Often, people see couch pillows as decorative accessories that enhance the look of their couch and living room. However, in practice, people use these decorative throw pillows more often than sleeping pillows, using them to support their backs while watching TV or sitting on the couch. Because of this heavy use, these pillows pick up dirt and need regular cleaning. While cleaning pillows with removable covers is quite easy, the real challenge is washing the ones with stuffing. If you're wondering how to wash couch pillows with stuffing, youare in the right place. Here, we will discuss at length the various ways to wash these decorative pillows along with their stuffing.
What Will You Need to Wash Couch Pillows With Stuffing?
Let us discuss how to wash couch pillows with stuffing. First, you need to know what items you need to wash stuffed couch pillows.
If you wash the couch pillow in a washing machine, youwill need only water and mild detergent. However, if you wish to handwash the pillow, you will require:
- Bucket
- Lukewarm Water
- Gentle detergent
- Soft Cloth
If you have stains on your couch pillow, you may have to use an oxygen-based stain remover first to get rid of the stains before washing.
How to Hand Wash Couch Pillows With Stuffing?
Washing couch pillows with stuffing by hand or machine depends on your choice. If you have decided to wash these pillows by hand, you must follow this process.
Step 1: Spot Cleaning
If your pillow has got stains, the first step must be to get rid of these stains using spot cleaning. Add ¼ teaspoon of dishwashing soap to about one cup of warm water and mix it well to get a solution. Then, simply dip a foam or a clean cloth in the solution and apply it to the stained area to clean. Rub from the outside of the stain to the inside and then rinse the area with a clean cloth dipped in clear water. You can repeat this method until the stain disappears.
Step 2: Inspecting the Label
Go through the care label on the pillow carefully to know about the suggested washing method. You can continue washing by hand if the label does not specify dry wash or any other washing guideline.
Step 3: Preparing the Pillow for Wash
To prepare the pillow for washing, remove its case and other accessories attached to it. Fluff it with your hand.
Step 4: Washing and Rinsing
Start by filling a tub with lukewarm water and then pour some gentle detergent into it. Submerge the pillow in this mixture and gently swish it. Let the pillow sit in this solution for about 15 minutes and then drain the soap water. Fill the tub with clear lukewarm water and rinse the pillow gently to get rid of any soap residue. Once no soap residue is left in the pillow, squeeze it gently to remove extra water.
Step 5: Drying the Pillow
Put the pillow flat on a flat surface and let it air dry completely.
How to Machine Wash Couch Pillows With Stuffing?
Now, let us discuss the process of machine washing couch pillows with stuffing.
Step 1: Read the Label Carefully
Before you start washing the pillow, go through the care label of the couch pillow for any specific washing instructions for washing the pillow.
Step 2: Prepare the Pillows
If you have any decorative accessories attached to the pillows, remove them to avoid damage. Also, ensure that the threads of an embroidered piece are intact to avoid damage during washing.
Step 3: Spot Cleaning
Before you actually start washing, shake the pillow well to get rid of any loose debris from the surface. If the pillow has a stain, you can simply add an oxygen-based stain cleaner to a bucket of warm water and let the pillow soak in it for 8-10 hours. Afterward, squeeze out the excess liquid and then follow the usual cleaning method.
Step 4: Wash the Couch Pillows
If you machine wash the pillows, make sure to pick a gentle detergent with cold water and set the washing machine to a delicate cycle. Add some other delicate items, such as towels, along with the pillows to maintain load balance. Also, let the washing machine complete its entire cycle so that it rinses out the detergent properly from the pillows.
Step 5: Remove Excess Water
Once the cleaning is done, take out the pillow from the machine and squeeze it throughout to remove excess water. Make sure that you do not twist it, as it can deform the shape of the pillow.
Step 6: Air Dry the Pillows
You must air-dry the pillows outdoors or in a ventilated space. Make sure that you place the pillow either on a drying rack or on a towel to dry it.
Step 7: Fluff and Reshape
Once the pillow dries up completely, fluff it well by gently shaking it and adjusting the stuffing throughout the pillow.
Step 8: Inspect the Pillows
You can inspect the pillow whether it is clean and free from stains. If you think the pillow requires another round of cleaning, you can repeat the steps.
How to Wash Different Types of Couch Pillows With Stuffing?
While the process to wash couch pillows with stuffing is almost the same, there are some differences that you may have to follow in case of different types of couch pillows.
Polyester Pillows
You can wash polyester couch pillows on a gentle cycle in your washing machine with cold or warm water.
Down Pillows
Always wash down pillows with cold water on a gentle cycle in your machine. After the rinse, allow the pillows to dry for at least 2 cycles so that the feathers inside dry out completely and do not catch mold. Make sure to fluff the pillow in between the drying cycles.
Foam Pillows
While you can easily machine wash other types, you cannot take the risk of throwing foam pillows in your washing machine, as it can deform the shape of the pillow. Shake the pillow well to get rid of the debris and then spot clean it with mild soap and water. Air dry it and then fluff it.
What Are the Common Mistakes to Avoid While Washing Couch Pillows With Stuffing?
Even when you have invested 2 hours in cleaning your couch pillow, you find some problem coming up? This may happen because of some common mistakes that you might have made.
Not Checking Care Label
This is one of the most common mistakes that most people often make. Couch pillows can be made of different fabrics, such as foam, feathers, and others, for which you require different care methods. So, missing out on this instruction can damage your pillow if you follow the wrong washing method.
Washing in Hot Water
While you can use warm water for some pillows, you should use cold water for washing these couch pillows. Hot water can shrink the pillow or can lead to color bleeding.
Using Harsh Bleach
Many people think using bleach can help in removing stains. However, using harsh bleach chemicals can damage the fabric of the couch pillow.
Reassembling Damp Pillows
If you rush to dry the pillows and use them immediately, this is another big mistake you should avoid. You must always air-dry the pillows properly to avoid mold.
How Often Should You Wash Couch Pillows?
Couch pillows are favorite hug accessories for many people. Also, these are the perfect support for your back when you sit on the sofa. But do you know that the skin cells that we shed on the pillow actually attract dust mites? These pests can become the prime cause of respiratory issues and allergies if you do not keep the pillows clean.
Generally, you must wash couch pillows at least every 1-2 months. However, the cleaning frequency is also based on various factors such as usage, extent of stains, and freshness. Also, pillows in your bedroom or living room should be washed frequently, while you can take your time washing pillows that are rarely used.
How Can You Keep Couch Pillows Clean For Long?
While washing the couch pillows is always possible to get rid of stains or odors, you must follow certain care tips to keep them going for a longer time.
- When you are cleaning your living room, do not forget to shake the pillows and vacuum the surface to remove dust.
- Make sure to treat the stains at the earliest to avoid the stains from setting deeply in the fabric, which will otherwise be difficult to remove.
- Spray some vinegar on the pillow surface and then put them in the dryer every week to maintain freshness.
- Always go through the care label thoroughly to avoid any mistakes while cleaning the pillows.
- Check the fabric and type of the couch pillow before you use a particular washing method.
- Always go for a spot test to ensure that the product you will use will not ruin the pillow.
While your couch pillow may not last forever, you can still make it last for a longer time by following appropriate care tips.
Conclusion
To enjoy a comfortable and appealing seating arrangement in your living room, you must know how to maintain your couch accessories. Just randomly cleaning is not going to work for the couch pillows. You must know the correct washing approach for different couch pillow fabrics and types. The ideal way is to follow the manufacturer’s care label for washing and drying the pillow properly to prevent mold. Moreover, if you do not wish to invest in purchasing couch pillows, follow the maintenance tips seriously for the pillows to stay in shape for a much longer time.
