How To Wash Throw Pillow Covers

Keeping your throw pillow covers fresh is key to a clean and cozy home. Learning how to wash throw pillow covers properly will extend their life and keep them looking great. It might seem simple, but different fabrics need different care. A wrong move can lead to shrinking, fading, or damage. Don’t worry, though. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from checking labels to drying techniques, for all common materials.

First, you need to identify what you’re working with. Not all pillow covers are created equal. The care tag is your best friend here. Always look for it before you do anything. If the tag is missing, you’ll need to make an educated guess based on the fabric. Common materials include cotton, linen, polyester, velvet, and delicate options like silk or wool. Each has its own rules.

Step 1: The All-Important Pre-Check

Never skip this step. It sets the stage for success.

Find the Care Label: Look for a small tag, usually sewn into a seam. It has symbols and instructions.
Check for Damage: Look for loose threads, seams coming apart, or embellishments that might snag.
Spot Clean Stains: Pre-treat any obvious stains with a dab of mild detergent or a dedicated stain remover. Gently rub it in and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before washing.
Close All Fasteners: Zip up zippers fully. Secure any buttons or hooks. This prevents them from breaking or snagging on other fabrics.

Step 2: Sorting and Preparation

Just like with regular laundry, sorting matters.

Sort by Color: Separate lights, darks, and bright colors to prevent dye transfer.
Sort by Fabric: Wash heavy fabrics (like canvas) separately from light ones (like cotton voile).
Turn Covers Inside Out: This protects the outer surface from friction and helps remove dirt from the inside. It’s especially crucial for printed or dark fabrics to prevent fading.
Use a Laundry Bag: For covers with delicate textures (like velvet) or loose weaves, place them in a mesh laundry bag. This provides extra protection.

Now for the main event. Here’s your fabric-by-fabric breakdown for washing.

For Cotton and Linen Covers

These natural fibers are generally durable and easy to care for.

Machine Wash: Use a gentle or regular cycle with cold or warm water (check the tag). Hot water can cause shrinkage, especially for linen.
Detergent: A standard mild liquid detergent works well. Avoid using too much, as residue can stiffen the fabric.
Extra Rinse: Consider an extra rinse cycle to ensure all soap is removed.
Drying: Tumble dry on low heat or, even better, air dry. Remove them promptly to minimize wrinkling.

For Polyester and Synthetic Blends

These are often the most forgiving materials.

Machine Wash: Use a gentle cycle with cool or warm water. They are less prone to shrinking.
Detergent: Mild detergent is fine. You can use a color-safe bleach if needed for whites.
Drying: Tumble dry on low. Synthetic fabrics can melt or warp under high heat, so keep it cool. Taking them out while slightly damp helps prevent static cling.

For Velvet and Velour Covers

Velvet requires a gentle touch to maintain its luxurious nap.

Check the Tag First: Many modern velvets are machine washable, but some are dry-clean only.
Machine Washing (if allowed): Use a delicate cycle with COLD water only. Always place in a mesh bag. Use a very small amount of mild detergent.
Hand Washing Alternative: Fill a basin with cold water and a capful of gentle detergent. Swish the cover gently. Do not wring or twist. Rinse in cold water until it runs clear.
Drying: Never wring velvet. Roll it in a clean towel to press out excess water. Lay it flat or hang to dry, away from direct heat or sun. While damp, use your fingers to fluff the nap back up.

For Delicate Fabrics (Silk, Wool, Embroidery)

When in doubt, err on the side of caution with these.

Silk: Hand wash in cold water with a detergent made for delicates. Do not soak for a long time. Rinse thoroughly. Press water out gently; never wring. Dry flat away from sunlight.
Wool: Use cold water and a wool-specific detergent. Soak and gently agitate for a few minutes. Rinse in cold water. Roll in a towel to remove water. Dry flat, reshaping as needed.
Heavily Embellished Covers: If the cover has beads, sequins, or heavy embroidery, hand washing is safest. Turn it inside out to protect the decorations. Consider professional cleaning for very valuable pieces.

Step 3: Drying Methods Matter

How you dry is just as important as how you wash.

Tumble Dry (Low Heat): Okay for most cottons and synthetics. Adding dryer balls or clean tennis balls helps fluff the filling and prevent clumping.
Air Drying: The gentlest method. Lay covers flat on a drying rack or hang them. This prevents shrinkage and heat damage. It can take longer, though.
Line Drying Outdoors: Gives a fresh scent. Avoid direct, harsh sunlight for long periods as it can fade colors. Bring them in before they become stiff or sun-bleached.
Never Use High Heat: High heat is the enemy of most fabrics. It causes shrinkage, sets stains, and can damage fibers.

Step 4: Ironing and Steaming

To get rid of wrinkles and make your covers look crisp.

Check the Fabric Setting: Your iron will have symbols for cotton, linen, silk, etc. Match it to your cover.
Iron While Slightly Damp: This makes wrinkles easier to remove. If the cover is dry, use the steam function or a spray bottle.
Iron Inside Out: For colored or printed covers, iron them inside out to prevent shine or accidental scorching on the front.
Use a Pressing Cloth: For delicate fabrics like velvet or silk, place a thin cotton cloth between the iron and the cover.
Steamers are Great: A handheld garment steamer is a safe, quick alternative for most fabrics. It’s great for velvet, which shouldn’t be ironed directly.

Quick Reference: Care Symbols Decoded

Washtub with a number: Maximum wash temperature (e.g., 40°C).
Washtub with a hand: Hand wash only.
Triangle: Bleach allowed (if empty) or not allowed (if crossed).
Square with a circle: Tumble dry. Dots inside indicate heat level (one dot = low).
Iron with dots: Iron temperature (one dot = low, three dots = high).
Circle: Dry clean only.

Dealing with Common Problems

What to do when things don’t go perfectly.

Shrinkage: If a cotton or linen cover shrinks a bit, try stretching it gently while it’s still damp and laying it flat to dry in the desired shape. It might not fully recover, but it can help.
Color Bleeding: If colors ran, wash the cover again immediately by itself with cold water and a color-catching sheet. For set stains, it’s very difficult to fix.
Musty Smell: This happens if they dry too slowly. Rewash with a half-cup of white vinegar (instead of detergent) and dry thoroughly. Ensure they are completely dry before storing.
Pilling: Small fabric balls on the surface. Use a fabric shaver or a clean razor to gently remove them. Washing inside out reduces future pilling.

Storage Tips for Clean Covers

Store them right to keep them fresh between uses or seasons.

Make sure covers are completely, 100% dry before storing to prevent mold or mildew.
Fold them neatly to avoid deep creases. You can also roll them to save space.
Store in a cool, dry place. A cotton storage bag or a clean pillowcase works well. Avoid plastic bins long-term, as they can trap moisture.
For seasonal storage, consider adding a silica gel packet to absorb any ambient moisture.

FAQ Section

Can you wash throw pillow covers that say “dry clean only”?
It’s a risk. The tag is there for a reason. “Dry clean only” fabrics may shrink, bleed, or be damaged by water. If you decide to try, do a spot test in a hidden area first and hand wash very gently with cold water. Be prepared for the possibility of ruining it.

How often should you wash pillow covers?
A good rule is every 1-2 months for general maintenance. Wash them more often if they are in high-use areas, if you have pets, or if someone has allergies. Spot clean spills immediately.

What is the best way to wash decorative pillow covers?
The best way is always to follow the manufacturer’s care label. When in doubt, use cold water, a gentle cycle or hand wash, mild detergent, and air dry. This method is safe for most decorative covers.

Can I put my throw pillow covers in the dryer?
You can, but use low heat. High heat is a common cause of damage. For materials like velvet, linen, or anything with elastic, air drying is a much safer choice to maintain their shape and texture.

How do you wash pillow covers without ruining them?
The key is gentleness. Turn them inside out, use cold water, a mild detergent, and a gentle cycle. Avoid high heat in the dryer. Taking these precautions will keep your pillow covers looking new wash after wash.

With these steps, you can confidently clean all your throw pillow covers. Regular care keeps your living space fresh and inviting. Always start with the care label and when unsure, choose the gentler option. Your pillows will thank you with years of comfort and style.