How to Clean an IKEA Pillow Top

Take off the pillow-top cover and launder in hot water using regular laundry detergent. Hang it dry; do not dry in the dryer.

Spot-clean stains with an upholstery or fabric cleaner. Spray it on the stains lightly -- do not saturate the pillow top -- and let it sit for five to 10 minutes, as indicated on the label. Blot the stains off with a rag or towel and then repeat with plain water to rinse. Use a towel to soak up as much of the water as possible when finished.

Clean a large spill with a vacuum cleaner that has an upholstery attachment. Follow the label's instructions, but use as little water as possible. Even though the machine extracts much of the water, still blot with towels afterward.

Air-dry the pillow top thoroughly before replacing the cover; otherwise you risk mold forming. It may take one or two days. To speed up the drying process, turn on a fan to blow toward the pillow top, or open your windows if it's warm out.

Sprinkle baking soda on the pillow top and, after 20 minutes, vacuum it up with the upholstery attachment. This will help remove dust and dander, deodorize and fluff up the pillow top before putting the cover back on.