How to Wash Sofa Covers Without Shrinking

When washing sofa covers we take care to turn it inside out and use cold water to avoid shrinkage and color fading. This guide will outline the basic techniques for effectively cleaning a sofa covering while ensuring that it retains its original size and shape.

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Always check the label before washing your couch covers. Different fabrics require different care, and labels provide key information, including fabrics that are suitable for machine washing and the best way to care for them.

For example, some of our products use materials such as 95% fiber polyester and chenille, polyester, polyester, etc. These materials are not easy to shrink.

The sofa protection covers Ownkoti offer can be machine washed in cold water, but take care to wash them gently! Do not use bleach.

How to Clean Sofa Covers Without Shrinking

Cleaning a sofa cover correctly will not only keep it looking good but also extend its life. As mentioned above always read the care label on the sofa cover first. The label provides important information on whether the sofa cover is machine washable or if it requires special care such as dry cleaning.

If your sofa slipcovers are heavily stained, treating the stain before washing will help ensure that the stain does not set in permanently. Gently treat the stain with a mild stain remover or a mixture of baking soda and water. Apply the solution directly to the stain and let it sit for about 15 minutes before washing.

Here is a simple guide on how to effectively clean sofa slipcovers:

Hand Wash Sofa Covers

Hand washing your sofa covers is a gentle but effective way to ensure that the texture and color of your sofa covers remain intact, making your home environment cleaner and more comfortable.

1. Prepare the washing area: find a spacious sink or basin and make sure you have enough room to wash the sofa cover. Check the temperature of the water, preferably warm.
2. Removing the sofa cove: Remove the sofa cover from the sofa. If there are any removable accessories (such as decorative buttons or zippers), remove them first to avoid damage.
3. Prepare laundry detergent: Choose a mild laundry detergent, preferably one specifically for soft fabrics, and avoid bleach or strong detergents.
4. Soaking and washing: Place the sofa cover in a basin with the appropriate amount of washing liquid and warm water. Stir gently to ensure that the liquid penetrates and cleans the sofa cover thoroughly.
5. Washing and rinsing: Wash the sofa cover thoroughly in warm water until all detergent has been removed.
6. Drying: Gently squeeze out the excess water, then lay the sofa cover flat or hang it to dry. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight to avoid color fading or deformation.

Machine Washable Sofa Covers

Machine washing couch covers is a convenient and effective cleaning method, but it's vital to ensure that you choose the correct detergent and set the wash program to protect the texture and color of your sofa cover.

1. Preparing the sofa covers: Remove the covers from the sofa and check the labels to ensure they are suitable for machine washing. If there are any removable accessories (such as decorative buttons or zippers), remove them first to avoid damage.
2. Prepare the washing-up liquid: choose a mild washing-up liquid, preferably one specifically designed for soft fabrics. Avoid using bleach or strong detergents, which can cause damage to the sofa cover.
3. Putting in the sofa covers: put the covers in the washing machine, making sure they have enough room to move freely in the water.
4. Setting the washing program: choose a washing program and temperature that is suitable for the fabric of the sofa cover. In general, it is safer to use a gentle washing program and low-temperature water.
5. Add laundry detergent and start the wash: add an appropriate amount of laundry detergent to the washing machine according to the instructions for the detergent. When measuring the washing liquid, it should be determined according to the capacity of the washing machine and the number of sofa covers to avoid using too much or not enough detergent, and then start the washing program.
6. Drying: After washing, remove the sofa cover and gently squeeze the excess water with your hands. Then lay the sofa cover flat or hang it to dry, avoiding direct exposure to sunlight.

When it comes to household cleaning, we've also got you covered with how to wash bed sheets in the washing machine. 

Drying Sofa Covers

Proper drying is crucial for maintaining the shape and preventing any shrinkage of sofa covers after washing. Here's how to dry your sofa covers effectively:

1. Remove Excess Water: Gently press the sofa covers to remove any excess water. Avoid wringing them out, as this can distort the fabric.
2. Lay Flat on a Drying Rack: Spread the sofa covers evenly on a large drying rack. Ensure they are laid out flat to maintain their shape and to prevent any new creases or wrinkles.
3. Hang to Dry: If you don't have a drying rack, hang the covers on a clothesline or use sturdy hangers. Make sure they are hanging freely without overlapping, to allow air to circulate around all surfaces.
4. Dry Indoors or in the Shade: Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade the fabric over time. Instead, dry the covers in a well-ventilated area or in the shade if drying outdoors.
5. Check for Dampness: Before putting the covers back on the sofa, ensure they are completely dry. Any remaining dampness can lead to mildew growth.

Ironing Sofa Covers

Ironing sofa covers can help restore their appearance, making them look crisp and neat. Here’s the best way to iron your sofa covers:

1. Check Care Label: Always confirm that the fabric can be ironed and at what temperature setting. This information is critical to prevent damage.
2. Prepare the Ironing Area: Set up your ironing board and preheat the iron to the recommended setting. If no specific temperature is mentioned, opt for a low heat setting.
3. Use a Pressing Cloth: Lay a pressing cloth over the area of the sofa cover you are ironing. This thin cloth acts as a protective barrier to prevent scorching or shine on the fabric.
4. Iron Section by Section: Start ironing from one end of the cover to the other. Use gentle, even pressure and avoid letting the iron sit too long in one spot.
5. Check as You Go: Frequently lift the pressing cloth to check your progress. This helps ensure that you're not overheating the fabric or creating new creases.
6. Hang Immediately After Ironing: Once ironed, hang the covers up or drape them over a clean surface to prevent new wrinkles from forming.

After the above steps, you have a better idea of how to clean a sofa cover. If your sofa cover is torn or not the right size for your sofa anymore, you can choose our discounted sofa covers.

• Buy 2 sets and get 10% off (code: SF10)
• Buy 3 sets and get 15% off (code: SF15)
• Buy 4 sets and get 20% off (code: SF20)

How Often Wash The Sofa Cover

You can have your sofa cover fully cleaned every two to three months, depending on the need and how often the sofa is used. However, if you have a lifestyle that tends to cause your sofa to get dirty, such as cooking or smoking around it, or having children or pets, then more frequent cleaning is recommended.

In a busy domestic environment, sofa covers can get dirty very quickly, so cleaning at least once a month is recommended to maintain indoor hygiene. To prevent the accumulation of dirt, it is recommended to clean the sofa cover weekly with a vacuum cleaner and to remove stains promptly to prevent them from hardening.

Related read: How do I clean my shower curtain

Summarize

When cleaning sofa covers, be sure to check the cleaning instruction label to determine the best cleaning method and temperature. By choosing the cleaning method and frequency carefully, you can ensure that the sofa cover maintains its original size and shape after cleaning and prolongs its service life.