can you wash couch throw pillows

[DiNorah]

Of course! That's a great question, and keeping those pillows fresh makes a big difference. The short answer is yes, you can usually wash your couch throw pillows. How you do it, though, really depends on the pillow itself.

The easiest scenario is a throw pillow with a removable cover. In this case, you can typically just unzip the cover and wash it according to its care tag instructions. The inner pillow insert usually needs cleaning less often.

For pillows that don't have a removable cover, which is a very common situation, you can often wash the entire pillow. Before you do anything, check for a care tag with specific cleaning instructions. If it's safe for the washing machine, it's a good idea to use a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent. Washing two pillows at once can help keep the machine balanced.

If the tag says to spot clean only, or if the material is delicate (like silk, wool, or has beading), you'll want to avoid the washing machine. You can spot treat stains with a cloth lightly dampened with a mix of water and a gentle soap.

No matter how you wash it, make sure the pillow gets completely dry to prevent mildew. Tumble drying on a low or no-heat setting is often best. Tossing in a couple of dryer balls or clean tennis balls can help fluff the pillow back into its original shape.