Anything with intricate beading and trim should be dry-cleaned or spot-cleaned. A washing machine will be too rough on the details. Leather and suede pillow covers cannot be washed. They should be spot-cleaned only.
2 parts 3% hydrogen peroxide and 1 part dishwashing soap. [1] X Research source 2 parts water, 1 part hydrogen peroxide, and 1 part washing soda. [2] X Research source 2 cups (475 milliliters) warm water, 2/3 cups(160 milliliters) dishwashing soap, 2/3 cups (160 milliliters) ammonia, and 6 tablespoons baking soda. [3] X Research source
If you don’t have any mild detergent on hand, try using less of what you have, or baby shampoo.
If your pillow is made out of leather, consider using a leather conditioner afterwards. Make sure that you are using a leather conditioner intended for upholstery leather and not saddle leather.
Try white vinegar on stains. Dampen the brush with vinegar first, then go over the stain. Don’t worry, the smell will go away. Use suede cleaner on tough stains. Consider doing a spot test first, in case of discoloration. Sprinkle cornstarch/cornflour over oily stains, wait overnight, then vacuum the next morning. Use a soft-bristled brush to comb out any residue cornflour/cornstarch. Use water with care. Some stains must be cleaned out with water. Dampen the brush first, then go over the stain–and the rest of the pillow. This will help conceal any potential discoloration.
If the tag has a W on it, you can use a water-based cleaner, such as soapy water. If the tag has a S on it, you can use an alcohol-based cleaner, such as rubbing alcohol or vodka. If the tag has a S-W on it, you can use either water or alcohol based-cleaners. If the tag has a X on it, you must vacuum the fabric. If there is no tag, use an alcohol-based cleaner.
Washing two pillows at once will help balance out the drum inside the washing machine. Washing the pillows separate from the rest of your laundry will ensure that there is enough water to rinse the soap out properly. If the pillow is not washable, toss it into dryer with a few tennis balls or dryer balls. The head will kill any odor-causing bacteria. [9] X Research source
If the care label on your pillow has different requirements for water temperature, detergent, and cycle setting, follow what the label says instead. [10] X Research source
Repeat this step for any other pillows you have just washed
Consider adding a few dryer balls or tennis balls into the dryer along with the pillows. This will help them dry faster as well as fluff them up. [13] X Research source You can also lay pillows flat to dry. They will dry the fastest if they are laid out in the sun. If the care label on your pillow has different drying instructions, follow what the label says instead. [14] X Research source
2 parts 3% hydrogen peroxide and 1 part dishwashing soap. [15] X Research source 2 parts water, 1 part hydrogen peroxide, and 1 part washing soda. [16] X Research source 2 cups (475 milliliters) warm water, 2/3 cups(160 milliliters) dishwashing soap, 2/3 cups (160 milliliters) ammonia, and 6 tablespoons baking soda. [17] X Research source
If you cannot find a mild “hand washing” detergent, use a regular washing machine detergent. Decrease the amount you are using, and put on a pair of rubber gloves. You can also try using dish soap or baby shampoo.
If your pillow is very dirty, you may need to replace the water. Just remember to add more detergent to any water changes.
If you were unable to remove the cover and are concerned about the fabric fading, set the pillow down in a shaded, but well-ventilated, area.
Be sure to use the upholstery attachment and a lower suction setting on your vacuum cleaner so as not to damage the foam.
