Do you know that, carelessly, more than two-thirds of American homeowners are ruining their decorative pillows by not washing them properly? Moreover, in 2025, when cotton, linen, block-printed, and handmade fabrics are the favorites, proper pillow care has accordingly already turned into a necessity of life.
The famous California interior designer Ava Collins claims: "The mood of your home is written in the softness of its textiles—care for them right and they care for your space back." A throw pillow may seem small, but it is accomplished of protecting dust, dirt, allergens, and even bacteria, particularly when used frequently in the living room or bedroom.
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Do Check the Care Label First
Pillows vary a lot; some can be placed in the washing machine, some only in the hand wash, and some are “dry clean only” with no exceptions. Firstly, look at the temperature, detergent type, and drying instructions. The most common reason for pillows losing their color, shrinking, or changing their shape is ignoring the labels.
Use a Gentle Cycle for Machine-Washable Pillows
Pillows filled with cotton, polyester, and many modern synthetic materials in USA homes are machine-safe. Use a gentle cycle with cold water, a mild detergent, and wash them with similar weighted items to keep the washer balanced.
Air-Dry to Maintain Shape & Texture
Driers can remove cotton, give creases to linen, and change the shape of delicate fabrics. Pillows can be air-dried on a flat towel and rarely stuffed to keep them in their original shape.
Tumble-drying could be acceptable on low heat for changeable covers if the fabric permits; otherwise, air-drying is the best option to retain texture and brightness.
Delicate Fabrics Spot Cleaning with No Covers
Pillows made of velvet, silk, handcrafted block-printed, and linen without zippers should not be soaked in water at least. They can be maintained using spot cleaning with a soft cloth, mild soap, and gentle dabbing—this softens and protects the fibers while keeping them fresh. NY designer Lucas Meyer elaborates, “Luxury fabrics react to care the way skin reacts to skincare—gentle always wins.”
Pillow Covers, Curtains, and Linens to Be Washed Separately
Lighter linens like pillow covers, table runners, and tea towels easily get snagged in mixed loads; hence, they need washing separately. Mesh laundry bags are used to shield organic dyes, embroidery, and hand-block prints from the damage done by washing along with other fabrics.
Throw Pillows to Be Refreshed Between Washes
Pillows can be restored in between deep cleans by baking soda—just sprinkle, let it sit for 30 minutes, vacuum, and enjoy the instant cleanness. Using washable layers over decorative pillows in living rooms with kids or pets is a smart choice to spread life and lessen wear.
Washing Throw Pillows at Home Don’ts
Avoid harsh chemicals, basic detergents, and bleach—they take away the color and damage cotton/linen. Don’t overly soak the pillows because the stuck water will lead to mold and odor.
Foam or memory foam pillows should never be machine-washed, as they will break apart, so vacuum-cleaning and spot cleaning only is the right method. Do not use hot water or high heat, as heat will cause fibers to shrink.
Always test for colorfastness by using a moist cloth on a hidden area first, especially for dark shades or organic dyes. And drying time should never be ignored—pillows may take 12–48 hours to dry completely, depending on their thickness.
Caring for Other Home Linens
Curtains need to be washed based on the type of fabric and should be air-dried to prevent shrinkage. Table runners and placemats, being made of organic dyes, should be washed in cold water and must have their colorfastness checked.
Napkins and tea towels can generally be put through the washing machine and cleaned at a warm temperature if they are very dirty.
The 2025 Home Care Takeaway
The cleaning of throw pillows does not necessarily mean going through a lot of hard work—the right way to do it, your pillows will look new, soft, and cozy for a long time.
Miami interior designer Harper Lane says, “The heart of a warm and inviting dwelling is in its fabric's cleanliness.” Besides, if the fabrics in your home are cotton, linen, block prints, and handcrafted, then taking care of them will be a more significant endeavor.
Reasons Why Fabdivine Simplifies Pillow Care
With more than ten years of trust, skill, and knowledge in cotton, linen, and hand-block-printed textiles, Fabdivine embodies the ultimate combination of Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness.
Each one of the pillow covers, curtains, lampshades, table runners, and seasonal décor items is made to look gorgeous after every wash—theirs is the design intended for typical American homes and everyday living.
If you want a home that is warm, colorful, chic, and very personal, Fabdivine is the company American homeowners are looking to for their handmade comfort.
FAQs
Q1. What is the best way to clean and maintain decorative pillow covers?
Wash softly by hand or run through a delicates cycle in cold water and gentle detergent, and air-dry to preserve colors and fabric.
Q2. How do you wash decorative floor pillows?
Wipe with a wet towel and light soap, or to take away dust and dirt, vacuum regularly.
Q3. What can I do to make my Halloween pillows fresh and clean?
Keep them in a cool, dry place after Halloween and spot clean the stains as soon as possible with a mild detergent.
Q4. What is the best way to take care of and wash holiday throw pillows?
Take off covers where possible, do laundry in soft cycles, and dry in the air to keep the holiday clothes and designs.
Q5. Is it possible to wash throw pillows in a washer?
Just in case they are machine-safe, cold water, light cycle, light wash; otherwise, spot clean.
Q6. Is it advisable to wash pillow covers before using them?
Yes, washing takes away factory dust and chemicals and makes it soft before the initial use.
Q7. What do you do to wash couch pillows when they do not have removable coverings?
Wipe clean using mild detergent and a cloth, then dry it completely; it will develop mold or mildew.
