Read the Care Label
Before attempting to clean decorative pillows or throw cushions, always inspect the manufacturer’s care label. Ignoring these instructions can result in shrunk fabric, clumping down fill, or ruined upholstery trims. The label will specify whether the cover is machine-washable, requires professional dry cleaning, or must be spot-cleaned only.
Removable Covers
If your decorative pillows feature zippered, removable covers, cleaning them is straightforward:
- Unzip and remove the covers carefully.
- Turn the covers inside out to protect exterior patterns, embroidery, or delicate embellishments.
- Machine-wash on a gentle cycle using cold water and a mild, fragrance-free detergent.
- Line-dry or tumble-dry on low heat (if permitted by the care tag) to prevent fabric shrinkage.
Polyester Fill
Solid polyester-fill pillows that lack removable covers can often be washed whole, provided the care tag permits:
- Wash two pillows at once in a front-load washing machine to keep the drum balanced.
- Use a gentle cycle with warm water and a small amount of mild detergent.
- Tumble-dry on low heat, tossing clean tennis balls or dryer balls into the drum to fluff the filling and break up clumps.
Down and Feather
Pillows filled with natural down or feathers require delicate handling to avoid retaining moisture and developing mildew:
- Check the tag carefully; some down pillows require professional dry cleaning.
- If machine-washing is permitted, use a specialized down detergent on a delicate cold-water cycle.
- Dry thoroughly on the lowest heat setting for multiple cycles, pausing frequently to hand-fluff and redistribute the wet feathers.
Foam Inserts
Memory foam or dense polyurethane foam cushion inserts should never be submerged in water or put in a washing machine, as water breaks down the foam structure and traps permanent moisture:
- Vacuum the foam insert using a low-suction upholstery attachment to pull out dust.
- Spot-clean stains using a cloth dampened with warm water and a tiny drop of dish soap, blotting gently without soaking the foam.
- Let the insert air-dry completely in a well-ventilated area before putting the cover back on.
Spot-Clean-Only Fabrics
For delicate fabrics like silk, velvet, or heavily textured brocades marked “spot clean only”:
- Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water and whip it into a light foam.
- Dip a clean microfiber cloth into the foam (avoiding excess liquid) and dab at the stain gently from the outside in.
- Blot with a second clean, damp cloth to rinse, then press dry with a clean towel.
Drying and Reshaping
Never put damp pillows back onto couches or beds. Trapped internal moisture quickly leads to mildew growth and musty odors. Ensure both the filling and fabric are 100% dry, then vigorously punch and reshape the pillows to restore their loft and plump appearance.
Odor Control
If your cushions smell stale or harbor lingering pet odors:
- Sprinkle baking soda evenly across fabric surfaces, let it sit for 30 minutes to absorb trapped oils and odors, and vacuum it up thoroughly.
- For more specialized fabric care tips, explore our guides on DIY furniture cleaning and pet-owner cleaning.
While keeping your decorative pillows fresh and clean adds a polished touch to your living spaces, maintaining overall home hygiene takes ongoing effort. Explore our living-area care advice, and let our professional team handle the heavy lifting by scheduling regular recurring cleaning with Queen Anne Cleaning today!
FAQ
Can decorative pillows go in a washer?
Only if the care label explicitly permits it. Removable synthetic or cotton covers and solid polyester-fill pillows can usually be machine-washed on a gentle cycle, but foam and down require specialized care.
How do I clean foam inserts?
Vacuum foam inserts with a brush attachment and spot-clean stains using soapy foam on a damp cloth. Never submerge foam inserts in water.
Can pillows go in a dryer?
Many polyester and down pillows can be tumble-dried on low heat, but foam pillows and delicate decorative covers will warp or melt and must be air-dried instead.
How do I remove odors?
Sprinkle baking soda over the cushion fabric, let it sit for 30 minutes to absorb trapped smells, and vacuum it away completely using an upholstery attachment.