If you love your decorative cushions, then we’re sure you want to enjoy them for as long as possible. You want them to keep their colour, their shape, their freshness and their overall feel. Certain ones, such as the cushions made of linen, require extra care and attention to make them last. If you want to keep them looking like they did on the day you bought them, then you might want to give this article a read, as that’s precisely what we’re going to talk about today.

1. How to Clean Your Decorative Cushions - Washing Tips

If you’ve ever tried washing your decorative cushions (and we hope you did!) then you know it is not as easy as one might think. You can’t just throw it in the washing machine with your work clothes and hope for the best. There is a proper etiquette one has to follow when washing cushions made of linen and decorative cushions in general.

The first thing you should know is that you can machine-wash these cushions but you must use a gentle cycle and cold water. That’s because a gentle cycle will minimise the friction and agitation, helping keep the natural fibre intact and the cold water will help avoid shrinkage. If you have the time, you can also hand-wash them with cold water and mild detergent. Remember not to let them sit for too long in the mixture.

You might know about the benefits of linen, one of which is breathability. This particularity can be damaged by harsh detergents, which is why it is recommended that you use mild and natural detergents.

Now when it comes to drying the cushions, you should take great care of this in order to avoid the development of mold. Never EVER dry them in a hot dryer, they will lose their shape and will shrink. Unless you want mini-decorative pillows, we suggest you let them air dry.

There are methods to ensure your cushions made of linen dry out completely even when air drying. You should start by placing them on a clean, dry and flat surface or, if you want, you can also hang them. There are some best practices to consider when it comes to drying also: keep them away from direct sunlight to minimize the chances of decolouration and make sure the area you keep them is well-ventilated to speed up the drying process.

If you want to test if the cushions are dried, do not, under any circumstances, squeeze or twist them. This can cause linen to lose its natural texture and you do not want that. Gently tap them and lift them to see if they feel heavier than usual.

Here’s a recap:

• Gentle cycle and cold water
• Gentle or natural detergents
• Let it air dry, avoiding direct sunlight
• Do not squeeze or twist the materials

2. How to Remove Stains from Cushions Made Of Linen

When it comes to cushions made of linen and stains, there are two types of stains: fresh stains and age-old stains. For the fresh ones, the rule of thumb is that you always blot, not rub. What blotting does is that it absorbs the surface level of the stain, while rubbing does nothing but push it forward into the material, making it all the more difficult to get rid of.

Depending on the types of stain you’re dealing with, there are some natural alternatives you can try before washing your decorative cushions in the washing machine (on gentle mode!)

• Grease stains: if chips grease has somehow made its way onto your beloved cushions, then you can try sprinkling some baking soda onto the stain. Sprinkle a generous amount onto the stain; let it sit for a couple of minutes, allowing the baking soda to absorb the grease and then simply brush off the excess. You can also try creating a paste made out of water and baking soda for those stubborn stains. Let it action for 10 to 15 minutes and then wipe it off.

• Liquid stains: these liquid stains are the most annoying because they quickly get into the many layers of your decorative cushions. If your tea or coffee gets splilt onto your cushions, then you can try spraying the stain with a mixture of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water and start blotting the area. Apply the mixture with a cloth and then blot with a dry cloth to absorb the moisture.

3. Storage

Since we’ve tackled drying techniques earlier, we are not going to have a separate section on how to dry your cushions made of linen, but we are going to have one on how to keep them to make sure they retain all of their properties.

If you need to store your natural fabrics cushions for long periods of time, you should use breathable storage bags. This protects them from moisture and dust. Do not use plastic bags or boxes, they trap moisture and can lead to mold growth. In terms of place, they should be stored in dry and dark places, away from direct sunlight. A closet with moderate temperatures is the best place to store them.

4. Restoring Shape and Softness

Linen is a natural material and it wrinkles, but that’s easily fixable with a bit of ironing. It is best that you iron them when they’re slightly damp. Use it on low settings and steam it to remove the wrinkles. If you want them to keep their shape, you should regularly fluff them. Gently pat the cushions to redistribute the filling. Do not throw the pillow around or aggressively swing it, a gentle and intentional pat will do it.

Cushions made of linen have an everlasting appeal. These tips and tricks, as well as the maintenance points, will help you keep your decorative cushions pristine for a long time, so that you can enjoy them for years to come.

Oznake: Cushions linen, Decorative cushions