Sofa cushions, especially those used every day, attract dirt, bacteria, dust, mold and mites. The decorative cushions are also on display; therefore they must be cleaned with equal regularity. Sofa cushions covered in delicate materials, such as silk, should be sent to the laundry. Most other cushions can be machine washed or hand cleaned, even for cushions that don't have a removable cover. Check the instructions on the label before attempting to clean the cushions.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Pillows with Removable Pillow Cases
Even if the cushions have removable covers, they may be unsuitable for hand washing or machine washing. Some pillowcases, especially those made of leather and silk, should always be taken to the laundry, even if only the hems are made of that material.
Step 1. Remove the pillowcase
Step 2. Pre-treat heavily stained or soiled areas with a pre-wash spray or lightly blot the stain with a damp sponge and mild detergent
Step 3. Wash the pillowcase using the gentle or gentle cycle and using cold water
Step 4. Use a mild cleanser or baby shampoo
Step 5. Remove the pillowcase from the washing machine as soon as the wash cycle is finished
Step 6. Hang on the drying rack to dry
Step 7. If the label says it is suitable for tumble dryers, you can dry it on a gentle, low heat cycle
Step 8. Put the pillowcase back on the pillow once it is completely dry
Method 2 of 2: Machine Washable Pillows
It is always good to remove the pillowcase if possible, even if the entire pillow is suitable for washing machines.
Step 1.
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Pre-treat heavily stained or soiled areas with a pre-wash spray or lightly blot the stain or heavily soiled spots with a damp sponge and mild detergent.
Clean Couch Pillows Step 9
Step 2. Wash the foam cushions by soaking them in water and detergent in a large sink
You can also use the bathtub.
Step 3. Drain the water and squeeze the excess water out of the pillows
Step 4. Fill the sink again with clean water and let the cushions sit for 10 minutes
Step 5. Change the rinse water one more time
Step 6. Squeeze out excess water using your hands or a large spatula
Step 7. Let the pillows dry in the sun if possible
If you are concerned that the color will cause the fabric to discolour, dry the cushions in a shaded area with good ventilation.
Step 8. Finished
Advice
- Dry your pillows as quickly as you can with confidence. Wet foam molds easily.
- Although the cushions may be "machine washable", it is advisable to avoid spinning in the cycle. Even on a delicate cycle, the centrifuge could tear the pillow.
- Don't forget to periodically wash decorative pillows used in a guest room.
- If the label is missing, or you are unsure how to clean the pillow, remember that you should never use water on materials such as leather, suede, silk or wool. Sometimes a pillow has only the edges of these materials, but it still cannot be washed with water and must therefore be sent to the laundry.
- The filling in some pillows, even machine washable ones, can clot. It is best to wash those cushions by hand: once they clump together, they will hardly return to their original shape.
- Keep pillows covered with delicate fabrics away from busy areas. So they won't have to be washed too often.
- Wash the cushions in the busiest areas at least once a month.
- Do not put the pillowcase back on the pillow until it is completely dry - moisture will attract dust.
Warnings
- Never use bleach when cleaning pillows, especially those with foam inserts.
- If you use a hair dryer or heater to dry your pillows, check them constantly. Don't let the heat be on one spot for too long and don't leave them unsupervised.
- Using hot air with a hair dryer will likely shrink your pillows and / or deteriorate quickly.
- Don't crowd the washer or dryer with too many pillows. Do as many cycles as needed to clean and dry your pillows.
