Can You Wash Decorative Pillows in the Washing Machine?
Yes, you can wash decorative pillows in the washing machine, but only if the pillow’s fabric, filling, and construction are designed for machine washing. Decorative pillows are often made for visual appeal rather than durability, which means washing them incorrectly can damage their shape, texture, or finish.
This article explains when machine washing is safe, how to do it properly, and when you should avoid it altogether.
Are Decorative Pillows Safe to Wash in a Washing Machine?
Decorative pillows are safe to wash in a washing machine only when they are made from durable fabrics and filled with washable materials such as polyester, cotton, or feathers. Pillows with simple stitching and no attached decorations usually tolerate gentle machine cycles well.
However, many decorative pillows are not machine-washable. Pillows with beads, embroidery, glued accents, foam inserts, or delicate fabrics are likely to suffer damage when exposed to water agitation and spinning.
How Can You Tell If a Decorative Pillow Is Machine Washable?
The clearest indicator is the care label attached to the pillow. If the label allows machine washing, it should be followed exactly, including temperature and drying instructions. When a care label is missing or unclear, it is safest to assume the pillow should not be machine-washed.
Decorative pillows and the right room setting, which are used daily for comfort, tend to be more washable than accent pillows created primarily for display.
What Is the Correct Way to Wash Decorative Pillows in a Washing Machine?
Decorative pillows should be washed on a gentle or delicate cycle using cold water and a mild detergent. This minimises stress on the seams and prevents shrinking or colour fading. Strong detergents, bleach, and hot water can weaken fabric fibres and damage filling.
Washing two pillows at the same time helps keep the machine balanced and reduces excessive movement that can distort the pillow’s shape.
Can Decorative Pillows Be Dried in a Dryer?
Decorative pillows can be dried in a dryer only if the care label permits it and the heat setting is kept low. High heat can cause shrinking, uneven filling, or permanent loss of shape.
Air drying is generally the safest option. If a dryer is used, low heat combined with airflow helps maintain softness while reducing the risk of damage.
Should Decorative Pillow Covers Be Washed Separately?
Yes, removable decorative pillow covers should always be washed separately from the pillow insert. Washing covers separately allows better control over fabric care and helps preserve colour and texture.
Covers should be washed inside out using cold water and dried gently to avoid shrinkage.
See inspiring sunroom ideas featuring pillows in cozy, relaxing spaces.
How Often Should Decorative Pillows Be Washed?
Decorative pillows should typically be washed every three to six months, depending on how often they are used. Pillows exposed to pets, dust, or daily contact may require more frequent cleaning.
Regular washing helps reduce the accumulation of allergens, body oils, and odours over time.
What happens if you machine-wash the Wrong Decorative Pillow?
Machine washing a pillow that is not designed for it can cause irreversible damage. The most common problems include flattened filling, torn fabric, loose embellishments, and distorted shape.
When there is any uncertainty, hand washing or spot cleaning is always the safer choice.
Final Answer
Decorative pillows can be washed in the washing machine, but only when their materials and construction support gentle cleaning.
Checking the care label, using mild settings, and drying carefully are essential to prevent damage. When in doubt, avoid machine washing and choose a gentler cleaning method.
