Cleaning Decorative Pillows

Decorative pillows, while beautiful to look at, can often present a homeowner with some rather unique cleaning situations. After all, you can't simply throw them in the washer like you would other kinds of pillow cases. Cleaning decorative pillows is possible though, as long as you are willing to take a few extra steps, or willing to do a little bit of extra work. Simply follow these recommendations, and you will soon have some beautifully clean, attractive, and useable once again.

As you read these guidelines, keep in mind one simple fact. They are geared towards you having removed the pillow from the decorative pillow case. If you are unable to do that, it is not a major issue, but will require a little more care on your part.

• If possible, hand wash. The best possible way to get decorative pillows clean is to actually hand wash them. Before submerging the fabric into any water, always try to do some spot cleaning first. When washing these pillow cases by hand, make sure that you use the gentlest soap possible, and that you are careful with the cases themselves. Often these types of cases are extremely delicate, and have delicate work on them that could come off or become damaged if you are not careful.
• Wash with delicates. If you are unable to wash the items by hand, then wash them as you would any other delicate item. Place them into a delicate bag (like a mesh laundry bags) , and use the delicate cycle. In addition, make sure that you use the gentlest possible detergent, and that you check the items closely after having washed them.
• Air dry only. It is possible to dry these items in the dryer. However, make sure that you use the lowest possible setting (such as fluff, or air dry) and check the pillows periodically. Do not allow the decorative pillow cases to overheat and become damaged. Once you have dried them, remove the cases from the dryer and fluff them up, and force them back into their original shape. This is particularly important if you were unable to remove the pillows from the cases.
• Take them to a professional. While it is more expensive, the most practical solution for cleaning decorative pillows is to take them to a professional. Often these pillows will not require much cleaning, and will only need to be cleaned once every few months. By having a professional clean them for you, you are certain to have them clean and undamaged.