Every home has that one pillow that used to be the coziest spot on the couch, until it lost its shape and looks worn down. Replacing it seems like the simplest solution, but small steps toward care can save you money and waste. In fact, most old pillows only need a good cleaning to recover their charm.
Cleaning and reshaping are all it takes to bring back that cozy, inviting feel. And sometimes, professional care can take it even further. Let’s go over the easy, effective ways to refresh your old throw pillows and extend their life beautifully.
Cleaning Beats Buying New Every Time
You’d be surprised how often people toss out perfectly good pillows just because they look a little tired. Over time, dirt, oils, and dust build up, especially on couch pillows and decorative pillows that never get washed.
But before you rush to replace them, remember: a simple throw pillow cleaning routine can make them feel brand new for a fraction of the cost. So instead of throwing money at replacements, start with the basics.
How to Deep Clean Pillows
Even if you’ve never washed a pillow before, this is easier than it sounds. Follow these simple steps:
Check the Label
Look for instructions on whether it’s safe for machine washing or if dry cleaning is recommended.
Vacuum First
Use a handheld vacuum or upholstery attachment to remove loose dust and pet hair.
Choose the Right Detergent
Go for a mild, environmentally friendly soap or a gentle detergent made for delicate fabrics like cotton, linen, or silk.
Use Warm Water
Cold water won’t break down oils effectively, but hot water can shrink the fabric. Warm water is just right.
Add a Tennis Ball
Toss one or two clean tennis balls into the washer or dryer. They help keep the filling fluffy and prevent clumps.
Quick Tip: For pillows without removable covers, spot clean using a damp sponge and vinegar in circular motions. Always do a spot test first, especially for fabrics like wool or silk. Keeping your pillows clean extends their life and keeps your couch or bed feeling fresh.
Restoring Shape and Volume in Flattened Pillows
A flat, limp pillow can make even the coziest couch look uninviting. Over time, the filling inside your throw pillows gets compressed from daily use, especially when they’re used as armrests or nap cushions. The good news is, you don’t need to replace them. Restoring their volume is simple once you know the best ways.
How to Fluff Pillows
To restore volume and softness, try these techniques professionals and home cleaning experts swear by:
Tumble with Tennis Balls
Place your pillows into the dryer with two clean tennis balls or dryer balls on a low-heat setting. The gentle pounding motion redistributes the filling evenly.
Hand Fluff Regularly
Grab each pillow by its opposite corners and shake it out a few times. Then, push the sides inward to reshape the filling.
Sunlight Air Dry
Lay them out in direct sunlight for an hour or two. Sunlight not only fluffs but also kills lingering odors and bacteria.
Steam to Relax Fibers
A handheld steamer can help loosen clumped polyester or feather fillings, restoring a soft, airy feel.
Pro Tip: Rotate your pillows every few weeks, especially on couches or beds that get a lot of traffic. This keeps the filling evenly distributed and helps prevent sagging.
Removing Stubborn Odors and Stains
Even after regular cleaning, pillows can hold on to musty smells or faint yellow stains from sweat, body oils, or spills. This happens more often in humid environments like New York City or the Hudson Valley, where moisture lingers in fabrics.
These odors not only make your couch or bed feel unclean but can also trigger allergies. Thankfully, there are safe, household-friendly ways to fix that – no harsh chemicals required.
How to Deodorize and Spot Clean
To clean stains and remove odors naturally, use this gentle yet powerful routine:
Baking Soda Sprinkle
Sprinkle a light layer over the entire pillow surface and let it sit for 20 minutes. This absorbs odors and moisture.
Vinegar Spray Solution
Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Mist lightly over the stained area.
Circular Scrub
Use a clean sponge or towel to gently scrub in circular motions. Don’t soak the pillow; you’re cleaning the surface, not the stuffing.
Rinse and Blot
Dampen a fresh towel with plain water and blot the cleaned area to remove residue.
Air Out
Place the pillow in sunlight or near a fan to dry completely before returning it to your couch or bed.
Tip for Silk or Wool: Always do a spot test before using vinegar or baking soda. For delicate fabrics, use a mild fabric cleaner instead.
When Professional Cleaning Is the Smarter Choice
Some decorative or specialty pillows use materials like silk, velvet, or feather filling that can be damaged by water-based cleaning methods. In those cases, dry cleaning is your best option. Professional cleaning services use specialized equipment to safely remove deep stains and allergens.
If your pillows are pricey or part of a matching set, professional care can save you from costly mistakes. Let’s take a quick look at how pros handle the process.
How Professionals Restore Pillows
Professional cleaners follow a detailed, fabric-safe process to restore your pillows:
- Inspection and Sorting: They identify fabric type (polyester, cotton, silk, etc.) and choose the right cleaning method – wet, dry, or steam.
- Pretreatment: Stains are treated with targeted, fabric-safe solutions that lift dirt without damaging color.
- Deep Cleaning: Specialized machines clean the pillow thoroughly, removing allergens, dust, and odors from the filling and surface.
- Drying and Deodorizing: Pillows are dried using temperature-controlled air and finished with an anti-allergen or deodorizing treatment.
If your pillows still look and smell great after this process, you can keep them that way with regular home maintenance, gentle washing, vacuuming, and the occasional sun treatment.
Bring Back the Freshness of Your Pillows with the Expert Care at Urban Valet Cleaners
Many throw pillows look worn, not because they’re old, but because they’ve never been properly refreshed. When regular cleaning just isn’t enough, Urban Valet Cleaners is here to bring back that soft, fresh feel you love.
For over 25 years, Urban Valet Cleaners has been Buffalo’s trusted name in Home Goods Care. We specialize in cleaning items such as heirloom pieces, bulky comforters, area rugs, window treatments, patio cushions, and many more.
What started as a small two-person operation has grown into a full-service cleaning company with a team of more than 45 dedicated professionals. From delicate fabrics and area rugs to comforters, window treatments, and heirloom pieces, we handle every item with precision and care, using the latest cleaning technology.
Let our experts restore comfort and freshness to your home, starting with the pillows in your living room. Call us today at (716) 670-5073 or schedule your FREE Pickup and Delivery Service with Urban Valet Cleaners. Because your home deserves nothing less than the best!
