How to Spot Clean Decorative Throw Pillows

If you are someone who buys high-end home furnishings, you want to keep them in the best condition possible. At the same time, you also live in your home. Accidents happen and––no matter how careful you are––over time, home goods become soiled or stained.

You may be reluctant to throw out otherwise clean decorative throw pillows due to dirt or food stains. But you also cannot simply throw them in the washing machine with other laundry.

The good news is that you can clean throw pillows. In fact, once you learn how, you may do it more regularly to keep them looking pristine.

The key is to determine the right method that corresponds to the pillow fabric. The guide below tells you how. Keep reading to find out how to get your home pillows back into like-new condition.

Read the Label

The first thing you should do is look for any care instructions on the manufacturer’s label. It may state that the pillow should be dry cleaned or washed only by hand. It could also recommend only spot cleaning (no washing).

If the pillow does not contain any care instructions, the next step is to determine the type of fabric the pillow casing is made of. This can help in selecting a cleaning solution.

Choose the Right Stain Remover

This is an essential step to properly cleaning decorative throw pillows. Selecting the wrong one could damage the fabric. Go with a stain remover without harsh chemicals.

If you are in doubt, good go-to cleaners are white vinegar or regular dish soap. Pure Castile soap is suitable as well, since it is a “pure soap” derived from natural oils. Note that it can be very strong though, so you may only use a small amount diluted in water.

Another useful tip is to consider the type of stain. For instance, a bit of cornstarch or baking soda can help remove oily stains. Hydrogen peroxide is good for removing red wine or other dark food stains.

Note that fabrics like leather (including sued), silk, and wool should not be cleaned with water. For these, buy special solutions designed specifically for cleaning such materials.

Clean the Fabric

First, if your pillow has any inserts, remove them. You can clean these separately with mild detergent, but––unless they indicate otherwise––they too should never go in the washing machine.

Whatever cleaner your select, dilute it with a lot of clean water. Dip a cloth in the solution and ring it out as much as possible. Then gently blot the stain, applying pressure for 20 or 30 seconds.

Using a white cloth allows you to see if the solution is diluting the stain so it can be absorbed. If the stain does not come out immediately, you can allow the fabric to dry and try again later. It is important not to rub the stain, which will likely only make it worse.

Remember to allow the fabric to dry before replacing any inserts. Once it is air dry, you can return the decorative throw pillow to your couch or chair.

Learn More About Decorative Throw Pillows Care

Now that you know how to spot clean decorative throw pillows, you can get yours back in tip-top shape. With a little bit of regular care, you can keep your room looking like new and get the most out of your throw pillows.

Our Pillow Studio offers the highest quality pillows, pillow inserts, and designer fabrics available. We hand-pick the materials we use and pride ourselves on unmatched customer service. Reach out to us today to learn more about our products and services, or to learn more about keeping your pillows clean and looking great.