the water. Swirl the water carefully and put the pillows in it. Wash them gently with a soft cloth or sponge and use warm water because hot water makes fabrics shrink.
Washing Machine Instructions
- Pre-Treat Stains: If there is something that you do not want to go away while washing prepare for stain removal (see below).
- Use a Front-Loading Machine: Select a front-loading washing machine to ensure the pillow is fully submerged in water. A top-loading machine may make the pillow float, depending on the insert type.
- Fluff After Drying: When the pillow is through the dryer, it should be fluffed to its normal size or position.
- Skip Fabric Softener: Do not use fabric softener as it will sit on the filling, particularly in cases of down feather pillows, and make them flat.
- Balance the Load: Wash at least two pillows to maintain the balance in the washing machine; otherwise, the machine will not spin properly and the pillows will be soaked.
- Gentle Cycle: Wash in cold or warm water (30-40°C / 86-104°F) with a gentle cycle and with detergent.
- Extra Rinse Cycle: Another rinse cycle with cold water can be also added.
- Repeat Without Soap: If necessary, run the washing machine again, but without washing soap to remove the remaining soap suds on the pillow.
Rinsing and Drying
Finally, when your throw pillows are cleaned you should rinse and dry them. If drying is not done correctly then one may end up with mold or some parts damaged.
For rinsing, ensure that you rinse your pillows very well so as to ensure that all the detergent is washed out. You should rinse the water until it clears showing that all the soap is washed off. If you hand-washed, do not twist or turn the pillows inside out while removing the excess water.
As for drying, the most secure method is air drying. Place the pillows directly onto a clean, dry towel and re-correct the shape of the pillows. High temperatures could cause discoloration therefore the pillows should not be placed under direct sunlight. Too, they should be completely dry before placing them back again on furniture.
Spot cleaning
Blotting is also one of the fastest methods of cleaning small stains from throw pillows. The method that you are going to apply depends on the stain type and the extent of the stain.
Materials Needed:
- With an upholstery tool, a vacuum cleaner
- Carpet cleaner (e.g., Folex)
- Dish soap and water
- Steam cleaner (optional)
Instructions:
- Take your vacuum cleaner upholstery attachment and move it up and down and also side to side over the throw pillow.
- Dilute one drop of hand-washing laundry soap in warm water but not too much so that it becomes sudsy.
- Take a clean cloth or toothbrush and moisten it with the soapy water then start washing the outer part of the pillow.
- You might have some stubborn stains on the surface of the furniture; just spray some Folex carpet cleaner and wipe using a damp cloth.
- If you can use a steam cleaner, steam the surface of the pillow to … It blows water and then it sucks it back, which makes it to be among the most efficient in cleaning.
Hand washing pillows without removable cover
The best way of protecting delicate throw pillow covers that cannot be removed is through hand washing. Some pillows that have incorporated fabrics or other inserts might get spoiled when washed in a machine.
- You will need:
- Mild soap solution to be used in washing by hand
- For colored fabrics, use oxygen bleach.
- Weights
Instructions:
- Clean any surface stains and always check to see if the stain test is positive.
- Take a bathtub or a bucket half-fill it with warm water and add the mild detergent and oxygen bleach. Stir it around until all the ingredients have melted.
- Soak the pillow in the water and then put some objects on it so that the pillow is fully immersed in water. Do not use metal weights such as iron because rust can pass on to the fabric.
- Let it be for some hours or even the whole night. Swirl it around and then run your finger across the surface to try to loosen the stain.
- It’s important to press down to get as much water out of the clothes as you can.
- Wash several times with water until the rinse water is clear when you are wringing it.
- Squeeze again gently to eliminate any excess water but do not twist the pillow.
- Tumble dry the pillow at low to no heat at all to get the best results.
Conclusion
If your throw pillows do not have covers that can be easily removed, you don’t have to panic! They can be cleaned gently without causing a spoilage of the equipment. The only thing one should take into consideration is the fabric and filling type.
If you are still in doubt, then please take your clothes to a professional dry cleaner. If not, you are welcome to attempt the techniques mentioned above. Make sure that whenever you use a new cleaning product, you first use it on a small inconspicuous area.
FAQs
What should I do to be sure I choose the right cleaning process for pillows?
Read the care label and determine the nature of the fabric used.
Can all types of throw pillows be washed using a washing machine?
No, only the fabrics that can be washed in a washing machine say the polyester and the blends should be washed in the machine.
Is it safe to wash pillows with bleach?
Do not use bleach, unless the tag states it is permitted; use oxygen bleach instead.
When is the best time to seek professional help?
If you are still in doubt about the cleaning techniques or if the fabric is sensitive, then, it has to be dry cleaned.
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