Rub the brush across your sofa covers to clean them. Soak the cover in the mixture, then scrub it with a brush. If you must iron, know the kind of fabric youre dealing with and the highest settings it can tolerate. Once it's clean, wrap the cushion in towels to help it dry faster. This isnt exactly ideal because you actually need to replace the spotless covers when youre done. You can easily wash them at home without shrinking them. 5 backyard design mistakes that instantly outdate a space according to experts, Refrigerator organizing mistakes to avoid, according to experts, Everything you need to turn your dream home into a reality, Subscribe for just 1 per issue with our Spring Savings, Full of inspiring real homes, expert project advice and on-trend shopping, Issues delivered direct to your door or device. 3. Take 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 3 tablespoons of water. What causes the shrinking of sofa covers during washing? Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners, as these can damage the fabric and cause it to shrink or lose its shape. This is a great way to get the material clean without having to damage it or use a dryer. If it is not, you will need to wash them in warm water and a mild detergent like Woolite or equivalent. 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. Its not essential to wash your sofa covers in a washing machine or by hand every week. % of people told us that this article helped them. You may need to repeat this with a tub of clean water a few times. I advise people on how to make a home more attractive. We know that protecting your furniture is important to you. Step 4: Set the washing machine to use cold water and a mild laundry detergent product in a . When washing also, you can opt for a delicate cycle or even wash using the normal cycle of your washer and nothing will happen to them. Complete Guide! Start by cleaning the surface of the sofa cover with mild soap and warm water. Hot water can cause shrinkage, so stick to cool or lukewarm water when laundering your sofa covers. Just because a hangtag lists the fabric as "machine washable" or "dry clean only," that doesn't necessarily mean it can handle being . If you choose to wash your covers by hand it will take even longer. Hot water can cause fabric to shrink, so always use cold water when washing sofa covers. This article was co-authored by Donna Serino. If stain removal is needed, like to get blood out of a couch cushion, spot treat the area first, blotting the stain with a damp cloth. If there's no laundry label to advise you what to do, the most sensible approach is not to wash couch cushion covers in a washing machine but to give them a cautious spot clean. Do you need help getting your sofa covers to look their best but are worried about how they will wash? Use the sponge to clean the stained area. Houseekeeping.com is an associate in the amazon service LLC associate Program, an Affiliate advertising Program Designed to accommodate a system for sites to receive advertising fees by advertising & associating to amazon Properties. And if you can't wash them, can you spot clean them? 'Brush off dirt from the cushion, then dab the stain with a dry cloth,' they say. Finally, wring out the excess water and let the cover dry. Wipe any residue left on the surface with a dry cloth or paper towel. Washing couch covers is as simple as pie when it comes to keeping your sofa clean. The non-removables however, cannot be cleaned in the washing machine or even by hand, obviously. You can do this by using a specialised upholstery stain remover always do a patch test first. You should wash couch cushion covers as little as possible, and only according to need and the manufacturer's advice. Remove the item and put it flat to dry. Spray every stain you can find with Resolve. What To Do, What To Do When Neighbors Dog Poops In Your Yard? Other things to avoid when cleaning in the washing machine are cleaners like bleach and hot water. Stir occasionally. We may earn a small commission when you buy through our links. First, make sure that the cover is 100% cotton. Right after youve determined that your couch covers are indeed washable, youll need to know how to properly wash them so that they are not just clean but also free of stains and odors. What to avoid doing to sofa covers in laundry. Dip an upholstery brush into the suds and gently run it across the upholstery, taking care not to soak the fabric. If there is no label that suggests you can wash couch cushion covers, you should seek advice from a professional upholstery cleaning company. Make sure to not do so too hard as this may deepen the stain; instead use a light touch to blot the stain. Here is our ultimate guide! Make sure the water is hot but not scalding Use a cloth towel rather than a sponge to clean Use mild soap or detergent Let the cover dry completely before putting it back on your sofa. Then, using a dry white towel, blot the stain. Share Share. Sofa covers can be a great way to protect your sofa from spills and stains, but they can be difficult to wash without shrinkage. Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner to suck up gunk and grime. That's why we offer the best couch covers, armchair covers and sleeper sofa slipcover your furnitures deserve. If you are looking for a way to keep your sofa covers clean without shrinking them, there are a few things you can do. So always check the care label first, to learn the type of material you have and the best technique for washing it. And not all methods will work out for everyone. I usually use an entire bottle each time I wash our slipcovers. However, excessively dirty covers may require a stain remover, as well. 'Combine the cup of warm water and a quarter teaspoon of mild enzyme detergent into the spray bottle and use a few squirts on the stain. To air dry, simply spread the covers out on a flat surface, such as a drying rack, and let them dry naturally. You may also want to put the sofa cover in a mesh laundry bag to protect it during the washing process. You pull out a washable sofa cover, dump it in the washer, put it in the dryer, only to find out that it wouldnt fit perfectly on your cushions anymore. You may need to switch the towels a few times as well. Spot Cleaning with Washing Up Liquid Once you have hoovered up the bicarbonate of soda, you can start to spot clean. Follow these simple steps to get your sofas looking their best: 1. Remove all cushion covers Unzip each cushion cover and remove the inner cushion. Make sure to work into any crevices and corners to eliminate built-up dirt, dust, and debris. Its always best to air dry your sofa covers as opposed to tumbling them in the dryer. You may also want to consider using a laundry bag to protect the covers during the wash cycle. Similar to washing a mattress, too much moisture during cleaning runs the potential of mildew and mold building up inside the cushions. If you decide to dry it, use low heat and avoid direct sunlight or strong winds. While this is undoubtedly a beneficial thing in most cases, it means cleaning with a dry cleaning agent only. Once the surface is clean, saturate the cover in cool water (not hot). We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. While it's rare, some types of materials shrink and damage when washed. I must state that this cleaning method should only be used on Ikea Ektorp white slipcovers! Iron any large wrinkles after the damp slipcover is removed from the dryer. Some sofa covers cannot be washed at home, and so youll be required to take them to the dry cleaners. Don't use a dryer. Do not use bleach or fabric softener. The fibers in fabrics react to heat differently, and some can actually melt or even clump together under heat and become much denser, as a result, produce shrinkage in fabrics. Next, remove the cover from the cushion and close the zipper before tossing it in the washing machine to spare you from untangling the couch cover afterward. Do not use bleach or fabric softener. Complete Guide! The care instructions explain whether your favorite cushion covers from Ikea require a water-based cleaning product or a solvent-based cleaner made for dry cleaning only. Though the size of sofa covers seems intimidating, there are numerous ways to wash this without shrinking and in this article, well go over all the methods to do so. Let the cover soak for a few minutes and then run it through the washer on a gentle cycle. If you require such advice, we recommend consulting a licensed financial or tax advisor. If all works out okay, continue with this method. Slipcovers are a great way to extend the life of your couch or chairs. 'This is an arena fraught with danger,' say the experts at Sofas & Stuff (opens in new tab). Put the cover in a large enough load of water and agitation to completely cover the surface. Following these tips should help you wash your sofa covers without shrinking them. When some fibers absorb moisture, they clump together (by swelling) and this causes the overall fabric to appear shrunken. Sofa covers can be easily washed without shrinking if proper care is taken. If you wash your sofa covers correctly, you can keep them looking new for years. The Speedy Options, What Kind of Paint to Use on Wood Furniture Detailed Guide, Why My Husband Wont Let Me Put the Heating On? If you have a couch that you frequently sit on, its essential to keep it clean and free of germs. Gently submerge the cover and agitate it lightly. Mix these ingredients in a bowl until you make a paste. Hot water can cause shrinkage and other damage. How To Wash Popular Types Of Sofa Cover Fabrics Without Shrinking, Leather, Faux Leather & Suede Sofa Covers. However, if you keep on top of your cleaning, you may be able to extend this time. If you need to use the dryer, use a low heat setting like tumble dry. When it comes time to clean your sofa covers, the first thing youll want to do is check the label. But truly, experiencing shrinkage in the washer will not be possible unless youre guilty of the following practice. Check our sofa covers! You may also want to consider using a laundry bag to protect the covers during the wash cycle. You may want to leave the cover to rest in the water overnight, this will, however, lengthen the cleaning process. Swish around until the water is clear; then wring out the excess moisture using a towel or cloth. When it comes time to wash your sofa covers, you may be worried about them shrinking. 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. Sofa covers are a great way to protect your furniture from spills, dirt, and dust. Put your washing sofa cover into the washer on a gentle cycle and wait until its scorched before putting it back onto your couch. It is also important to note that we may have financial relationships with some of the companies mentioned on our website, which could result in receiving free products, services, or monetary compensation in exchange for featuring their products or services. Where To Put a Microwave in a Tiny Kitchen? Dont wash them together with heavy fabrics like bedsheets or jeans which can cause them to shrink. Weve seen the factors that contribute to fabric shrinkage in the washer: heat, moisture and agitation, or a combination of all. Why Now is the Time to Invest in Still Fixing Service, How To Wash Sofa Covers Without Shrinking, The Importance of Communication for Quantity Surveyors, How much electricity does a portable air conditioner use, How to Improve Your Cost Estimating Skills and Advance Your Career. However, if you don't wash them properly, you may end up with a shrunken. With so much helpful information out there, you have everything you need to get you started. What Is Anti-Crease in a Washing Machine? Read Next: Is Polyester a Good Fabric for Sofa? So, lets do the cleaning: Washing sofas can be daunting, but it can be done easily and quickly with the right tips. And as a result, its recommended to spot treat them, or vacuum clean using a soft brush attachment. Its always wise to rub from the outside inward to ensure that you dont spread the stain and make it bigger. The Spruce / Meg MacDonald. If you are looking for a way to keep your sofa covers clean without shrinking them, there are a few things you can do. 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. You can do a full clean every month or two, if need be. Most fabric sofa covers cannot be bleached. Expert Advice. All these have specific ways of cleaning and therefore well go through each one of them carefully. Another way to prevent shrinkage when washing sofa covers is to use a gentle cycle. Linen covers are best machine-washed on a cold, gentle cycle. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Washing with a washing machine without risks of shrinking is indeed possible, but certain precautions need to be followed. Do a patch test with this mixture. 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