Why Do My Throw Pillows Always Smell Bad (And How To Fix)

Throw pillows can elevate your home’s design and infuse pops of color to any room. They also add support and comfort on the chair or couch you put them on. While most pillows last many years and cause few problems, sometimes throw pillows can develop funky odors over time.

Throw pillows develop bad smells in humidity, which causes mildew and mold to develop. Some pillow stuffing, like feathers and some inorganic materials, can make throw pillows smell over time. Pet odors, and failing to properly wash and dry your pillows can give them a bad odor. Wash and dry your throw pillows frequently. Spray them with fabric spray, place them in the sun, and wash them more often. 

Throw pillows should add value and comfort to a room. If, however, you find that all you notice is a bad smell coming from your throw pillows, then you need to find out why, so you can get rid of the smell. Below is a list of the most common reasons why throw pillows smell bad, as well as ways to get rid of the nasty pillow odor for good.

Seven Reasons Your Throw Pillows Always Smell Bad

1. You Aren’t Washing Them Often Enough

The main reason fabric starts to smell bad over time is because it’s dirty. If you never wash your throw pillows, you shouldn’t be too shocked when they start smelling bad after a while. Throw pillows typically have a pillowcase you can remove and wash, as well as an insert you can wash. 

You should wash pillowcases at least once a month. If your pillows smell bad and you can’t remember the last time you washed them, then it’s time to give them a deep cleaning.

2. High Humidity And Mildew

If you live in a tropical or wet climate, you may have smelly pillows more frequently than the average person. Humidity can cause throw pillows to develop a mildew smell and even mold over time.

This is particularly true if you don’t have a climate-controlled home, and your pillows don’t have access to natural light. If your pillows smell bad and you notice mold or mildew stains, then humidity is most likely your problem.

3. Dust And Dust Mites

Dust and dust mites can cause several problems in your home, including bad air quality and winter allergies. Dust mites are microscopic pests, and while you can’t see them, you can smell them.

These tiny bugs leave corpses and droppings that will smell bad over time. If your home is dusty during certain times of the year, then dust mites may be causing your throw pillows to smell.

4. The Pillows Are Old

Just like anything else, throw pillows have an expiration date. Even if you diligently clean and wash your throw pillows, over time they start to break down. If your throw pillows are frayed, lumpy, or otherwise old-looking, then don’t be surprised if they start to smell as well.

5. You Forget To Wash The Pillow Insert

Most people wash throw pillowcases from time to time but may forget to wash the pillow insert. If you never wash the inserts, or can’t due to the material they are made of, then over time they are likely to develop an odor.

6. The Pillow Stuffing Is To Blame

Throw pillows are stuffed with countless materials. You can get cotton, synthetic, and even feather-stuffed throw pillows. Some throw pillows are designed to fight odor, mildew, and other issues. Others can attract odor-causing problems like mold and dust mites. 

7. Body Oils And Pet Odors

Sometimes human and pet odors are to blame for your smelly throw pillows. Dogs and cats might make wonderful and loving companions, but they can also leave dander and odors behind.

 If your smelly throw pillows are on a couch where your dog or cat sits, then your pet could be to blame for the throw pillow odor. Humans also leave body odor, especially when they perspire, which can cause throw pillows to smell.

Eight Ways To Ensure Your Throw Pillows Always Smell Great

1. Wash Pillow Cases And Inserts More Frequently

One of the best ways to make your throw pillows smell better is to wash the pillowcases and inserts more frequently. Washing both the pillows and inserts will get rid of most smells. 

If you never wash the pillow inserts, start washing them immediately. Just make sure you check the care instructions before washing. If you already wash your pillowcases once a month, try increasing the frequency to once every two weeks.

2. Use Essential Oils, Vinegar, Or Fabric Spray

These days, there are tons of effective odor-removing fabric sprays. Many of them work well and have pleasant and subtle scents that hide any lingering smells. If you want to take a more natural approach, you can make essential oil spray and use vinegar.

A white vinegar and water mixture will get rid of most smells. Adding a few dashes of lavender, eucalyptus, or citrus essential oils to water will make a spray with organic and lovely aromas.

3. Keep Dirty Dogs Or Sweaty Bodies Off Throw Pillows

If your pillows smell bad due to pet and body odor, then do your best to keep dogs and sweaty bodies off your throw pillows. If your pets hang out on the couch, consider storing throw pillows in a basket, and pulling them out when you need them. 

If you sit on your couch after doing yard work or exercising, make sure you shower and change your clothing before touching the throw pillows.

4. Air Them Out In The Sun

Sometimes your pillows need some sunlight and fresh air. Airing pillows outside in the sun is a great way to ensure they are dry. Direct sunlight can also remove harmful bacteria, mold, and mildew, as well as the smells that come with them.

Try washing your pillows on a breezy and sunny day, and then let them dry until they are warm, dry, and toasty. This will reduce the likelihood that smells will return.

5. Buy New Hypoallergenic And Moisture-Resistant Pillows

If you suspect the pillow stuffing is to blame for the bad smell, then you should buy new throw pillows. Sometimes, pillow odors are too difficult to remove and too much work to deal with. When you start the search for new throw pillows, consider opting for hypoallergenic and moisture-resistant options These pillows can reduce the likelihood of odors developing in the future. You can even buy odor-resistant throw pillow inserts.

6. Place Dryer Sheets Or Sachets In the Pillow

If you are looking for a quick and easy fix for your throw pillow smell, simply head to your laundry room. Dryer sheets have a long-lasting aroma that can mask the smell of a stinky pillow. Put one or two sheets on either side of the pillow insert for best results. 

Alternatively, you can add one or two sachets to the pillow. Lavender or other herb sachets are great if you want to keep things organic.

7. Sprinkle Baking Soda On Pillows

Baking soda has seemingly endless uses, including removing throw pillow smells. Not only does baking soda remove bad smells from the fridge, but it can also remove bad pillow smells. Sprinkle baking soda on your smelly pillow and leave it overnight. 

In the morning you can vacuum up the baking soda. The powder should help neutralize odors and remove the bad smell from your pillow.

8. Decrease The Humidity 

If moisture, mildew, and mold are causing your pillows to smell, try to lower the humidity around the throw pillows. There are many ways to lower humidity in your home including investing in a dehumidifier. This can help solve your smelly pillow problem and also reduce other moisture-related issues in your home.

Summing Up Why Throw Pillows Smell Bad And How To Fix It

Throw pillows are supposed to add style to your home, not bad smells. If your throw pillows smell, there’s a good chance you aren’t washing the pillowcase or inset enough. Humidity, pets, body odor, and even the pillow stuffing can be to blame for these bad smells. 

To remove bad smells from the pillow, wash them more frequently, air them out in the sun, add fragrance spray, or use vinegar or baking soda to neutralize the odor. When you buy new throw pillows, look for hypoallergenic and odor-fighting options.

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