How to Clean and Care for Custom Pillows: Washing, Storing, and Keeping Them Fluffy
Custom pillows can really make a home feel special, especially when they have a picture of your pet, family, or a design you made. In this guide, we’ll go over how to clean custom pillows. We will talk about the best things to do, how to wash them, how to store them, and what mistakes to avoid.
Moreover, if you want to learn how to keep pillows fluffy or store them correctly, this is the place. Let's see why custom pillows are important and how they can help your décor and sleep.
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Understanding the Importance of Clean Custom Pillows
Custom pillows are great for home decor, comfort, and even memories. Maybe you've got a pillow with your pet's face or your family's initials.
Either way, keeping it clean is important for staying healthy and making sure it lasts. Let's look at why clean pillows are a good thing, especially when it comes to getting a good night's sleep.
Helps You Stay Healthy
Pillows get pretty gross over time. They gather dust, sweat, pet hair, and those yucky little germs you can't even see. These can cause allergies, sneezing, and breathing problems.
Got kids or pets? Then, keeping your pillows clean is a must. So, washing your pillows often helps your family have a clean and healthy place to chill.
Makes Your Pillows Last Longer
Oils from your skin and stains can make the material fade or weaken over time. More than that, the fabric and stuffing can wear out faster. If you clean them properly, your pillows will stay in good shape for a long time, saving you money on replacements.
Keeps Your Pillows Soft and Fluffy
Let's be real, no one wants a flat, lumpy pillow! Pillows get gross with dirt and sweat, which makes them lose their shape and get super uncomfortable.
How to keep pillows fluffy and nice? Just wash them regularly and make sure they dry the right way. Fluffing your pillows after washing also keeps them soft and supportive.
Prevents Bad Smells
If not cleaned regularly, they can start to smell musty. Washing them with gentle detergent and drying them properly will keep them fresh and pleasant to use.
Keeps Your Pillows Looking New
Custom pillows are cool because they let you show off your style with fun designs or fave pics, making your home look more you. However, stains, dust, and fading can make them look old and unappealing. Keeping them clean will keep them looking good and keep your room looking fresh.
Now that you know why clean pillows are important, let’s move on to the best ways how to clean custom pillows, take care of them and make them last longer.

The Importance of Pillow Maintenance
Now that you understand why keeping your pillows is important, let’s talk about how to clean custom pillows. Taking a few simple steps can help your pillows stay fresh, soft, and in good shape for a long time.
If you have personalized pillows with special designs, photos, or embroidery, proper care is even more important. Dirt, dust, and stains can make them look old and faded. But with the right maintenance, your pillows will stay clean, comfortable, and beautiful for years.
Regular Cleaning Routines to Extend Lifespan
Taking care of your pillows doesn’t mean you have to wash them every day. However, having a simple routine will help keep them in great condition and prevent the buildup of dirt, bacteria, and bad smells. Here’s how you can do it:
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Fluff your pillows every day: You can simply shake, press, or squeeze them a few times to keep them fluffy.
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Change and wash pillowcases weekly: If you have pets or sensitive skin, you might want to change your pillowcase every few days for extra freshness.
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Spot Clean Small Stains Right Away: Spilled something on your pillow? Don't let it dry and stain! Cleaning it right away will stop stains from sticking and keep your pillow fresh.
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Air Out Your Pillows: Pillows can absorb moisture and odors over time, especially if you sweat while sleeping. To freshen them up, just leave them in the sun for a few hours.
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Deep Clean Your Pillows Every Few Months: It's a good idea to wash them well every 3 to 6 months to get rid of hidden dirt. Even if your pillows are clean, they still collect dust and germs inside.
Some pillows are machine washable, but others need to be washed by hand. We’ll cover the right cleaning methods in the next section. By following these simple steps, your pillows will stay soft, clean, and comfortable for a long time.
Spot Cleaning vs. Deep Cleaning
You don't have to wash your pillows completely every single time they get a bit dirty. Knowing when to just clean a small area and when to do a full wash can really help keep your pillow in good shape.
Spot Cleaning: Quick Fix for Small Stains
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Best for minor spills, dirt marks, or pet hair.
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Use a damp cloth with mild soap to gently wipe the stain.
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Avoid soaking the pillow, as too much water can damage the filling.
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Works well for decorative custom pillows that you don’t want to wash often.
Deep Cleaning: Necessary for Long-Term Freshness
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Needed when your pillow starts to smell, looks discolored, or hasn’t been washed for months.
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Some pillows can go in the washing machine, while others need to be washed by hand.
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Deep cleaning will get rid of all the dust, sweat, and allergens that get stuck inside.
So, spot-cleaning is great for keeping pillows looking nice day-to-day. Deep cleaning is important for removing hidden dirt and bacteria.
Next, let's go over different washing techniques for pillows so you don't ruin them while cleaning.

Proper Washing Techniques for Different Pillow Types
Pillows aren't all the same, and a wrong wash can ruin them. Follow these simple steps to clean your custom pillows properly:
Machine-Washable Pillows
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Check the care label to confirm if machine washing is safe.
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Use a gentle cycle with cold or lukewarm water.
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Add mild detergent and avoid bleach or fabric softeners.
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Wash two pillows at a time to balance the machine.
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Run an extra rinse cycle to remove all detergent.
Hand Wash Only Pillows
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Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add mild detergent.
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Gently press the pillow in the water without wringing or twisting.
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Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap.
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Press out excess water with a towel without twisting.
Recommended Detergents and Temperature Settings
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Use mild, fragrance-free detergent to protect fabric and design.
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Cold or lukewarm water prevents shrinkage and damage.
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Avoid excess detergent to prevent residue buildup.
Washing your pillows correctly keeps them fresh and long-lasting. Next, let’s go over the best drying and storing methods to maintain their fluffiness.
Drying and Storing Custom Pillows
So, you've washing personalized pillows? Great! Now, to keep them in tip-top shape, you need to dry and store them the right way. Doing that keeps them from getting all messed up and keeps them fresh. If you do it the right way, your pillows will stay comfy for way longer.
Best Practices for Drying to Avoid Damage
Before you toss your pillow in the dryer, check the tag to make sure it's safe to do so. If it is, use low heat. High heat can damage the fabric or the filling. While drying, shake it occasionally to help it dry evenly. Just make sure it's completely dry before using it again, or you might end up with mold and bad odors.
If you want to air dry it, lay the pillow flat on a clean towel in a well-ventilated spot. Turn it over periodically so both sides dry completely. If your pillow has a delicate cover, keep it away from direct sunlight to prevent the color from fading. Air drying is a gentle way to treat certain materials.
How to Store Pillows Properly
So, once your pillows are dry, make sure you keep them in a good place. A bag that lets air in is great for stopping dust. Keep them somewhere cool and dry, or they might get that mildew smell. Don't use plastic bags; they trap wetness and cause mold!
Shake your pillows up sometimes so they stay fluffy. If you want them to smell nice, some lavender bags or baking soda nearby will take away bad smells and make them smell good.

Summary
Keeping your pillows fresh and comfortable requires the right care routine. By following the correct steps on how to clean custom pillows, you can remove dust and allergens while protecting their fabric and design.
Additionally, knowing how to store pillows helps them stay fresh and keep their shape so they don't get smelly or damp. With the right care, your custom pillows will remain clean, cozy, and fluffy for years to come.