How To Wash A Throw Pillow

Knowing how to wash a throw pillow is a simple skill that keeps your decor looking fresh. It can feel confusing with so many different materials, but with the right steps, it’s an easy task.

Throw pillows add comfort and style, but they also collect dust, spills, and everyday grime. Washing them properly extends their life and keeps your home clean. This guide will walk you through every step for every type of pillow.

Before you toss anything in the washer, you need to do some detective work. The care label is your best friend here. It holds all the secrets for cleaning your specific pillow.

Step 1: Check the Care Label

Look for a small tag, usually on a seam. It will have standard cleaning symbols and often written instructions. The most common codes you’ll see are:

Machine Wash: A symbol that looks like a bucket of water. It may have temperature dots inside.
Hand Wash Only: A hand in a bucket of water.
Do Not Wash / Dry Clean Only: A circle, often with a letter inside (like a “P”).
Tumble Dry Allowed: A square with a circle inside.
Air Dry Only: A square with a curved line at the top.

If the label is missing, you’ll need to proceed with caution based on the fabric and filling.

Step 2: Identify the Pillow Type

What your pillow is made of determines everything. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Cotton or Linen: Generally durable and machine-washable.
Polyester or Microfiber: Often safe for machine washing on gentle.
Velvet, Silk, or Suede: Usually require professional dry cleaning or very careful spot cleaning.
Decorative Trims: Beads, sequins, or delicate embroidery may mean hand-washing only.
Fillings: Down/feathers, polyester fiberfill, memory foam, or buckwheat hulls all have different needs.

Step 3: Pre-Treat Any Stains

Always treat stains before the main wash. Apply a small amount of mild detergent or a stain remover directly to the spot. Gently rub the fabric together and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Don’t use bleach unless the label explicitly says it’s safe.

Preparing Your Pillow for the Wash

If the pillow has a removable cover, always unzip it and wash the cover separately from the insert. This gives a much more thorough clean. For pillows without removable covers, check all seams for holes or weak spots. You may want to place it inside a mesh laundry bag for extra protection during the cycle.

Machine Washing Your Throw Pillows

Most common throw pillows with synthetic fills and cotton covers can handle a gentle machine wash. Follow these steps for the best results.

Step-by-Step Machine Wash Guide

Use a Gentle Detergent: Opt for a mild, liquid detergent. Avoid heavy detergents with optical brighteners or strong fragrances, especially for colored fabrics.
Select the Right Settings: Use the cold or warm water setting on the gentle or delicate cycle. Hot water can cause colors to bleed or fabric to shrink.
Balance the Load: Wash two pillows together to help balance the machine. If you only have one, add a couple of towels to prevent it from thumping around unevenly.
Double Rinse: If your machine has the option, select an extra rinse cycle to ensure all soap is removed. Leftover detergent can attract more dirt.

Special Cases for Machine Washing

Down or Feather Pillows: These can be machine washed but need extra care. Use a mild detergent and run them through two rinse cycles to get all the soap out. A tennis ball or dryer balls in the dryer helps fluff them up.

Pillows with Structured Forms: Some pillows have a bit of a shape. Washing can sometimes misshapen them, so be prepared to fluff and adjust them while they are still damp.

Hand Washing Delicate Pillows

For pillows labeled “hand wash only” or those with delicate fabrics like velvet or lace, hand washing is the safest method. It’s not as hard as it sounds.

Fill a Basin: Use a clean sink or bathtub. Fill it with cool or lukewarm water and a small amount of gentle detergent or a soap made for delicates.
Submerge and Soak: Place the pillow in the water and gently press it down to soak. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes. Don’t twist or wring it.
Gently Agitate: Swish the pillow around softly with your hands. Pay special attention to any stained areas.
Rinse Thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with clean, cool water. Press the pillow against the side of the basin to release soapy water. Repeat until the water runs clear.

The Right Way to Dry Throw Pillows

Drying is just as important as washing. Improper drying can lead to mildew, clumping filling, or shrinkage.

Tumble Drying

If the care label permits tumble drying, use the lowest heat setting possible. High heat can damage fibers and cause filling to melt or clump.

Add two or three clean, dry tennis balls or wool dryer balls to the dryer. They help break up clumps in the filling and fluff the pillow.
Check the pillow every 20 minutes. Fluff it by hand to redistribute the filling and ensure even drying.
Even on low heat, synthetic fills can overheat. If the pillow feels very hot, let it air dry the rest of the way.

Air Drying

Air drying is the gentlest option and is required for many natural fibers. It does take longer, though.

Lay the pillow flat on a clean, dry towel or a drying rack. Reshape it with your hands.
Place it in a well-ventilated area, out of direct sunlight which can fade colors.
Flip the pillow every few hours to ensure both sides dry evenly. This can take 24-48 hours.
For down pillows, you can also hang them over a clothesline, giving them a good shake every few hours.

Avoiding Mildew

The key to air drying is preventing moisture from getting trapped. Make sure the pillow is in a spot with good air circulation. If you’re drying it flat, placing a fan nearby can really speed up the process and prevent any musty smells from developing.

Cleaning Non-Washable Pillows

Some pillows, like those with delicate fabrics, glued-on details, or certain structured forms, cannot be submerged in water. Here’s how to refresh them.

Spot Cleaning

Blot up any liquid spills immediately with a clean, dry cloth. Don’t rub, as this can push the stain deeper.
Mix a solution of cool water and a tiny drop of mild dish soap or a specialized upholstery cleaner.
Dip a clean white cloth in the solution, wring it out until it’s just damp, and gently dab at the stain from the outside in.
Use a second cloth dampened with plain water to dab away the soap residue.
Let the area air dry completely.

Freshening Without Water

For pillows that just smell stale or have dust, try these methods:

Vacuum: Use the upholstery attachment to vacuum all sides of the pillow. This removes surface dust and allergens.
Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the pillow, let it sit for an hour, then vacuum it off thoroughly. This absorbs odors.
Steam Cleaner: A handheld garment steamer can kill dust mites and refresh fibers. Always test on an inconspicuous area first and keep the steamer moving to avoid overwetting.

Maintaining Your Pillows Between Washes

Regular care reduces the need for deep cleaning. A few simple habits will keep your pillows looking newer for longer.

Fluff your pillows daily when you make your bed or tidy the couch. This helps maintain their shape and prevents the filling from compacting.
Rotate and flip them regularly so they wear evenly, especially if they’re always in the same spot on the sofa.
Use pillow protectors under decorative covers. These are usually machine-washable and provide a barrier against sweat, oils, and spills.
Keep them out of direct sunlight when possible to prevent fading over time.

FAQ: Common Questions About Washing Throw Pillows

Can I wash a throw pillow with a “dry clean only” label?

It’s not recommended. The fabric or construction may not hold up to water and agitation. Spot cleaning is your safest bet, or take it to a professional cleaner.

How often should I wash my decorative pillows?

It depends on use. For pillows on a bed you use every night, wash every 3-6 months. For living room pillows, a seasonal wash (every 3-4 months) is usually sufficient. Spot clean spills immediately.

My pillow came out of the washer lumpy. Can I fix it?

Yes, often you can. While the pillow is still damp, knead and massage the lumps to break them up. When drying, use dryer balls and check frequently to manually redistribute the filling before it dries in place.

Can you put throw pillows in the dryer?

Many can, but always check the label first. Use low heat and include dryer balls. For delicate or down-filled pillows, air drying is often the safer choice to avoid damage.

Why did my pillow shrink after washing?

Shrinkage is usually caused by washing in hot water or tumble drying on high heat. Always use cool water and low heat settings. Some natural fibers, like cotton, have a natural shrink to them no matter what you do.

How do you wash a pillow that can’t get wet?

Focus on surface cleaning. Vacuum it thoroughly, use baking soda to absorb odors, and spot clean any stains with a barely-damp cloth and mild soap. A garment steamer can also help refresh it.

Is it okay to wash memory foam pillows?

Never submerge memory foam. You can spot clean the cover if it’s removable. For the foam itself, vacuum it and lightly spray with a mixture of water and a small amount of mild detergent, then wipe with a damp cloth. Let it air dry completely.

Washing your throw pillows doesn’t have to be a chore. By taking a few minutes to read the label and choose the right method, you can keep them clean, fluffy, and beautiful for years to come. Remember, when in doubt, gentler is always better—both for your machine and for the life of your pillows.