How To Refresh Old Throw Pillows Without Replacing Covers

Throw pillows are more than just decorative accents—they add comfort, texture, and personality to your living space. Over time, however, they can lose their shape, absorb odors, or develop a flat, tired appearance. While many assume the only solution is buying new pillow covers or inserts, there are several effective ways to revive old throw pillows without replacing anything. With proper care and a few clever tricks, you can restore their freshness, plumpness, and appeal—saving money and reducing waste in the process.

Clean the Covers Thoroughly

The first step in refreshing throw pillows is addressing surface-level grime. Even if the covers don’t look dirty, they accumulate dust, skin oils, and allergens over time. A deep clean can dramatically improve both appearance and hygiene.

Start by checking the care label on each cover. Most cotton, polyester, or machine-washable blends can be laundered safely. Use a gentle detergent and cold water to prevent shrinking or fading. For delicate fabrics like velvet, silk, or wool, hand washing or dry cleaning may be necessary.

To enhance freshness, add a half-cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle. Vinegar naturally removes lingering odors and softens fabric without harsh chemicals. Avoid using bleach, which can weaken fibers and dull colors.

Tip: Wash pillow covers with similar colors and avoid overloading the machine to prevent creasing and uneven cleaning.

After washing, air-dry the covers whenever possible. Tumble drying on low heat is acceptable for durable fabrics, but high heat can damage fibers and cause shrinkage. Once dry, give them a light iron or steaming to remove wrinkles and restore a crisp look.

Revive the Pillow Inserts

Even spotless covers won’t help if the inner insert has gone flat or lumpy. The insert is often the culprit behind sagging pillows. Fortunately, most inserts can be revived with minimal effort.

Foam inserts tend to compress over time. To restore loft, remove the foam from the cover and place it in a large dryer with two to three clean tennis balls or dryer balls. Set the machine to low heat for 15–20 minutes. The bouncing motion helps break up compressed areas and fluff the foam. Be cautious not to overheat, as excessive heat can degrade polyurethane foam.

For down or feather inserts, shaking is key. Remove the insert and vigorously shake it for 30 seconds to redistribute the filling. Then place it in the dryer with a damp towel and two dryer balls on air-fluff or no-heat setting for 20 minutes. The moisture from the towel helps reactivate the natural resilience of feathers, restoring volume and softness.

Synthetic fiberfill inserts respond well to beating. Take the insert outside and gently beat it against a wall or railing to loosen matted fibers. Follow with tumble drying on low heat with dryer balls for 15 minutes to re-fluff.

“Proper maintenance of pillow inserts can extend their usable life by years. Regular fluffing prevents permanent compaction.” — Lena Torres, Home Textile Specialist

Deodorize and Sanitize Naturally

Old pillows often carry musty smells, especially if stored improperly or exposed to humidity. Instead of masking odors with sprays, eliminate them at the source using safe, natural methods.

Sprinkle baking soda generously over the insert and let it sit for at least 30 minutes—or overnight for stronger odors. Baking soda absorbs moisture and neutralizes acids responsible for unpleasant smells. Afterward, vacuum thoroughly using an upholstery attachment to remove all residue.

For an added layer of freshness, lightly mist the cover (once clean and dry) with a DIY linen spray made from distilled water, a tablespoon of vodka (acts as a preservative), and 10–15 drops of essential oil like lavender or eucalyptus. Allow it to air dry completely before reassembling.

If mold or mildew is suspected—indicated by a persistent damp smell—expose the insert to direct sunlight for a few hours. UV rays have natural disinfectant properties. Just avoid prolonged exposure, which can fade fabric and weaken fibers.

Rotate and Re-stuff Strategically

One overlooked reason pillows look worn is uneven wear from being placed in the same orientation for months. Rotating and flipping them regularly distributes pressure and maintains symmetry.

Consider swapping inserts between covers occasionally. A slightly firmer insert can breathe new life into a limp-looking pillow. You might also combine smaller inserts to create fuller volume. For example, placing a firm square insert inside a larger bolster cover creates a plumper silhouette.

In cases where inserts are beyond revival, consider partial replacement. Instead of discarding the entire insert, cut a small opening and remove about 30% of degraded fiberfill. Replace it with fresh stuffing from craft stores or repurposed material from old bedding. Sew or hand-stitch the opening closed. This hybrid method preserves the original form while boosting fullness.

Pillow Type	Refresh Method	Avoid
Cotton Cover + Fiberfill	Machine wash, dryer with balls	High heat, bleach
Velvet Cover + Down	Spot clean, air-fluff insert	Tumble drying cover, wringing
Linen Cover + Foam	Hand wash, sun-deodorize	Ironing at high temp, soaking
Knit Cover + Feather	Dry clean, steam lightly	Washing machine agitation

Styling Tricks to Make Pillows Look New

Sometimes, the issue isn’t condition—it’s presentation. A few styling adjustments can make older pillows appear fresher and more intentional.

• Layer different sizes: Combine lumbar, square, and Euro pillows to create depth and draw attention away from individual wear.
• Use shams strategically: If one side of a cover shows more wear, flip it inside out or rotate so the best side faces outward.
• Add trims or ribbons: Sewing a decorative trim or ribbon around the edge can camouflage frayed corners or faded seams.
• Group by color theme: Arrange pillows in tonal gradients or complementary palettes to create a curated look that feels current.

Another trick is to fold a lightweight blanket or scarf and tuck it behind the pillows on a sofa. This adds height and structure, making lower or flatter pillows appear more balanced within the arrangement.

Tip: Refresh your pillow arrangement every season—switching positions, adding textures, or incorporating seasonal colors keeps decor feeling updated.

Mini Case Study: Reviving a Living Room Set

Sarah, a homeowner in Portland, noticed her beige linen throw pillows had turned dingy and flat after two years of daily use. Rather than shopping for replacements, she decided to try a refresh routine. She removed the covers and washed them with vinegar and mild detergent, then air-dried and steamed them. The inserts—a mix of down and fiberfill—were shaken, treated with baking soda, and dried on air-fluff mode. She rotated the inserts between covers and layered the refreshed pillows with a new black-and-white lumbar cushion she already owned. The result? A brighter, plumper look that matched her updated aesthetic—all without spending on new covers.

Step-by-Step Guide to Refreshing Throw Pillows

1. Remove covers and inspect labels: Check washing instructions and separate by fabric type.
2. Wash or spot-clean covers: Use appropriate method based on material; add vinegar for odor removal.
3. Deodorize inserts: Apply baking soda, wait 30+ minutes, then vacuum thoroughly.
4. Fluff inserts: Use dryer with balls (low/no heat) or manual shaking depending on fill type.
5. Reassemble and style: Pair refreshed components, rotate placement, and enhance with layering or trims.
6. Maintain monthly: Fluff weekly, spot-clean spills immediately, and deep-clean covers every 3–6 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wash throw pillow covers with other laundry?

Yes, but sort by color and fabric type. Wash delicate covers separately using a mesh laundry bag to prevent snagging. Avoid washing with heavy items like towels that can cause abrasion.

Why do my pillows still smell after washing?

Residual moisture trapped in the insert can lead to mildew. Ensure inserts are completely dry before re-covering. Sunlight exposure or a second fluff cycle with dry towels can help absorb remaining dampness.

How often should I replace pillow inserts?

With proper care, high-quality inserts last 3–5 years. Signs it’s time to replace include permanent flatness, clumping that doesn’t resolve with fluffing, or visible fiber leakage through seams.

Final Checklist: Pillow Refresh Routine

• ☑ Remove and sort pillow covers by care instructions
• ☑ Wash or spot-clean covers using gentle detergent
• ☑ Treat inserts with baking soda for odor removal
• ☑ Fluff inserts using dryer (with balls) or manual shaking
• ☑ Air-dry or steam covers to remove wrinkles
• ☑ Reassemble and rotate pillow placement
• ☑ Add styling touches like trims or layered arrangements
• ☑ Schedule maintenance every 3–6 months

Conclusion: Breathe New Life Into What You Already Own

Refreshing old throw pillows doesn’t require new purchases or advanced skills. With thoughtful cleaning, strategic fluffing, and smart styling, you can restore comfort and visual appeal to pillows that have served you well. These methods not only save money but also support sustainable living by extending the lifecycle of household textiles. Whether your pillows are slightly flat or visibly tired, the solutions are simple, accessible, and effective. Start with one pillow this weekend—feel the difference a little care can make—and build a habit that keeps your home looking fresh, cozy, and intentionally styled.

💬 Have a favorite pillow-refreshing hack? Share your tip in the comments and inspire others to keep their decor vibrant and waste-free!