We are firm believers that a bed isn’t quite finished until you have at least one throw on there, and take it from us… there is no such thing as too many pillows and cushions. Here are a few guidelines on keeping your snuggly bedtime companions looking their best, night after night.
How often should I wash my bed throws?
How often you wash your throws depends very much on how often they’re used, what colour they are, or whether they actually have any marks or noticeable odour. If yours is purely decorative and you remove it from your bed when you sleep, then a quick wash every few months will probably suffice. If, however, you tend to snuggle up in your throw and it’s often next to your skin (or perhaps you have a pampered pet sleeping in bed with you!) then a wash every couple of weeks might be a good idea.
Can I wash my cushions in the washing machine?
All our cushions covers and pads are sold separately and both can be washed in the machine when necessary. Make sure you use a gentle cycle and mild detergent to avoid damaging them and check below for more details about washing your specific cushion covers and pads.
How do you clean and sanitise throw pillows?
It’s a good idea to deal with any stains quickly and attack them with mixture of mild detergent and water. To sanitise, the best thing for a cushion or pillow is sunshine. Pop yours outside on a dry, sunny day and the sun’s rays will help to get rid of any bacteria and funky smells.
How should I refresh my cushions?
How do I make my cushions plump and fluffy again?
To restore the fluffiness of your throw pillows, a clever trick is to place them in the tumble dryer on a low heat setting. You can also add in a couple of clean tennis balls or dryer balls, as they help to break up clumps of filling and restore your pillows to their former glory.
How do you make throw pillows look nice?
To keep your cushions looking nice we recommend regularly rotating and flipping them to prevent uneven wear and help them keep their shape. Make sure you have a dedicated clean spot to pop them if you take them off when you climb into bed. If they do get a little dusty, then you can vacuum or brush them gently to help remove any dust, loose dirt or pet hair. We suggest using pillows that have a removeable cover so you can wash the covers regularly to keep them looking crisp and clean.
How should I arrange my accessories on my bed?
Styling your pillows and throws is a bit of an art form. We love to watch Molly at work as she plumps and fluffs and drapes preparing for a photo shoot. (Little secret: it takes longer than you’d think to make a bed ‘perfect’.) The key is to select a combination of textures, patterns, and sizes that complement your décor and to spend a bit of time practising to achieve the look you’re going for. When arranging your pillows, create layers with larger ones at the back and smaller ones in the front for a visually pleasing and inviting display. We have lots of lovely tips from one of our favourite stylists over here.
How should I store my cushions and throws when they’re not in use?
If you switch out your cushions and throws throughout the year and regularly stash them away, it’s a good idea to consider the following steps:
- make sure your cushions and throws are clean before putting them away
- fold throws neatly and avoid creasing, or consider rolling them up instead as this prevents excessive wrinkles and preserves the fabric's appearance
- remove cushion covers and wash them according to care instructions. Store them separately from the cushions themselves.
- if you have multiple cushions, stack them vertically in a cool, dry place
- store your cushions and throws away from direct sunlight, to avoid any fading or and deterioration of fabrics
- choose a storage area that is cool, dry, and well-ventilated – we love a fabric bag over plastic
- don't place heavy objects on top of stored cushions and throws, as this could lead to deformation or damage
- consider using lavender sachets or cedar blocks in your storage area to deter pesky moths
How do I avoid snagging on more delicate fabrics?
Some of our fabrics are a little more delicate and will need more careful handling. Here are some tips to keep them looking picture perfect:
- keep your nails neatly trimmed and filed to avoid accidentally catching threads with hangnails or jagged nails
- keep any delicate items away from sharp objects like jewellery, keys or pet claws
- avoid Velcro and zips, especially in the washing machine. Launder your delicate items separately to keep them snag-free.
- store your delicates carefully so they can’t catch on any hardware, rough surfaces or sharp edges
We are confident that, with a bit of TLC your Secret Linen Store throws and cushion covers will be keeping you cosy and comfortable for many nights to come. If you have any other questions about caring for your bedtime accessories, please do get in touch with our Customer Smile Makers on 01243 822599 or sales@secretlinenstore.com.
