How to Wash Slipcovers

Co-authored by Donna Serino

Last Updated: November 25, 2021 References

Slipcovers are a great way to extend the life of your couch or chairs. They are made to fit snugly over a couch and cover the upholstery. They can protect your sofa or update your home decor to a new color. Slipcovers often soak up spills and everyday wear and tear so they must be washed at least once per year. There are some guidelines you should follow to clean slipcovers and ensure there isn't excessive shrinkage or wrinkles. This article will tell you how to wash slipcovers.

Steps

1
Check the care instructions or the manufacturer to see if your slipcover was pre-washed/pre-shrunk. Pre-shrunk slipcovers are very common. If it has not been pre-shrunk, it is a good idea to take it to a dry-cleaning service, or the cover may be too small after washing.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Donna Serino
Dry Cleaning & Alterations Specialist
Expert Interview. 31 August 2021.}
- It's always important to read the care label, as some fabrics and fabric blends require a certain level of care including water temperature, machine wash, dry clean only, etc.^{[2]
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  Expert Source
  
  Donna Serino
  Dry Cleaning & Alterations Specialist
  Expert Interview. 31 August 2021.}
2
Treat stains with a spray stain remover while the slipcover is still on the couch or chair. This will allow you to identify them more quickly.
- If you have an extremely tough stain, cover it with liquid dish-washing soap and water, and then lather and rinse. Then, apply the spray-on stain remover.
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3
Remove the slipcovers from the couch, cushions or chair
- If you are cleaning a couch slipcover, separate the cushion covers from the slipcover for the body of the couch. Most conventional washing machines are not big enough to wash an entire set of slipcovers.^{[3]
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4
Wash the slipcover in your washing machine.^{[4]
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- Set it to the permanent-press or gentle cycle, since these settings avoid premature aging of the fabric.^{[5]
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- Use warm water for light-colored slipcovers and cold water for dark-colored slipcovers, to avoid fading.^{[6]
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- If you do not have these settings or just want to be extra careful, turn the slipcovers inside out before putting them in the washer. You should not do this if it is stained.
- Use the Extra Rinse option while you wash your washing machine to ensure all detergent is removed from the thick fabric. If you do not have this option, wash your slipcover again without detergent.
5
Remove the slipcover from the washer and place it in the dryer for 10 to 15 minutes. Choose the permanent press setting for the dryer as well. This will help to avoid too many wrinkles.
6
Take the slipcover from the dryer while it is still partially wet.
- Iron any large wrinkles after the damp slipcover is removed from the dryer. Do not iron the entire slipcover or it may shrink.
7
Put the damp slipcovers back on the couch or chair and allow them to dry overnight. Placing them on the couch will help to avoid shrinkage and wrinkles.
- Smooth out any wrinkles while the cover is still damp.
- Do not place the cushions back on the sofa. Instead, you should find a place for cushions to lean during the night so that most surfaces are in contact with the air.

Warnings

Do not place your slipcover in direct sunlight, or it will fade unevenly and possibly have to be replaced sooner.

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