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How Often You Should Clean Your Throw pillows
Reviewed by Zac Kieffer
Updated: September 10, 2025
Discover the ideal frequency to clean your throw pillows for freshness, hygiene, and lasting comfort. Keep them looking great!
How Often You Should Clean Your Throw pillows
Recommended Cleaning Frequency
Monthly or Seasonal Dusting: If your throw pillows are in high-traffic areas or exposed to pet hair and dust, a quick dusting every month can prevent allergen build-up.
Every 3-6 Months Deep Refresh: For most homes, giving your throw pillows a thorough treatment every three to six months maintains their appearance and helps keep the fabric fresh.
Spot Clean When Necessary: Addressing spills or stains as they occur avoids long-term damage, keeping your pillows looking their best.
Why This Frequency?
Allergen Control: Regular cleaning helps reduce dust mites, pet dander, and pollen that gradually settle on fabric surfaces.
Maintaining Appearance: Consistent upkeep ensures your throw pillows remain vibrant and attractive, enhancing your overall décor.
Preserving Fabric and Fill: Frequent light cleaning minimizes the wear on delicate fabrics and fill material, extending the life of your pillows.
Usage Considerations: Areas prone to spills, heavy use, or where people with allergies frequent might require more frequent attention compared to seldom-used decorative pieces.
Consequences of Skipping Throw pillows Cleaning
Consequences of Skipping Throw Pillows Cleaning
Odor Build-Up: Throw pillows are like sponges for smells. Sweat, body oils, pet fur, and even that popcorn you ate during movie night can all settle in. Skip cleaning, and you’ll notice your pillows start to smell less like “fresh linen” and more like “mystery funk.”
Dust and Debris Accumulation: Every time you plop down on the couch, you’re sending a cloud of dust, skin flakes, and crumbs into your throw pillows. Over time, this debris builds up, making your pillows look dingy and feel gritty. Not exactly the cozy vibe you’re going for.
Stains Set In: Spills and spots don’t just disappear on their own. The longer you wait, the more those stains become permanent residents. Some fabrics even get discolored or stiff if you let stains linger too long.
Fabric Wear and Tear: Dirt and grit act like sandpaper on fabric fibers. When you skip cleaning, you’re letting those tiny particles grind away at your pillow covers every time you use them. This leads to thinning, fraying, and a much shorter pillow lifespan.
Allergen Buildup: Dust and debris can contribute to a less comfortable environment, especially for those sensitive to dust. Regular cleaning helps keep your space feeling fresher and more inviting.
Loss of Fluff and Shape: When pillows aren’t cleaned, the filling can clump together from moisture and oils. This means your once-plump pillows start to look flat and lumpy, and no amount of karate-chopping will bring them back to life.
Uninviting Appearance: Dingy, stained, or misshapen throw pillows can make even the cleanest room look a little neglected. Clean pillows, on the other hand, instantly freshen up your space and make it more inviting for you and your guests.
Mild Detergent and Cold Water: Remove the pillow cover, mix mild detergent with cold water, gently hand wash the cover, rinse thoroughly, and air dry.
Remove the pillow cover and mix mild detergent with cold water. Gently hand wash the cover, rinse thoroughly, and air dry. This gentle method cleans throw pillow covers without damaging the fabric.
Deep Stains Persist
Some deep stains may not come out with mild detergent and cold water, as this gentle method is best for light soiling. Persistent stains may require stronger cleaners or professional treatment for complete removal.
Baking Soda and Vacuum: Sprinkle baking soda over the pillow, let it sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly to remove odors and dust.
Sprinkle baking soda evenly over the throw pillow and let it sit for 30 minutes to absorb odors and loosen dust. Vacuum thoroughly to remove the baking soda along with trapped dirt, leaving your pillow fresh and clean. This simple method naturally deodorizes and refreshes fabric surfaces.
Allergens Remain Embedded
Baking soda and vacuuming may not fully remove allergens, as particles like dust mites and pet dander can remain deep inside the pillow’s filling, beyond the reach of surface cleaning methods.
White Vinegar and Sunlight: Lightly spray a mixture of white vinegar and water onto the pillow, place it outside in direct sunlight for several hours, then shake out and air dry.
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the throw pillow, then place it outside in direct sunlight for several hours. Shake out the pillow and let it air dry completely. This method helps freshen and deodorize pillows naturally.
Odor Removal Incomplete
White vinegar and sunlight may not fully eliminate deep or stubborn odors trapped inside throw pillows, especially if the filling is dense or the odor source is strong, leaving some unpleasant smells behind after cleaning.
Mix 1 cup of rubbing alcohol with 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the throw pillows, then let them air dry. This spray helps freshen fabrics and eliminate odors naturally.
Surface Cleaning Only
This method only cleans the surface and does not penetrate deep into the pillow, leaving behind dirt, allergens, and potential odors trapped inside. It may not effectively sanitize or remove stains from the inner filling.
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