How to Wash & Clean Cushions at Home

Your cushions withstand more wear and tear than you might think - you sit on them, cuddle them, eat on them and sometimes they even get thrown around! Even if they're just used for decoration, knowing how to clean your couch and bed cushions is important if you want to keep them looking their best and if you want to enjoy them for many years.

Spotlight's range of decorative cushions ensures you can always find one to match your living room and bedroom decor, but with so many textures and cover styles available, there isn't one best way to keep them clean. In this blog, we're going to discuss all the different ways you can clean your cushions, from a quick spot clean to a deep clean in your washing machine - read on and make sure you know everything you need to keep all your cushions pristine!

Quick Links

• Why Clean Cushions Are So Important
• How To Spot Clean Cushions
• How To Hand Wash Cushions
• How To Wash Cushions In The Washing Machine
• How To Clean Cushions With Non-Removable Covers

Why Clean Cushions Are So Important

Obviously your cushions won't look their best when they're dirty, but there are a few other reasons it is so important to keep your couch and bed cushions fresh and clean.

• Stop smells from accumulating: Whether it's spilled food or an accident from your pet, stains that are left untreated can do more than just look bad. If left unattended, old spills on cushions can start to smell - this smell can also seep into our other cushions and even the couch or bed itself. You might need to go from something that could have been handled with a spot clean to needing a deep, thorough handwash.
• Prevents dust mites and bacteria from aggravating allergies: Many of us will start sneezing and itching in the presence of excessive amounts of dust, and not cleaning your cushions can cause dust, dirt and the accompanying dust mites and bacteria to form.
• Extends the life of the cushion and its cover: Allowing certain foods and liquids to linger on the surface of your cushion can actually weaken the integrity of the cover, making it more prone to wearing and eventually tearing. Removing stains quickly and efficiently will ensure your cushions last many more years than they would otherwise.

Keep your cushions clean and you'll enjoy relaxing with them much more.

How To Spot Clean Cushions

If you spill something small on your cushion, a quick spot clean is the best way to deal with it.

The first thing to do is carefully scrape off as much of the physical stain as you can using a spoon or knife. Once you have removed as much as possible, use a dry, white cloth to dab and absorb as much of the liquid stain as you can. Make sure to only gently press and lift the cloth, rather than push and scrub the stain, which will cause it to spread. Then switch to another white cloth, dampen it and do the same thing as you work from the outside in to lift the stain.

If there is still stain left, use a commercial stain remover or create a mixture using detergent and water and apply it to the stain, letting it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Then use a damp cloth to remove any excess. You can also use a water and baking soda mix in the same way to remove any lingering odours.

How To Hand Wash Cushions

Cushion covers can be given a careful hand wash in a large bucket or sink, which is handy if they are too delicate for a washing machine. Make sure to only wash cushion covers with the same colours together.

1. Remove the cushion insert, then fill a large bucket or tub with warm water and add either regular or delicate detergent, depending on the material your cushion cover is made from.
2. Submerge your cushion case into the water and agitate it with your hands to allow the detergent to do its work. Knead into stained areas to work them loose.
3. Empty the bucket and fill it with cool, clean water to remove the detergent from the pillowcase. Continue to empty and fill the bucket until all of the detergent has been removed.
4. If you are washing a delicate cushion cover, don't wring it out afterwards as this may damage the cover - instead press the cover to remove the water. Otherwise, wring out the cushion cover and line-dry to finish.

How To Wash Cushions In The Washing Machine

Popping your cushion cover in the washing machine is the easiest way to clean them, but how to wash cushions in the washing machine when they're made from all sorts of different materials? Most cushion covers can be machine washed, but make sure to check the label on the cover to ensure it is safe to clean this way. Covers made from hardy materials cotton, linen and polyester are great to machine wash!

Before starting, make sure to only wash like colours with like, as the dye from brighter or darker cushion covers may leech into pastel or white cushion covers when washed together.

1. Pop your covers into your machine. If you have covers with tassels, fringes or anything else you worry might catch, put them into a laundry delicates bag as well.
2. Set your machine to a delicate cycle that uses cool water and add a mild or delicate detergent.
3. Start your machine and let it do its thing!

Avoid using a dryer for your cushion covers as may cause them to shrink. Instead, line-dry your cushion covers in the shade, which will dry them safely and help keep them free of wrinkles as well.

How To Clean Cushions With Non-Removable Covers

How to wash cushions without a zip? Many cushion inserts cannot be machine-washed, so you need a way to clean the cover without soaking the filling. You can freshen up a cushion with a non-removable cover by giving it a quick wipe down with a damp cloth with a small amount of detergent, then let it air dry on a rack - in the sun if the colours allow it.

If you have a heavier stain on one of these cushions, using a handheld steam cleaner is one of the best ways to clean them without damaging the integrity of the cushion itself. You can buy one if you think you'll use it a lot (they're also useful for cleaning carpets and fabric couches) or rent one from your local hardware or cleaning store. Using a steam cleaner will leave your cushion damp, so air dry it outside on a rack or in front of a fan to finish.

Severe stains, like those from oil, ink or certain foods, may require your cushion to be dry cleaned.

Discover Gorgeous Bed And Lounge Cushions At Spotlight

Now that you know how to wash cushions, you'll be able to keep any type of cushion clean using these handy cushion cleaning tips and tricks! But if you ever need a new cover or filled cushion, you can find a stunning range of home decor cushions at Spotlight. Shop cushions online, safely pay and we'll deliver them straight to your front door. Or visit your nearest Spotlight store to choose the perfect home decor cushion in person - or ask our friendly staff for their own friendly tips for how to clean cushions!

For more help in choosing the right cushions for your home, read through our informative home decor cushions buying guide. And for some amazing home decorating ideas, check out our blogs on living room decor, styling vases and everyday tablescaping ideas.