Machine washing is not an alternative for many types of pillows, yet they still need cleaning every now and then to keep them looking and smelling their best. A vacuum cleaner or lint roller helps treat basic dust, dander and pet-hair problems on toss pillows, without any chemicals or humidity. When required, spot-clean cushions to take care of stains or spills, and freshen up them with baking soda or even a homemade organic spray to keep them smelling fresh.
Dry Dust and Dander Removal
For toss pillows or even bed cushions stored in a dusty area with no pillowcase, dry cleaning methods used on a regular basis maintain them dust free. Over the years, a cushion not dusted or vacuumed smells and looks like it is dirty, as well as the dust becomes harder to eliminate. Vacuum the cushions using an upholstery-brush attachment, or even use a crevice tool to get into nooks and creases, like along piping or cosmetic trim. A lint roller picks up pet hair and little, loose fabric fibers. Wear a rubber glove and wipe the pillow down with your gloved hand to ball and eliminate pet hair with no lint roller.
Spill Control
Where drinks are allowed, spills happen. Whether the spill is on a bed cushion or toss pillow, immediately blot up as much of the liquid as possible to keep it from pitching deep into cushion. Use paper towels or a white absorbent cloth to blot the liquid; coloured fabrics may transfer color onto the cushion, causing another problem. Once the majority of the moisture is absorbed, then wipe the wet area down again with a damp sponge or white cloth if the liquid may stain or dirty, like lemon juice or milk. Continue wiping until the spilled liquid is no more evident; then blot up the moisture again using dry paper towels or a white cloth. Permit the cushion to air dry in a secure area outside, or prop it up against a table to permit air circulation through and turn on a fan in the room. A mild dish soap-and-water solution helps eliminate spills and sticky materials from many pillow types, including leather.
Mildew and Odor Removal
If the cushion smells musty, it can have mold or mildew spots. Sprinkle baking soda on the cushion and vacuum it up after 30 minutes to help eliminate some of the smell and dry spores. Spray a light mist of vinegar over the cushion; then wipe it down with a mild dish soap solution and white cloth or a sponge. If spots remain, wipe them with rubbing alcohol to the tip of a cotton swab. Air out the affected cushion for a day or even more, if possible, in non-humid conditions to help eliminate lingering odors. In case anyone in your home suffers from allergies or asthma, replace the cushion entirely to decrease health hazards.
Gummy, Gooey Mess Removal
If gum or chocolate syrup soils your favourite throw pillow, then you don’t need to toss the pillow away. Remove sticky materials by putting ice, sealed at a zippered sandwich bag, over the offending material until it hardens. Scrape it off with the bowl of a plastic spoon. Manipulate the fabric back and forth to split the remaining material free, refreezing it as required to get it all out. Clean out the pillow afterwards using a mild soapy solution on a white cloth.