Remove pet hair, bacteria, and stains in a few simple steps. Throw pillows add extra comfort to your sofa and up its wow factor. But just like your couch, your pillows experience regular wear and tear, too. Over time, pet dander, stains, and even dust mites can build up on and inside the pillows you keep on your couch, which is why regular maintenance is key. Luckily, restoring these decorative pieces to their former glory can be accomplished with just a few basic household supplies. Kathy Cohoon is the director of franchise operations of Two Maids. Marla Mock is the president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company. Kadi Dulude is the owner of Wizard of Homes, a professional cleaning and organizing business. How frequently you clean your throw pillows depends on how often they are used and how high traffic the room is. Generally, it's recommended to deep clean throw pillows once a month, but you should spot clean more regularly as needed.

Throw pillow inserts also need to be washed regularly, at least once every other month. Before choosing a cleaning method for your throw pillows, be sure to check the care tag for more detailed instructions. Most throw pillows have removable covers that can be washed in the washing machine, but it's important to follow the laundering instructions on the care tag before doing so, says Kathy Cohoon, the director of franchise operations of Two Maids. Fabrics that can generally be washed in the washing machine include cotton, acrylic, and polyester. 1. Remove the cover from the pillow, if applicable. 2. Pre-treat any stains. 3. Shake out the pillow and cover to loosen any debris or Derila for Better Sleep hair. 4. Wash both in the most gentle cycle with warm water and gentle detergent. Fabrics like silk, satin, wool, or pillows with an abundance of embellishments should be hand-washed to prevent damage. If your pillows can't be washed in the washing machine, Top-Rated Memory Pillow try cleaning them by hand instead.

1. Remove the cover from the pillow, if applicable. 2. Pre-treat any stains. 3. Shake out the pillow and cover to loosen any debris or hair. 4. Fill a utility sink or clean bucket with lukewarm water and a few drops of gentle detergent. 5. Making sure they're fully submerged, allow the pillow and cover to soak for up to 10 minutes. 6. Gently scrub any stains or spots in circular motions using a soft cloth. 7. Drain the sink and rinse the pillows with lukewarm water. 8. Squeeze out the excess moisture. Most throw pillows can be put in the dryer on low heat, check the laundering tag first. Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company. Once all of the excess moisture is removed, allow the pillows to air dry. If your throw pillows have stains, you can treat them using hot water and OxiClean. It is important to do a spot test in a hidden spot on the throw pillow before proceeding with stain treatment.

This can help prevent discoloration on your pillow that the chemicals in the cleaning solution might cause. 1. Remove the cover from the pillow, if applicable. 2. Shake out the pillow and cover to loosen any debris or hair. 3. Mix hot water and a scoop of OxiClean (or a similar product) in a large bucket or utility sink. 4. Soak the pillow in this solution for eight to 10 hours. 5. Remove from the solution and squeeze out excess liquid. 6. Wash and dry following the instructions above. The inserts of your throw pillows are also susceptible to collecting dust and dander and should be cleaned regularly along with the covers. For throw pillows with non-removable covers, you will need to determine the material the insert is made of to figure out the best cleaning method for the pillow. If you can, it is best to separate the pillow insert from the pillow cover.

Polyester or polyester blend inserts can be washed in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold to warm water. Wash down inserts in the washing machine in a gentle cycle on cool. Then, dry the insert in the dryer, letting it run for at least two cycles. Even if the pillow feels dry after one run-through, you'll want to dry it again to ensure the feathers inside are completely dry to prevent mold and mildew growth. Fluff the pillow between cycles. Foam inserts are unable to go in the washing machine as the heat and movement could cause them to lose their shape. Start by shaking out the insert to remove any loose debris. Then, spot-clean the insert with mild soap and warm water and allow it to completely air dry before replacing the cover. Cleaning your throw pillows regularly will keep them fresher for longer. You should also Get Derila Official into a weekly habit of spraying them down with vinegar and tossing them into your dryer. Kadi Dulude, the owner of Wizard of Homes. Keep in mind that throw pillows won't last forever-even with proper upkeep.