Follow these simple steps: Add enough bicarbonate of soda to make a thick solution. It really doesnt matter which side you wash your sofa covers on. After youve deemed your couch covers washable, you need to know how to wash couch cushion covers properly to not only clean them but get rid of unwanted stains and smells. Spray every stain you can find with Resolve. Always check the care instructions on the tag or packaging before washing a slipcover. If you have sofas covered in fabric, you can use washing-up liquid to clean them. However, if you keep on top of your cleaning, you may be able to extend this time. Finally, fold your sofa covers neatly and store them in a dry, cool place until you are ready to use them again. But using your washing machine can save you a lot of time and hassle. Another way to prevent shrinkage when washing sofa covers is to use a gentle cycle. Once the cushions, batting foam, and covers have been thoroughly dried, they can be retrieved. Not only do the covers make cleaning your couch even more comfortable than if you attempted to clean the furniture itself, but these easy tips and techniques also ensure the covers maintain their shape and size. To double-check whether your covers are suitable for the laundry, check the manufacturers tag. And as a result, its recommended to spot treat them, or vacuum clean using a soft brush attachment. Swish around until the water is clear; then wring out the excess moisture using a towel or cloth. I usually use an entire bottle each time I wash our slipcovers. 3. Always air-dry sofa covers and replace the covers when the material is almost dry. You also want to wash sofa covers separately. Its always best to air dry your sofa covers as opposed to tumbling them in the dryer. Start by mixing the washing-up liquid with some water in a bowl, then using a hand to apply the mixture to the cover. Once the surface is clean, saturate the cover in cool water (not hot). Here, laundry experts have the answers. Cotton on the other hand can be subjected to high heat without any problems. Is Polyester A Good Fabric for A Sofa [Pros & Cons], Best Material for a Couch Ultimate Guide, How to Keep Porcupines from Eating Wood? Remember to always check the care label and pre-treat any stains before washing. Dont use too much detergent or it could cause the cover to shrink. Let the soiled area sit for a few minutes, then scrub it with a cloth or sponge. Remove all cushion covers Unzip each cushion cover and remove the inner cushion. Linen covers are best machine-washed on a cold, gentle cycle. 'Brush off dirt from the cushion, then dab the stain with a dry cloth,' they say. Sofa covers are an important part of the furniture, and they should be treated with care. Dip your very soft upholstery cleaning brush into the liquid and shake off excess water. Mix them all in a bucket. I soaked them, according to the directions on the container. Reading How to wash sofa covers without shrinking 3 minutes. Set your washing machine up to do a cold-water wash. Here are a few ideas to help keep your sofa covers looking cleaner for longer: Its difficult to give an exact time because how many sofa covers you want to clean, how big they are, and your cleaning method impacts the time. You can wash fabric sofa covers in the washer without shrinkage, but you have to make sure youre following the instructions in the care label to achieve this. When trying to second-guess alternative cleaning methods, knowing the fabric content and how materials should be cleaned might help. Adjust the measurements above in accordance to what you decide to use. Sofa covers are a great way to protect your furniture from spills, dirt, and dust. Pick a hidden piece of material to do this. However, if youre extremely pressed for time, and tumble drying is absolutely essential, choose a very, very low heat and dont leave your sofa covers in the tumble dryer for too long. Enjoy your life with our blog. If possible, tell it to also do a delicate cycle. But enough with the reminders, lets get on with the process! When drying, avoid placing your covers in the dryer since this might risk shrinkage. Try and remove any obvious stains with an upholstery stain remover. Remove and then zip up your sofa covers. This recipe also works for spot cleaning sofa cushions with tough stains, like red wine or coffee. However, and we repeat, if your couch is a precious buy (rather than a well-used family room favorite), it is always better to seek professional advice, rather than washing or cleaning it yourself; doing so can damage the upholstery, particularly more delicate fabrics, such as velvet. The highest water temperature and dryer settings to ever use on them however, is warm. If these have not been pre-shrunk, you run the risk of not being able to put them back on the cushions after cleaning. Spot Cleaning with Washing Up Liquid Once you have hoovered up the bicarbonate of soda, you can start to spot clean. Then when some of the stains were still there, I did try a little bit of oxy clean. Follow these simple steps to get your couch looking great again: There is no wrong or right way to wash a sofa cover. To remove tough stains, mix together one part bicarbonate of soda and two parts water. 2. Start filling your washing machine with enough water to cover the covers. Here Is How To Go About It, Is It Dumb To Put A Rug Over Carpet? Use a mild detergent. One great solution to hand wash upholstery with a water-based cleaner is by using baking soda and vinegar. The Spruce / Meg MacDonald. If you need to use a dryer, set it to a low or delicate cycle to avoid any heat damage. Dont wash them together with heavy fabrics like bedsheets or jeans which can cause them to shrink. The detergent will break down the stains in your fabric and remove them for good. This will help remove any dirt or dust on the fabric. Work the soapy water into the cushion. Many times it also applies when you wash a duvet cover, as well. Or worse, putting your covers in the washer when theyre only advised to be dry cleaned. Some covers can be machine-washed, while others need to be hand-washed. If you have dry, clean-only covers for your sofas, you must be aware of a few things before washing them: Like most people, you probably dont have time to wash your sofa covers regularly. Repeat this process for all other sofa covers. Any longer than that and you run the risk of your covers shrinking! Once finished, sprinkle baking soda over the slipcover and let it soak for 30 minutes. When shes not creating culinary delights for her family, shes concocting potions to keep her house clean! Clean away any stains you can see by using a specialised upholstery stain remover always do a patch test first. This is a common issue, but there are ways to avoid it. For those that do, make a solution of detergent and water for this. If all works out okay, continue with this method. Iron any large wrinkles after the damp slipcover is removed from the dryer. I always share my new ideas with people to improve their living house. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Pre-treat any stains with a stain remover. Fabrics that have shrunk somewhat or lost their original form, on the other hand, maybe pushed back into acceptable dimensions. Use a leather cleaner as instructed on the product packaging, and ensure to polish off the leather using a conditioner to maintain its finish and integrity. You can do a full clean every month or two, if need be. This will give you the best chance of success. DIY Water-Based Couch Cover Cleaner cup of water 2 tbsp vinegar Baking soda Spray bottle tb1234 Start by mixing the water and vinegar in a bottle sprayer, then spraying the covers with the solution. If you do not have these settings or just want to be extra careful, turn the slipcovers inside out before putting them in the washer. Here are some tips to help you wash your sofa covers without shrinking them: First, always check the care label before washing. Is It Safe To Pour Boiling Water Down Kitchen Sink? Take off the sofa cover and wash it with cold water. When washing couch covers, pay attention to the manufacturers labels to determine what cleaning methods and products suit the particular fabric. Dry Cleaning & Alterations Specialist. Here's how to do it: Step 1: Before putting the covers into the washing machine, make sure to first remove loose dirt and pet hair from the covers with a vacuum cleaner to avoid having them stick from the machine's agitator. Or should you rely on professional cleaning? In contrast, a standard-size sofa cover will take between 10 and 15 minutes in the washing machine. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes or the recommended time on the bottle. Not paying attention to the fabric care label of your sofa covers. This may block up your washing machine Rub your sofa covers down with a pet hair removal tool. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Once finished, dry the covers by vacuuming them or pressing them with a clean cloth. If you found these couch cleaning instructions helpful, then dont forget to share how to wash couch covers with everyone you know on Facebook and Pinterest. -A large load of laundry detergent (or a commercial enzyme cleaner), -A blanket or quilt to cover the sofa while its being washed, -Some old rags or towels to help absorb excess water. Take a sponge and dip it into the solution. Her guides and reviews are well appreciated by Industry experts. And just like covers exist that cant be washed but dry cleaned, others exist that cant be dry cleaned but washed at home. Finally, never put your cover in the dryer always hang it to dry. 'Another risk is uneven fading. If it does not bleed and change colors after placing a swatch of cloth into a glass of water, then it is considered colorfast. There are numerous methods for loosening and stretching the fibers in a cloth. Some sofa covers cannot be washed at home, and so youll be required to take them to the dry cleaners. Currently student of Psychology at the University of Sussex, she began writing content for Real Homes around the subjects of children's and teenagers' bedroom, in particular covering the psychology of teens and their approach to tidiness. Use warm water for light-colored slipcovers and cold water for dark-colored slipcovers, to avoid fading. When you use a wrinkle releaser on a moist sofa cover, the fabric relaxes, giving it more length. Use circular motions while vacuuming to pick everything up. Sofas are a popular household item that is often used in formal settings. Slipcovers often soak up spills and everyday wear and tear so they must be washed at least once per year. Last Updated: November 25, 2021 Wash with cold water and a mild detergent on a gentle cycle. You can easily wash them at home without shrinking them. Before washing your sofa covers, it is essential to check the care label to determine the best way to clean them. Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners, as these can damage the fabric and cause it to shrink or lose its shape. When the cycle has ended pull the sofa covers out and dry them naturally. Simple Steps! 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