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Decorative pillows can instantly elevate the feng shui of your bedroom. Whether they're made from velvet, silk, leather, boucle, linen, cotton or any other fabric, these cozy home decor pieces can accumulate dust, stains, pet hair and regular wear and tear. It's important to know about how to wash your decorative pillows to maintain their feel, comfort and aesthetic value. Don't let your favorite pillows become lifeless-looking or dirty. Cleaning pillows isn't complicated, even with different types of pillow inserts.
Know the Fabric for Your Decorative Pillows
If you're afraid of tearing or ruining the fabric of your pillows during a do-it-yourself cleaning, don't panic. You have other options for cleaning decorative pillows. Bed and bath fabric designers always advise homeowners to check the manufacturer's care label first. However, not every pillow brand has directions on washing decorative pillows, so it's important to know what kind of material your pillow is made from.
For instance, certain fabrics need gentle and professional treatment. These include decorative pillows made of velvet, wool and silk or those pillows featuring down feather inserts. Also, leather and suede pillow covers should not be washed in water.
It's also important to consider the decorative features of your pillows. Those with beading, appliques or embroidery would benefit from a professional dry cleaner's skill. If you're intent on washing decorative pillows at home, it's important to proceed with caution. You can clean them by hand to help preserve their decorative features.
For hand washing, experts recommend a bucket of water, a gentle detergent and a soft cloth. For machine washing, pre-treat stains, and choose the delicate cycle with warm water and a gentle detergent. Most pillows can be tossed into the dryer on low heat with a few tennis balls to help fluff them up.
Pretty Pillows Still Need Frequent Care
Cleaning experts recommend washing decorative and throw pillows often, especially when these items are used in the bedroom or high-traffic areas such as the den. Spot cleaning is important, and deep cleaning your pillows should be done once a month. Don't forget about the pillow inserts. They may not appear dirty, but these items should be washed at least once every month to maintain their cleanliness and general shape.
Where Would Your Home Be Without Decorative Pillows?
When it comes to decorative pillows, they can create comfort, support and amazing home decor style, but even these pretty accents don't last forever. Sometimes, stains won't budge, seams fall apart or the pillows just look old and tired. The same goes for your linens and bedding. No one wants to sleep on anything bumpy, lumpy or flat.