How to Wash Throw Pillow Covers

Throw pillows are cozy and decorative accents that make any space feel more inviting, but they also collect dust, dirt, and stains over time. Learning how to wash throw pillow covers ensures that your home stays clean, fresh, and allergy-free without damaging your favorite fabrics. Whether your covers are cotton, velvet, linen, or embellished with delicate trim, proper care is essential for preserving their texture and color. In this guide, you’ll learn the right way to clean them safely—so your pillows always look beautiful and feel soft.

The Benefits of Washing Your Pillow Covers

Regularly cleaning your throw pillow covers does more than just improve their appearance—it helps maintain a healthy living space. Over time, throw pillows trap dust mites, pet hair, and allergens that can impact air quality and trigger sensitivities. By washing them frequently, you remove these irritants and promote a fresher environment.

Clean covers also enhance the longevity of the fabric. Oils from skin, accidental spills, or dirt buildup can wear down fibers and fade colors if left untreated. A proper wash keeps the materials strong and vibrant. Plus, fresh covers instantly elevate your home’s look, giving your decor a renewed sense of comfort and style. It’s a simple routine that keeps both your pillows and your space feeling refreshed year-round.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Gathering the right tools beforehand will make cleaning your throw pillow covers efficient and worry-free. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mild laundry detergent: Choose a gentle liquid formula that won’t strip color or damage fabric fibers.
• Stain remover: Ideal for pre-treating food, oil, or ink marks before washing.
• Mesh laundry bag: Protects delicate or embellished covers from snagging in the machine.
• Soft-bristled brush: Helps work out stains and gently agitate the fabric.
• Clean towels: Perfect for pressing out excess water before air-drying.
• Drying rack or clothesline: Keeps covers flat and properly shaped while drying.

Having everything prepared ensures a smooth process from start to finish.

Step-by-Step Guide: how to wash throw pillow covers

Step 1: Read the Care Label Carefully

Every throw pillow cover is different, so start by reading the care label. This small tag contains valuable washing instructions, including whether the fabric should be machine-washed, hand-washed, or dry-cleaned. Ignoring these details could lead to shrinking, fading, or ruined embellishments.

If the label is missing or unreadable, it’s safest to treat the cover as delicate. Hand wash it in cold water with mild detergent to avoid damage. Understanding the recommended method ensures that you’ll protect the integrity of your fabric, regardless of whether it’s sturdy cotton, delicate silk, or woven wool.

Step 2: Remove Inserts and Pre-Treat Stains

Before washing, remove the inner pillow form. Inspect the cover for visible stains and treat them early. Use a small amount of fabric-safe stain remover on each spot, gently dabbing it in with your fingers or a soft brush. Allow the product to sit for about 15–30 minutes so it can loosen any stubborn residue.

This pre-treatment step prevents stains from setting in during washing and ensures a more thorough clean. It’s especially effective for tackling grease marks, makeup smudges, or pet-related messes.

Step 3: Secure Zippers and Buttons

Before placing the covers into the washer or basin, zip up all closures and fasten buttons. This small step prevents edges or hardware from snagging or tearing during agitation. For extra protection, especially if your covers have beading, embroidery, or tassels, turn them inside out. Place them in a mesh laundry bag to reduce friction and preserve the decorative details.

Proper preparation safeguards your covers against wear and helps maintain their original structure and finish.

Step 4: Choose the Right Washing Method

Now it’s time to clean your covers according to their material and care instructions. If machine washing is allowed, use a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water. This temperature helps prevent color bleeding and shrinking. Add a mild detergent in moderation—a little goes a long way for delicate fabrics.

For hand washing, fill a basin or sink with cold water and mix in a few drops of gentle detergent. Submerge the covers and move them around slowly, squeezing the suds through the fabric without wringing or twisting. Let them soak for 20–30 minutes to break down oils and dirt. Both methods are effective, as long as they’re performed gently and patiently.

Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly

Whether you’ve hand-washed or used a machine, rinsing is crucial to remove soap residue. Residual detergent can make the fabric stiff and dull. If machine washing, consider an extra rinse cycle for good measure.

If washing by hand, drain the basin and refill it with clean, cold water. Swish the covers around, then press gently to release soapy water. Repeat until the water runs completely clear. This ensures your covers feel soft and fresh when dry.

Step 6: Remove Excess Water Safely

Avoid wringing the fabric, as it can stretch or distort the shape. For machine-washed covers, use a gentle spin cycle. For hand-washed items, lay a clean towel flat, place the cover on top, and roll them together. Press lightly to absorb excess moisture. Replace with a fresh towel if needed.

This method prevents wrinkles and maintains the fabric’s structure, ensuring it dries evenly later.

Step 7: Air-Dry Your Covers

High heat is the enemy of most fabrics, so skip the dryer. Instead, air-dry your covers naturally. You can hang them on a clothesline, but avoid direct sunlight, which may cause fading. Alternatively, lay them flat on a drying rack for even airflow.

Turn them occasionally to help both sides dry uniformly. Air-drying may take longer, but it guarantees that your covers remain true to their original color, size, and texture.

Step 8: Iron or Steam for a Crisp Finish

Once the covers are completely dry, you can give them a finishing touch. Use a warm iron on the reverse side or a handheld steamer to smooth out any wrinkles. Always check the fabric’s tolerance for heat first. For delicate fabrics like velvet or silk, steaming is gentler and safer.

This final polish makes your throw pillows look freshly purchased and ready to display again.

Customization Tips

After cleaning, consider updating your throw pillow covers to match your decor. Add trims, tassels, or decorative buttons for a more personalized touch. If your covers are plain cotton or linen, you can use fabric paint or stencils to create unique designs.

You can also replace the old insert with a plumper one to give your pillows new volume. Simple customizations like these keep your space dynamic and fresh without needing to buy entirely new covers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Washing throw pillow covers is simple, but there are a few pitfalls to avoid:

• Ignoring the care label: Always follow the instructions to prevent damage.
• Using hot water: Hot temperatures can fade or shrink fabric. Stick to cold or lukewarm water.
• Overloading the washer: This prevents a thorough clean and can stress seams.
• Too much detergent: Excess soap leaves residue and stiffness. Use the recommended amount.
• Machine drying: High heat causes shrinkage and weakens fibers. Always air-dry.

Avoiding these mistakes ensures your covers stay clean, soft, and long-lasting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I wash throw pillow covers?

For most households, every three to six months is ideal. However, if you have pets, allergies, or use your pillows frequently, monthly cleaning is better. High-use areas like living rooms or family couches tend to accumulate dirt faster than decorative pillows in guest rooms.

What if my pillow cover doesn’t have a care label?

When in doubt, hand wash with cold water and mild detergent. This gentle method minimizes the risk of fading, stretching, or damage. Avoid wringing, and air-dry flat. Always test any cleaning product on a small, hidden area first to check for colorfastness.

Can I wash the pillow insert, too?

That depends on the filling:

• Down or feather inserts: Machine wash gently, then dry with dryer balls on low heat.
• Foam inserts: Spot-clean only—machine washing will ruin them.
• Polyester or fiberfill inserts: Machine wash on delicate and tumble dry low.

How can I remove tough stains like ink or wine?

Blot the stain immediately—never rub. For wine, sprinkle salt or use club soda before washing. For ink, dab gently with rubbing alcohol on a cloth, then rinse. Always test cleaning agents on a small area to avoid discoloration.

My pillow cover says “dry clean only.” Can I still wash it at home?

It’s best not to. Fabrics like silk, velvet, or those with embellishments can be damaged by water. If you want to freshen them up at home, use an at-home dry-cleaning kit, but for a deep clean, take them to a professional cleaner.

Conclusion

Mastering how to wash throw pillow covers helps maintain both the look and comfort of your home. With the right tools, gentle care, and a little patience, your decorative pillows will always look their best.

By following this guide, you’ll:

• Keep your fabrics vibrant and soft.
• Remove hidden allergens and dust.
• Extend the life of your pillow covers.

With clean, fresh covers, your living space will feel renewed—and you’ll enjoy the comfort and pride that comes with caring for your home beautifully and thoughtfully.