How To Clean Throw Pillows That Can T Be Washed

We usually use throw pillows as a decoration and support to our couch or even in our bed. That is why, these throw pillows are susceptible to harboring dust, dust mites, and molds; therefore, they need regular cleaning as well.

However, make sure that before you clean your throw pillows, you know if the cover is non-removable or removable and if it is covered with delicate material such as silk, leather, and wool.

Otherwise, you will just ruin the throw pillow; therefore, to prevent that from happening, here is a quick tip on how to clean them.

The rule of thumb when cleaning throw pillows without removable cover is to spot test the pillow first, especially if you are not sure what kind of material it is made from. If spot cleaning does not work, you can consider washing your throw pillows by hand since this is the safest way to clean your throw pillows.

Unfortunately, not all throw pillows work with neither spot-cleaning nor handwashing. Some throw pillows that are made from silk, velvet, wool, and upholstery require a professional dry cleaning only.

Hence, you can see below are the guidelines on how to clean different types of throw pillows without removable cover.

Cleaning Guidelines For Throw Pillows Without A Removable Cover

The best thing you can do for your throw pillows before you clean them is to determine first the type of material they are made from. Then, assess whether they work with spot-cleaning, handwashing, or dry cleaning only.

Hence, here is a quick note you can look whenever you need to clean your throw pillows.

SPOT-CLEANING

Leather

HANDWASHING

Cotton
Polyester

DRY CLEANING

Silk
Velvet
Wool
Upholstery

Spot Cleaning

If you are not sure about the fabric material of your throw pillow, it is always advisable to do spot-testing before you clean your throw pillows. Here are the steps on how to do it:

Prepare the detergent that you will be using and the temperature of the water that you plan to use
Look on the area of your throw pillow that is a blind spot, just in case anything goes wrong
Start with a small spot then check if there's any reaction going on with your throw pillow, if none, then try to clean a bigger space. Discontinue use if the fabric got stained from spot testing
If it works, then your throw pillow is good to be spot-cleaned

Spot-Cleaning Leather Case Throw Pillow

When you clean throw pillow made with leather cover, you must be very cautious not to ruin it; therefore, here are the steps on how to spot-clean your throw pillow properly.

In a bowl, mix a few drops of mild dishwashing soap with water
Mix the solution until it becomes sudsy
Get a piece of cloth then dip it on the solution
Blot the areas on your throw pillow with stains
Leave it for 5 minutes
Get another cloth but this time moistened it with fresh water
Blot the soap residues until the areas no longer feel soapy
Let the pillows dry completely by using portable stand fan to hasten the drying process

TIP: When cleaning leather throw pillows, consider using a leather conditioner afterward to keep the quality of the pillow. However, make sure you use a leather conditioner intended for upholstery leather.

How To Wash Throw Pillows

Hand Washing throw pillows that do not have removable cover is one of the safest options you could actually do to clean your throw pillows.

However, make sure you wash only throw pillow covers made from cotton, polyester, and linen, or else you will just ruin the pillow.

Here is the step-by-step procedure on how to hand wash throw pillows.

Fill your bathtub or sink with warm water
Put a tablespoon of your standard liquid detergent, preferably low sudsing detergent
Swirl the water until it becomes bubbly
Soak your throw pillows in the water and then massage the exterior of your pillow to remove dirt
Once you no longer see stains on the throw pillows, set the pillows aside
Drain the sink or the tub and then wash it with cold running water. Make sure the water is clear and free from soap before filling the tub
Submerge the throw pillows and remove excess soap and bubbles. Repeat this step until the throw pillows are not soapy
Once you are done washing the pillows, let the throw pillows dry completely until it is free from moisture and dampness

How To Clean Throw Pillows With Silk, Velvet, And Wool Cover

As I have said earlier that these types of covers require professional dry cleaning only; however, you can actually do something to keep these throw pillows cover clean. Here are some helpful tips you can find below:

Give your throw pillows a regular wipe with a moistened cloth
You can use a cleaning spray and then mist it all over the surface of your throw pillow
Hang your throw pillows outside to get some fresh air and to dry any moistened areas

NOTE: Never ever try risking washing these types of fabric covers, as dry cleaning is the only safest and effective option to clean these fine fabrics.

How To Clean Suede Cover Throw Pillows

Well, for this one, just remember this: DO NOT USE WATER OR ANY LIQUID PRODUCT ON COVERS MADE FROM SUEDE.

Once you have kept this in mind, cleaning this type of cover is easy since all you need is a brush with soft bristles, and you are good.

Here are some tips on how to clean suede covers using a brush

Dampen the brush with vinegar to remove stains. No worries since the smell of vinegar will fade away over time
To remove oily stains, try to sprinkle cornstarch and then leave the pillow overnight. Vacuum the pillow to remove the cornstarch and then use a brush to remove any residues of cornstarch
Make sure when you comb the cover, you go with the grain not against it

Alternative: If you do not have a suede brush, you can use a clean toothbrush or manicure brush.

Tips On How To Remove Stubborn Stains

clean stains on pillow — Image by Annalise Batista from Pixabay

Dealing with stains right away can save you and your throw pillows from the hassle of getting rid of it.

However, before you put harsh detergents or any stain removal chemical you can see on TV commercials, make sure you do spot-testing first to check if this will work on your throw pillow.

Otherwise, here are some tips on how to remove common stubborn stains.

Adhesives And Chewing Gums

For this kind of stain, all you need to do is to place an ice bag over the stain, and then you wait until it hardens. Once the stain hardens, you scrape it off carefully before you wash it.

Blood

Submerge your pillow with a bloodstain on cold water and then allow it to dry before you wash it. If the bloodstain is already set, try to pour some white vinegar, and then you let it soak for 10 minutes before you wash the pillow.

NOTE: Do not soak the pillow with a bloodstain in hot or warm water as this can set the blood stain right away

Ink Stain

Using rubbing alcohol, pour some gentle amount on a cloth and then dab on the portion of the throw pillow with an ink stain. Repeat this step until the ink stain faded on the surface of your throw pillow.

Oil

Oily stains can be removed with cornstarch or cornflour. What you need to do is to sprinkle a pinch of cornstarch on the areas with oily stain, and then you let it sit overnight.

To remove the cornstarch, you can vacuum the surface of the pillow and then brush it to remove cornstarch residues for the final touch.

Sauces

For accidental stains such as sauces and marinades, flush it right away with running water until you remove the stain.

Gently wash off the residue with warm water and laundry detergent.

Rinse the area with running water until it no longer feels soapy and then dab some white vinegar and let it stay for at least 5 minutes.

Rinse the pillow again and then hang it to dry completely.

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

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