How to Clean Throw Pillows: The Right Method for Every Type

Throw pillows add color and comfort to your sofa — but they also collect dust, skin oils, pet hair, and the occasional spill. Cleaning them regularly keeps them looking fresh and extends their life. The key is knowing the right method for each pillow type, since the wrong approach can damage the fabric or filling.

What You'll Need

Resolve Multi-Fabric Cleaner & Upholstery Stain Remover — for spot-treating stains on fabric covers
Amazon Basics Microfiber Cleaning Cloths (24-pack) — for blotting and wiping
Mild laundry detergent
Vacuum with upholstery attachment
Large basin or bathtub (for hand washing)

Step 1: Check the Care Label

Every throw pillow should have a care tag. Look for:

A washing machine symbol — machine washable
A hand wash symbol — hand wash only
W — water-based cleaners safe for spot cleaning
S — solvent-based cleaners only (dry clean)
X — vacuum or brush only, no liquid

If there's no tag, treat the pillow as hand wash only to be safe.

Method 1: Machine Washing (For Machine-Washable Pillows)

Remove the pillow cover if it unzips; wash the cover and insert separately if possible
Pre-treat any stains with Resolve Fabric Cleaner before washing
Wash on a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent
Wash two pillows at a time to keep the machine balanced
Run an extra spin cycle to remove as much water as possible
Dry on low heat with two tennis balls to prevent clumping, or air dry flat
Check that the pillow is completely dry before use — damp filling leads to mildew

Method 2: Hand Washing (For Delicate Fabrics)

Fill a basin or bathtub with cool water and a small amount of mild detergent
Submerge the pillow and gently squeeze the soapy water through it — don't scrub or wring
Drain and refill with clean water; squeeze through to rinse until no soap remains
Press out excess water gently — never wring, as this distorts the shape
Lay flat on a clean towel and reshape; allow to air dry completely, flipping halfway through

Method 3: Spot Cleaning (For Non-Washable Pillows)

For pillows labeled S or X, or those with delicate embellishments (embroidery, sequins, beading):

Vacuum the pillow surface with the upholstery attachment
For stains on W-coded fabric: spray Resolve Fabric Cleaner on the stain, wait 2 minutes, blot with a microfiber cloth
For S-coded fabric: dab rubbing alcohol on the stain with a cloth and blot gently
Allow to air dry completely

Cleaning Specific Pillow Types

Velvet Throw Pillows

Velvet is delicate and can crush easily. Spot clean only with a damp microfiber cloth, blotting gently. Never rub velvet — it damages the pile. Steam can help restore crushed velvet fibers.

Linen or Cotton Throw Pillows

Usually machine washable on a gentle cycle with cold water. Air dry to prevent shrinkage.

Wool or Knit Throw Pillows

Hand wash in cool water with wool-safe detergent. Lay flat to dry — never hang, as this stretches the knit out of shape.

Decorative Pillows with Embellishments

Spot clean only. Remove any detachable embellishments before cleaning if possible.

How to Deodorize Throw Pillows Without Washing

Sprinkle baking soda over the pillow, let sit 20–30 minutes, then vacuum off
Place pillows outside in fresh air and sunlight for 1–2 hours
Lightly mist with a fabric refresher or diluted white vinegar and allow to air dry

How Often Should You Clean Throw Pillows?

Weekly: Vacuum or shake out to remove dust and pet hair
Monthly: Spot-clean any stains and deodorize with baking soda
Every 3–6 months: Full wash (if care label allows)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put throw pillows in the dryer?

Only if the care label allows it. Use low heat and add two tennis balls to prevent the filling from clumping. Check every 15 minutes and remove promptly when dry. Never use high heat — it can melt synthetic filling and shrink fabric covers.

How do I get yellow stains out of throw pillow covers?

Yellow stains are usually from sweat or body oils. Pre-treat with a mixture of dish soap and hydrogen peroxide (on white or light fabric only), or use an enzyme cleaner. Wash in the warmest water the care label allows.

My throw pillow filling is lumpy after washing — how do I fix it?

Put the pillow in the dryer with two tennis balls on low heat for 15–20 minutes. The tennis balls beat the filling back into shape. If it's still lumpy, manually break up the clumps through the cover by hand.

Back to blog