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How to Wash Throw Pillows in a Washing Machine
How to Wash Throw Pillows in a Washing Machine
Yes, you can machine-wash many throw pillow covers and a large share of inserts (polyester, microfiber, down/feather, and some down-alternative) if the care label allows. Use a front-loading washer (or a top-loader without a harsh agitator), gentle cycle, cool or warm water, and a small amount of mild detergent. Dry on low heat (or air-dry) until completely dry to prevent clumps, mold, or mildew. Do not machine-wash solid memory-foam or latex inserts—spot clean those only.
What Counts as a “Throw Pillow”? (Read This First)
“Throw pillows” usually have two parts:
Cover (often removable; cotton/linen/velvet/poly blends; sometimes embellished)
Insert (polyester fiberfill, down/feather, down-alternative, shredded foam, or solid foam/latex)
Most covers are machine-washable. Inserts vary—always check the care tag on both pieces. When in doubt, wash the cover only and spot-clean the insert.
Before You Begin (60-Second Safety Check)
Check the care tag: Confirms wash temperature, cycle, and drying method.
Test colorfastness (for covers): Rub a hidden area with a white cloth dampened with water + a drop of detergent for 10 seconds; if color transfers, hand-wash cold.
Inspect seams/zippers: Repair loose seams so fill doesn’t escape.
Remove extras: Take off decorative tassels, pins, or detachable trims.
Pre-treat stains: Dab a mild liquid detergent (enzyme-free for animal down) and let sit 10–15 minutes.
Bag delicate covers: Put velvet/silk/embellished covers in a mesh laundry bag.
Machine Settings That Protect Your Pillows
Washer type: Front-loader is best. If using a top-loader with an agitator, place pillows vertically and add towels to buffer.
Cycle: Delicate/Gentle (lowest agitation)
Water: Cool for down/feather; cool–warm for polyester/down-alt; never hot for natural fills or finishes
Detergent: 1–2 tablespoons of mild, low-sudsing liquid; no fabric softener; avoid bleach on down/feather
Load balance: Wash two inserts (or one insert + towels) to keep the drum balanced
Extra rinse: Yes—removes residue that causes clumping and odor
How to Wash Throw Covers (Most Fabrics)
Zip up all zippers and turn covers inside out.
Place in a mesh bag if delicate.
Machine wash gentle, cold, low-sudsing detergent.
Air-dry flat to prevent distortion; steam lightly or iron on reverse as fabric allows.
How to Wash Throw Inserts (By Material)
A) Polyester / Microfiber / Down-Alternative (Machine-Washable)
Load two inserts (or one + towels) for balance.
Gentle cycle, cool–warm water, 1–2 tbsp mild detergent.
Extra rinse to clear suds.
Dry on low heat with dryer balls or clean tennis balls to restore loft.
Pause every 15 minutes to manually fluff and break up clumps.
Ensure completely dry—squeeze test should reveal no cool damp spots.
B) Down / Feather (Machine-Washable with Care)
Check seams for leaks; mend if needed.
Gentle cycle, cool water, tiny dose of down-safe detergent (enzyme-free).
Add an extra rinse.
Tumble dry low or no-heat with dryer balls; expect multiple cycles.
Remove and hand-massage clumps during drying.
Finish by air-drying in a ventilated area to ensure bone-dry fill.
C) Solid Memory-Foam / Latex (NOT Machine-Washable)
Do not machine-wash.
Spot clean with a cloth dampened in lukewarm water + a drop of mild detergent; blot with clean water.
Deodorize monthly: sprinkle baking soda 30–60 minutes, then vacuum (upholstery tool).
Air-dry flat, out of sun and heat.
D) Shredded Foam (Check Label)
Many brands recommend spot clean only; a few allow hand-wash.
If allowed: submerge briefly, press (don’t wring), then air-dry flat for 24–48 hours, fluff by hand.
Drying: The Step Most People Get Wrong
Low heat or air-only; high heat warps fibers and damages down.
Add dryer balls to re-loft and prevent clumps.
Cycle-pause-fluff-repeat until the pillow feels uniformly dry and warm, not cool/damp.
Finish with 1–2 hours of air-dry near a window or fan.
Never store a pillow that isn’t 100% dry—mildew forms from the inside out.
Quick Reference Table
| Component | Wash? | Water | Cycle | Drying |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cover (cotton/linen/poly) | Yes | Cold | Gentle | Air-dry flat; steam/iron on reverse |
| Cover (velvet/silk/embellished) | Usually, but bag it; sometimes dry-clean | Cold | Gentle | Air-dry flat only |
| Insert – Polyester/Down-Alt | Yes | Cool–Warm | Gentle | Tumble low + balls; finish air-dry |
| Insert – Down/Feather | Yes | Cool | Gentle | Low/no-heat + balls; long air-dry |
| Insert – Solid Memory-Foam/Latex | No | — | — | Spot clean only; air-dry flat |
| Insert – Shredded Foam | Label-dependent | — | — | Often spot clean; if allowed, hand-wash + long air-dry |
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
Lumpy after drying? Run a 10–15 min no-heat tumble with dryer balls, then hand-massage.
Sour smell persists? Re-wash with ½ cup white vinegar in the rinse (down-safe).
Color transfer on covers? Hand-wash cold with a color-catcher sheet; avoid heat.
Allergy flare-ups? Wash inserts every 3–6 months, cases weekly, protectors monthly.
Extend life: Always use a zippered protector under the cover.
=> How to Wash Throw Pillows in Washing Machine
How Often Should You Wash Throw Pillows?
Covers: Weekly–monthly (depends on use, pets, makeup, sunscreen).
Washable Inserts: Every 3–6 months, or immediately after spills/illness.
Foam/Latex Inserts: Spot clean as needed + monthly baking-soda refresh.
FAQs
Can I wash throw pillows with tassels or beading?
If trim is detachable, remove it. Otherwise, place the cover in a mesh bag and use cold, gentle settings, or consider hand-wash. High agitation can snap threads and warp trims.
Is hot water better because it “kills germs”?
Hot water can damage down, shrink covers, and set stains. For most throw pillows, cool (down/feather) or cool–warm (poly) is safest. If sanitation is critical, prioritize complete drying and sunlight/airing after.
Why do my pillows smell musty after washing?
They likely weren’t fully dry. Re-dry on low with dryer balls, then air-dry several hours. Add ½ cup white vinegar in the rinse next time and avoid over-detergenting.
Can I wash just one pillow/insert?
You shouldn’t. Washing in pairs (or adding towels) balances the drum, reduces stress on seams, and improves rinsing/spinning.
What’s the lifespan of throw pillow inserts?
Poly/down-alt: 1–2 years; down/feather: 2–5 years with proper care; foam/latex: 2–4 years (support—not washability—usually ends their life).
You can machine-wash many throw pillow covers and inserts—but follow the label, use gentle settings, cool or warm water, and minimal detergent. Dry low and slow with dryer balls, and make sure everything is bone-dry before use. For foam or latex, skip the machine and stick to spot cleaning.