How to Clean Sofa Covers

Clean stains immediately for best results.

Sofa covers can easily become soiled from normal use. If you have dogs or children in your home, your sofa will require regular cleaning to maintain its appearance. Some sofa covers can be removed and washed in a washing machine. Others should remain in place on your sofa while you clean it. Your sofa cover will look like new if you clean it using the recommended method and treat stains as soon as they occur.

Things You'll Need

• Upholstery cleaner
• Clean rags

Instructions

Shampooing a Sofa Cover

1. Read the fabric-care label to determine the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning.

2. Locate a hidden piece of fabric and test the upholstery cleaner for colorfastness. Allow the fabric to dry and make sure that the sofa cover retains its color.

3. Apply the upholstery cleaner according to the product instructions. Most products are liquids or foams that you spray directly onto the cover.

4. Blot with a clean rag. Remove as much moisture as possible to shorten drying time. Allow the sofa cover to air dry.

Machine-Wash or Hand-Wash

1. Read the fabric-care label to identify the type of fabric and determine the manufacturer's instructions for washing.

2. Machine-wash or hand-wash the sofa cover according to the manufacturer's instructions. Washing in cold water is usually recommended to prevent shrinking or fading. Use a washing machine at a laundromat if the slipcover is too large for your machine at home. If hand-washing is recommended, wash the cover in cold water with a mild laundry detergent. If the cover is too large to fit in your sink, hand-wash it in a clean tub.

3. Iron the slipcover on the reverse side if the fabric label recommends ironing. Use spray starch to release any wrinkles.

4. Put the cover back on the sofa while it is still a little damp. This makes it easy to maneuver the cover into place and prevents shrinkage.

5. Allow the sofa cover to air dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Washing a tight-fitting slipcover can cause shrinkage, making it difficult to put it back on the sofa. Shampoo a tight-fitting slipcover while it remains on the sofa, instead of machine-washing it, to ensure it retains its shape.

• To remove tough stains, apply the upholstery cleaner and allow it to sit for 15 to 30 minutes before cleaning.

• Spot-cleaning a slipcover may cause a difference in color. Clean the entire sofa cover for best results. If you notice discoloration after testing the sofa cover for colorfastness, call a professional cleaning service.

References

• "How to Clean Practically Anything"; The Editors of Consumer Reports; 2006