how to wash sofa pillows in washer

[AngeloRose]

Washing sofa or throw pillows in a washing machine can be an effective way to refresh them, but it is crucial to first check the care tag for specific instructions. Many pillows, even those without removable covers, are machine washable. If the tag indicates "dry-clean only" or has delicate materials or embellishments, you should opt for spot cleaning instead.

For pillows that are safe to machine wash, begin by pre-treating any visible stains. When you are ready to wash, select a gentle or delicate cycle and use cold water with a small amount of mild detergent. To maintain balance within the washing machine, it is advisable to wash two pillows at once in a top-loading machine. For a front-loading washer, you can wash a single pillow along with a few towels to create a balanced load. It can also be beneficial to run an additional rinse and spin cycle to ensure all soap residue and excess water are removed from the filling.

Proper drying is key to restoring the pillow's shape and preventing mildew. Place the pillows in the dryer on a low-heat or no-heat setting. To help break up any clumps in the filling and encourage fluffiness, add a few dryer balls or clean tennis balls to the cycle. You may need to run the dryer more than once to ensure the pillow is completely dry to the core. Periodically check for any remaining dampness before finishing the process.