How to Wash and Dry Couch Cushion Covers
While washing couch cushion covers isn’t as frequent a task as washing your bed sheets, you should know the proper way to clean them. Certain couch cushion covers can be cleaned in a washer, while some may be spot-clean or dry-clean only. Follow this guide to learn how frequently you should wash your couch cushion covers, how to do it properly and more laundry tips.
CAN YOU WASH COUCH CUSHION COVERS?
Depending on your couch’s care instructions, you may be able to wash your couch cushion covers in the washer, while some may be dry-clean only. Some couches are made with materials, like leather, that cannot be machine washed or dry-cleaned.
Your manufacturer’s care tag should have the proper instructions on how best to clean your couch cushion covers. Covers that are machine washable may have a “W” symbol for water, while dry-clean only covers may have an “S” symbol for solvent. The tag may also have instructions on the best laundry cycle to use.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU WASH COUCH COVERS?
In general, it's recommended to deep clean your couch cushion covers once or twice a year. Other factors like pets or young children may result in more frequent cleanings. In addition to washing your couch covers, it’s a good idea to vacuum your couch once a week and spot clean stains as needed.
WASHING COUCH CUSHION COVERS: A GUIDE
If your couch’s cushion covers are machine washable, follow the cleaning directions on your care tags or else you can follow these steps to clean them.
SUPPLIES:
Dye-free detergent
Gentle stain remover (optional)
TOOLS:
- Vacuum
1. VACUUM THE COUCH CUSHIONS
Begin by vacuuming the couch to remove any crumbs, hair or loose dirt from the covers.
2. REMOVE COVERS FROM COUCH CUSHIONS
Once your cushions have been vacuumed, remove the covers and turn them inside out. Washing cushion covers inside out can help preserve the fabric and keep the colors looking their best.
3. PRETREAT STAINS
Use a gentle stain remover or a small amount of gentle laundry detergent to pretreat any stains before washing the covers.
5. AIR DRY CUSHION COVERS
Avoid using the dryer, as it can shrink your covers. Instead, air dry your covers outside on a laundry line or indoors on a drying rack. Place the covers back on the couch when they are still slightly damp to help avoid wrinkles.
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CAN YOU DRY COUCH CUSHION COVERS IN THE DRYER?
Check your couch’s care tag for the proper instructions on how to dry your cushion covers. If you cannot find specific drying instructions, it's best to err on the side of caution and air dry your cushion covers.
You can also help avoid wrinkles by putting the covers back on when they are still slightly damp and placing the cushions standing up to air dry.
TIPS FOR CLEANING COUCH CUSHION COVERS
Now that you know how to wash couch cushion covers properly, follow these tips to help keep your couch clean in between washes.
REMOVE PET HAIR BEFORE WASHING: Use a lint roller to remove any pet hair and help avoid clogging your washing machine. Or, skip the prework with a Maytag® Pet Pro washing machine. Select Maytag® washers have a Pet Pro Filter that lifts and captures pet hair from clothes and fabrics.
- WASH PILLOWS AND BLANKETS: Items that are regularly on your couch, such as throw pillows and blankets, should be cleaned regularly to help with overall cleanliness and odor prevention. Check the tags to be sure they are machine washable.
HOW DO YOU WASH MICROFIBER COUCH COVERS?
Depending on the care tag, you can usually clean most microfiber couch covers in one of two ways. If your tag has an “S” symbol for solvent, use undiluted rubbing alcohol. If your tag has a “W” symbol for water, you can use a quart of warm water and a tablespoon of mild, clear dish soap in a spray bottle.
Always check your care labels first and test your cleaning solution in a small area before moving on to larger swatches of fabric. If no discoloration has occurred, the cleaning solution should be okay to use. Check out cleaning methods for solvent-based and water-based cleaners below.
RUBBING ALCOHOL
Start at the top of the cushion and use a spray bottle to lightly spray the fabric. Then, use a sponge or soft brush to blot at stains. Repeat the process until the stains are gone. Let the couch air dry and use a vacuum or brush to remove any remaining dirt or residue. Once the couch is completely dry, rub a soft-bristle brush over the fabric in circular motions to help refresh the texture of the microfiber.
WATER AND DISH SOAP
Use a spray bottle filled with your mixture of water and dish soap to lightly spray small areas. Avoid saturating the fabric. Then, run a soft-bristle sponge or cloth in a circular motion into the fabric to create suds, refreshing the suds as needed. Blot the area with a clean, dry cloth before using a damp cloth to gently wipe down the area. Let the couch air dry before rubbing a soft-bristle brush over the fabric in circular motions to help refresh the texture of the microfiber.
HOW DO YOU CLEAN COUCH CUSHIONS WITHOUT REMOVABLE COVERS?
Couches without removable covers can be spot cleaned as needed or cleaned with an upholstery cleaner. As always, check the care tag on your couch to ensure that you are using the proper products to clean.
To spot clean your couch, wipe the stain with a damp cloth. Then, spray the area with a cup of water and a teaspoon of mild dish detergent. Blot the area with a clean cloth before using a small amount of water to rinse away the detergent. Finish by blotting the area dry with another clean cloth.
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