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Machine washable couch cushions


How to Clean Any and Every Stain Off Couch Cushions

Instructions for removable and non-removable cushions

By

Sarah Aguirre

Sarah Aguirre

Sarah Aguirre is a housekeeping expert with over 20 years of experience cleaning residentially and commercially. Over that time, she has been writing about tips and tricks for housekeeping and organizing a home for national publications.

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Updated on 02/07/23

Reviewed by

Brandon Pleshek

Reviewed by Brandon Pleshek

Brandon Pleshek of Clean That Up! is a seasoned veteran of the cleaning industry with over 20 years of experience in commercial and residential cleaning. He is a member of The Spruce's Cleaning and Organizing Review Board

Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board

Fact checked by

Emily Estep

Fact checked by Emily Estep

Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics including environmental science and houseplants.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

The Spruce / Adriana Sanchez

In This Article

Project Overview

Spilled drinks, pet or human urine, or other stains are common accidents on couches, especially if you have or frequently entertain guests, young children, or pets. Some upholstery or couch cushions usually have covers that can be removed and either hand or machine washed, but sometimes, the covers are not removable. Some cushions may be labeled as spot-clean only.

In general, couch cushion covers should be cleaned in cold water either by hand or on a delicate cycle in the washing machine. Dye-free laundry detergent can take on most stains, while some spills can be removed with commercial spot removers or a homemade solution. Significant, deep, or old spills might require a professional or steam cleaner. Most importantly, remember to air dry cushion covers and zip them shut before cleaning.

Here, learn the best methods to clean couch cushions, particularly removable cushion covers, and what to do when a cover is not removable.

Stain type Varies
Detergent type Stain remover and dish detergent or dye-free laundry detergent
Water temperature Cold
Cycle type Delicate (if machine washable)

Before You Begin

Speed is your best bet when cleaning up a spill. The faster you react and blot up the spill with a microfiber cloth before it embeds into the fibers, the less you have to work at removing the stain. Don't press hard or scrub since that will set the stain. A set stain takes a lot more effort to remove.

Before you begin cleaning your cushions, you need to determine: If the covers are removable, can they be washed by hand, can you wash them by machine, or are they spot clean only? If you know or can determine the make and model of the couch, search online for the furniture maker's care instructions or look for labels on the upholstery to guide you.

If the cushion label says "W," it means you can use a water-based cleaner, "S" means you can use a solvent-based cleaner, and "WS" means you can use either. If there is an "X," you should professionally clean the upholstery only.

Removable upholstery covers must pass two tests to ensure that you can wash them in a machine: they must be preshrunk (or else you might not get the covers back onto the cushions), and they must be colorfast. To test for colorfastness: Take a damp white cloth and rub it on the fabric in an inconspicuous spot. If the color comes off the material, the upholstery is likely not colorfast, and a professional should do the cleaning.

The 7 Best Upholstery Cleaners of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Click Play to Learn How to Wash Upholstery Fabric

Equipment / Tools

Materials

How to Spot Clean Non-Removable Cushion Covers

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

  1. Remove Hair and Dust With Gloves

    Put on a pair of rubber gloves, and run them over the upholstery to loosen any pet or human hair or dust to make it easier to vacuum.

    The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

  2. Vacuum the Upholstery

    Using the upholstery attachment on your vacuum, move it from left to right in short, overlapping lines. Change over to the crevice nozzle, and vacuum between the seams and under the cushions.

    The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

  3. Treat Any Stains

    Depending on your fabric's care instructions, attack stains with water or a solvent-based cleaner. Let the solution sink in, then blot the stain with a microfiber cloth. Take care not to scrub the stain, which can push the stain farther into the upholstery or damage the fabric.

    The type of stain you're dealing with will determine how many applications of cleaner you need. Tougher stains like grease, blood, or ink may need a few more rounds of cleaning.

    If you have a urine stain, use an enzymatic cleaner to remove urine stains (testing it on an inconspicuous area first). You also can make your cleaner using 1 cup vinegar, 1 cup water, and 2 teaspoons dish soap. Dip a clean white cloth into the cleaner, and blot the stain. Then, use a different cloth or sponge to rinse with plain water and let the spot air dry.

    The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

  4. Wash the Upholstery

    Combine a half teaspoon of dye-free dish soap and warm water in a small bucket, frothing the mixture up to create suds. Dip an upholstery brush into the suds and gently run it across the upholstery, taking care not to soak the fabric. Finish the job by wiping the fabric with a clean, damp cloth. Before sitting on the upholstered furniture, let it dry completely.

    The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

How to Wash Couch Cushions in a Washing Machine

  1. Confirm the Cushion Cover is Machine Washable

    If you know the cushion cover is machine washable and has a label marked "W" for water-based cleaner, then you can remove the cushion cover and place it in the washing machine separately.

  2. Treat Stains

    Use a stain remover or spot treatment solution to address your particular stain.

    If you have a urine stain, remove the cover immediately. Blot up as much liquid as possible with a microfiber cloth. Don’t press hard or scrub to set in the stain. Run the cover through a cycle with cold water and a cup of vinegar. Then, wash it with detergent using the warmest water the fabric allows, and hang it to dry.

  3. Use Dye-Free Laundry Detergent

    Even if you have a colorfast material, use a dye-free laundry detergent to ensure that the dye in colored detergents does not inadvertently transfer to your upholstery covers.

  4. Use Cold Water and Delicate Setting

    Avoid using warm or hot water, as cold water is easier on fabrics. Opt for the delicate cycle on your first wash to subject your fabric to the least amount of agitation. You can see how it holds up in the wash cycle to know how sturdy it is for future washes. Also, close the zipper, so it doesn't get tangled or damaged.

  5. Air Dry the Cushion Cover

    Don't machine dry a couch cover in the dryer because it could shrink or fade. Instead, drip dry in the shade; beware of the sun since it can bleach some fabrics. To remove some moisture, you can use the tumble or fluff setting without heat and let the fabric air dry.

Additional Tips for Cleaning Couch Cushions

If a stain persists, dab the spill with club soda. Some claim that the carbonation in water helps lifts stains. Although, the active ingredient is likely the water. Diluting the stain and dabbing the spill quickly is your most effective way of reacting to a stain situation. In a pinch, baby wipes are another excellent method of dabbing or mopping up small spills, such as coffee drips.

If a smell emanates from the fabric, sprinkle baking soda onto the cushion. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes before vacuuming up the powder. For stain prevention, treat your clean upholstery with a stain-guard spray. It will help to shield the fabric from some staining.

If the cover is removable and the liquid is deep in the couch foam, the good news is that most foam is washable. In most cases, you can deep soak the foam in a bathtub with a mild dish detergent. Squeeze out all the soapy water, thoroughly rinse with clean water, and air dry. To ensure your couch foam is washable, check with the furniture manufacturer.

When to Call a Professional

Call a couch cleaning professional if you have tried these cleaning methods and the stain remains. Large stains, deep stains, or old stains may need special cleaning fluids and the expertise of a certified cleaning technician. To find a trustworthy couch cleaner, consider looking up a professional associated with the International Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification.

Best Couch Cleaning Services

FAQ

How to wash couch cushion covers

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August 19, 2019 James Gibbons

 The best way to wash couch cushion covers is on a cold, delicate cycle with a dye free detergent or pod. It's important to have your cushion covers zipped to ensure the cushions don't get tangled or damaged. Hang or line dry your cushion covers and avoid a machine dryer. Your fabric may be damaged by the heat or shrink in the dryer. Before washing your covers, there are a few steps you should take to avoid damaging your cushion covers.

Can you wash couch cushion covers ?

It all depends on the fabric that your cushions are made of. Some fabrics can be washed in the washing machine. Ask your fabric, furniture store, or furniture manufacturer if your cushions can be washed in the washing machine. The ones that can not be washed will be damaged in the washing machine.

Not all fabric is created equal. Upholstery fabric can be woven in several different fibers and stabilized with numerous types of backing. At Revolution, we even categorize our different fabric lines by their specialty. Revolution Indoor is a backed, non-machine washable, upholstery fabric. Revolution Plus is non-backed, machine washable upholstery for slipcovers and pet beds. Revolution Outdoor is a backed, outdoor resistant upholstery fabric great for furniture outdoors like by a pool or under a porch. It is important for you to contact the upholsterer or store you purchased your furniture from in order to understand the type of material your sofa fabric is.

Some fabrics cannot be washed in the washing machine due to the fiber used to weave it. The washing machine might even discolor or damage your cushion casing. The casing could potentially stretch and elongate making your sofa look worn out. The fabric could even shrink and after it’s clean, the cushion casing might not even be able to fit back on the cushion. It is very important to talk to someone before just throwing your cushion casing in the washing machine. I would recommend contacting your upholsterer or the furniture store you bought the sofa from. Find out if you purchased from Revolution Fabric retailers here.

Washing Couch Cushion Covers in the Washing Machine

After talking to your furniture supplier and the approval of you washing couch cushion covers, you can begin the washing process. First, I recommend finding a detergent that has no dyes. Reading reports online, some people were given the “OK” to wash their cushion covers but after removing them from the washing machine they were stained with the dye from the laundry detergent or pod they used. The best types of pods and laundry detergents for upholstery cushion covers is non-dyed laundry detergent. Some of the better detergents we have used are the Tide-Free & Gentle and a pod company is known as Dropps. These two detergents are dye-free and work great for washing couch cushion covers in the washing machine.

When washing couch cushion covers, use cold washing cycles or low heat. This is to help avoid damage to the fabric. Washing on a cold-water cycle also helps avoid shrinkage for fibers that are susceptible to contracting with water contact.

After washing couch cushion covers, you might be thinking about drying them in the drier. The best drier setting is the lowest heat and for a shorter duration. With synthetic fibers, you run the risk of damaging or potentially melting your fabric in the drier. With natural fibers, you also run the risk of shrinkage when putting in the drier as well. Use a low heat setting and keep in mind how long you leave them in the drier.

One final tip for putting your cushion casings back on your cushion is to not dry them all the way. After washing couch cushion covers, it is easier to insert the cushion foam into the casing when it is slightly damp and then air dried on the sofa. Let your cushions dry completely on your sofa before your family, friends, and pets jump back on the couch. I hope this blog has helped you understand how to wash your cushion casing in the washing machine. Thanks for reading – David

Share: Previous article The Difference Between Indoor and Outdoor Fabric Next article How to protect upholstery fabric

Comments

Sheila L Spisiak - August 26, 2021

Received my fabric ahead of schedule and just waiting for upholsterer to put on two chairs and ottoman. The schedule to do my job isn’t till December, so after it comes back I will send pictures! Love what I can see on roll and color is the same as on line, but better now I can see it up close. Thanks again for being so prompt and hopefully the upholsterer will have a cancellation soon. Love that everything is grown and made in USA!

leslie gibert banwell - August 1, 2021

how do l get the covers off headrest in motorhome burstner 747-2 year 2004 hope you can help if not maybe you know someone thank you

Can pillows be washed in a washing machine? Let's talk!

Synthetic pillows are soft, comfortable and affordable. They are also recommended for allergy sufferers. These pillows are easy to keep clean and easy to wash. How to wash synthetic pillows so that they stay in good condition for as long as possible? How often to change the pillow and how to dry them?

How to care for synthetic pillows

Synthetic pillows are popular. Things to remember every day and how to care for such pillows so that they stay fresh and comfortable for a long time:

How often to wash pillows

Wash synthetic-filled pillows at least twice a year. An additional wash can be carried out, for example, after a long illness, combined with lying in bed, or when the pillow is splashed or soiled. Pillows should also be washed more frequently by parents who sleep in bed with young children.

How often should you change your pillow? Theoretically, this should be done every 2-3 years. However, if you take care of your pillows regularly and keep them clean, they can last much longer.

How to wash pillows in a washing machine


The first and most important rule to remember is to check the label before throwing your pillow into the washing machine. It is on the label that you will find information on how to safely wash the pillow in order to avoid accidental damage. The manufacturer's recommendations will depend primarily on what material the pillow filler is made of and what fabric it is covered with. The most important thing is to check the temperature at which the pillow can be washed. For synthetic-filled pillows, a relatively low temperature is usually specified, typically 30 or 40°C.

Also, spinning too hard can make the compact pillow unusable after washing. Check if the automatic programs of your washing machine are designed for down or wool. Each one is delicate and works well for washing synthetic pillows. Appropriate detergents are also important. Soft liquid or capsules will definitely work best here. Strong powder at low temperature may leave lumps inside.

How to wash pillows by hand

Afraid to throw your pillow in the washing machine? Prefer to wash by hand? Such washing can be as effective as using a washing machine, especially in the case of latex pillows. Hand washing will take much longer than washing in a washing machine. If you need to clean several pillows, it's best to get to work early in the morning. Thanks to this, you can wash the pillows and dry them in the sun. Fill a tub or large basin with warm water and a small amount of mild detergent, submerge the pillow and press down to absorb the water. Remember that the water should not be too hot, as high temperatures can ruin the filler. Leave the pillow to soak for 30-40 minutes. After this time, drain the water from the bath or pour it out of the basin. Then use both hands to knead the pillow as if you want to squeeze all the water out of it. Thus, all the dirt will flow out of the inside of the pillow along with the liquid. The next step is to rinse the pillow several times. Finally, just press it again and let it dry completely, preferably in the sun.

How to wash and dry decorative sofa cushions

How to wash decorative and relaxing pillows that cannot be wet? Some types of pillows are not suitable for standard washing. They cannot be machine washed or hand washed. You can take them to a professional dry cleaner and pick them up fresh, clean and ready to use after a while. Or, purchase a special disinfectant spray that should be sprayed over the entire surface of the pillow. After such treatment, it is necessary to expose the pillows for the whole day to fresh air in order to ventilate them well. If dirt is visible on the surface of the pillow, you can try removing it with baking soda, lemon juice, and a soft, slightly damp cloth.

Cushion dryer

Drying pillows properly is just as important as washing them according to instructions. The best and safest way to dry pillows effectively is to lay the pillows horizontally, such as on a clothes dryer, and leave them in the sun all day long. During drying, it is advisable to shake each pillow from time to time and evenly distribute the filler. This method is much better than, for example, hanging a pillow on a rope using paper clips.

Can synthetic pillows be dried in an automatic dryer? Some do it. However, look at the label. If the manufacturer does not allow drying directly in the dryer, it is safer to choose a sunny day and place the washed pillows on the balcony or in the garden. If you are not sure if you can dry your pillow well, use the laundry service.

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how to properly clean pillows, mattresses and home textiles - INMYROOM

Tips

Cleanliness is the guarantee of health. It's time to take care of the health of your home and do a general cleaning. We found out which things are better to dry clean immediately, and which can be washed by yourself

House dust is a friendly environment for the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms, including mites. Therefore, it is necessary to clean pillows, blankets and mattresses regularly. In addition, curtains and textile sofas need care. How to do it right, and most importantly, how often you need to arrange a general wash - in our today's article.

Clean pillows and duvets at least once a year!

Mattresses need to be cleaned every two years

It is almost impossible to clean the mattress yourself. You can visually "brush" the dust off it with a vacuum cleaner, but you will not be able to destroy the parasites. There are several more effective options - take the mattress for cleaning or call the master at home. There will be no difference in the quality of washing. However, a house call will most likely cost less due to savings on transportation.

What should you do if you recently cleaned your mattress, but there is a stain on it? First of all, buy a mattress pad - and in the future always use it: this way you will extend the life of the mattress and make your life easier: you must admit that washing a mattress pad is much easier. And yet - the stain turned out to be on the mattress itself: it cannot be washed. But there are a few tricks that will help get rid of the stain quite simply and quickly.

Clean carpets once or twice a year

The easiest way to clean a carpet is to take it out into the cold and beat it with snow. Today, this method has lost its popularity, and it is in this way that you can not only refresh the color of the pile, but, thanks to the effects of low temperatures, get rid of dust mites and their waste products. This method has only one drawback - seasonality.

Dry cleaning is the obvious solution. Major chain laundries will pick up and deliver your carpet for free. Modern cleaning methods allow you to remove any contamination, even chewing gum. And they also get rid of any unpleasant “aromas” - and even from grandfather's tobacco or the smell of a dog.

For larger carpets and rugs, call your home dry cleaner. Masters use non-toxic materials, as well as special rotary machines. As a result of such cleaning, the carpet looks like new, and parasites no longer have a place in it. By the way, carpets with long pile should be dry-cleaned more often, since the pile is an excellent hiding place for dust, dirt and mites.

Home textiles and upholstered furniture: cleaning once a year is enough

Be careful, not every fabric will withstand washing in a washing machine.

Learn more