How to Wash Throw Pillow Covers? a Useful Guide

For longer-lasting throw pillow covers, learn how to machine wash and hand wash them.

Throw pillows can be used to rest or add aesthetic appeal to a room, but washing them properly will ensure that they last longer. The best method of washing throw pillow covers is hand washing. Use cold water and mild detergent. To get rid of dirt, gently squeeze the fabric. To thoroughly rinse out the detergent, change the water several times.

Read on to learn some helpful advice if you intend to wash throw pillow covers at home.

Further Reading: How to Make Pillow Covers Without Sewing?

Check Manufacturer’s Labels

Manufacturers usually include fiber content and washing instructions on the labels, using standardized, internationally recognized icons that advise consumers how to treat fabrics. Washing instructions should include:

• Whether to wash by hand, machine, or dry clean
• Machine cycle, such as delicate or permanent press
• Water temperature
• Drying instructions
• Ironing instructions
• Type of detergent

The majority of decorative pillowcases include washing instructions. They indicate the temperature and whether dry cleaning or hand washing is required. Many of them also specify whether these covers can be ironed or not. So, follow the directions on the label when you want to wash them at home, and you should be good to go. Bring them to experts if they become confused.

Machine Washing Your Throw Pillow Covers

It’s very practical to wash throw pillowcases in the washing machine. Furthermore, machine washing is an option for materials like silk, polyester, cotton, and linen. However, make sure to use cold water, preferably below 40°C, when washing these covers in the washing machine.

Also, use a detergent that is mild and set your washing machine to the gentle cycle mode. Ensure that you do not use hard water as they trigger the dye to get released. To keep these covers’ color, it is best to flip them inside out.

You can also test a small area of your cushion to see if the colors bleed when it is submerged in water. Take a corner of your cushion and check to see if it bleeds by soaking it in cold water. It might be best to have them dry cleaned by a reputable laundry service like LaundryMan if the color bleeds. It is best to wash covers with similar colors together so that even if they bleed, other covers do not get damaged.

Hand Washing Your Throw Pillow Covers

There are a few things you need to watch out for when hand washing your throw pillow covers. Additionally, some throw pillowcases are made of delicate fabrics and should only be hand washed. When hand washing you can use warm water depending on the fabric to wash your cover and use a mild soap or detergent to scrub off the dirt or stains using a sponge. Additionally, be sure to dry them in a well-ventilated area, and only place them back on the pillows once they are completely dry.

Repeatedly changing the water will be necessary to rinse the cover and remove the soap and dirt. The best way to dry them is to roll them off in a towel and then squeeze the cover gently while drying.

Drying Your Throw Pillow Covers

On air or low heat, a clothes dryer can be used to dry the majority of synthetic and natural fabrics. But some fabrics need to air dry. Pillow cover fasteners like Velcro and zippers may not stand up to heat. Zippers must be shut before washing. When air-drying, block cushions to restore the shape before hanging. To avoid fading from the sun, dry in the shade.

Ironing Your Throw Pillow Covers

Natural fabrics like cotton and linen might need to be ironed after washing. Because the nap can be ruined, faux velvet, corduroy, and chenille shouldn’t be ironed. Fabrics made of synthetic materials rarely wrinkle. If you must iron, use a cool iron on the inside to fix any corners and pleats.

Conclusion: Wash Throw Pillow Covers

Cushions need to be cleaned as they get soiled over time. While cleaning refreshes cushion covers, it can also weaken fabrics or cause colors to fade. While many throw pillows can be washed with their covers still on them, some cannot, so you must remove the cover before washing.

FAQs