How to wash sofa, armchair, and chair covers?

Have you ever wondered how to wash sofa covers? Here we present all the instructions in one place. Also, check out our tips for cleaning tough stains! Washing has never been easier! Most of our covers are machine washable!

First step – wash your new cover

After sewing the covers and checking them at our manufacture, all covers come straight from there and it may happen, that they will be slightly dusty. That’s why we recommend washing them before putting them on the sofa. 

Learn more about our top fabrics for IKEA sofa covers.

Everyday life care and machine washed fabrics

When you receive your cover, the best thing you can do is wash it. It’s quite easy since most the covers can be machine washed. But not all of them. Some of our fabrics have to be handwashed. Some other cleaning methods are listed below. Weekly, ou may use a dry cloth to wipe the whole couch cover. Removing your couch cushions may help as well. All fabrics have specific washing instructions, we recommend following them so that the covers look amazing for a long time.

Your couch cushions may need a little bit more care. Wiping off pet hair, using a mild detergent or a damp cloth with plain water. If you don’t want to use a washing machine, because your upholstery material is stained in one spot, I suggest using cold water in a spray bottle with a microfiber cloth. Do not use hot water.

The wash cycle will depend on the fabric. You can read more about each of them below.

Most of the time, it’s not even necessary to use a washing machine, you can simply vacuum your entire couch. Also, a good idea to refresh your best couch covers is to use a steamer. Steam ironing is gentler, and easier, and also minimizes the risk of burning the fabric.

Discover more about how to maintain a sofa for long-lasting comfort.

Deep clean of couch cover

It’s not recommended to use bleach, however, there are other substitutes that you may use to clean your couch covers.

You may use a steam cleaner, however, please set it at the lowest temperature. Baking soda is also an option as a stain remover on the affected area. It works great with dirt and paw marks. You may also add a little bit of it to your laundry detergent.

Sometimes you may hear about a specific upholstery cleaner, but I think old, good grandma tips are the best tips. Please don’t use a solvent based cleaner, as it may damage the upholstery. Do not use a drying machine, even at the low heat setting.

Get into all the corners and under the couch cushions by using a brush and a crevice attachment. This is also how you should clean the other furniture (start with an inconspicuous area of fabric before using any of the other spot cleaning techniques).

Premium Cotton couch covers – washing instructions

Let’s start with the most popular fabric – Premium Cotton. It’s required to follow the manufacturer’s tag. Our covers are made of 100% cotton. It’s a full natural fabric, recommended for families with children.

Premium Cotton covers should be machine washed first, before putting them on the sofa. Then you will get the best results.

Use your washing machine to wash your sofa cover without bleach at a temperature of 40°C or less (read our detailed guide on how to wash sofa covers without shrinking). Never wring out the cover, even if it is quite wet.

Don’t forget to let it drip dry in the shade. I am aware that simply putting it in the dryer could be more practical however, the fabric may lose its shape and color. You can iron your Premium Cotton cover if you require a flawless finish at max. temp. 150°C or 300°F.

It weighs 450 g per square meter. It is an extremely thick fabric, which is one of the highest values available on the market for covers. Premium Cotton is pre-shrunk. Martindale is 29 000. The “Martindale Test” assesses the tensile strength and suitability of upholstery fabric for general domestic or commercial use. It is a frequently used test that yields the most precise results. Perfect for popular IKEA models like Ektorp or Friheten.

Polyester couch covers – washing instructions

When taking your cover off, please remember about your couch cushions – they need your attention too. The easiest way is to wash your covers in the washing machine.

Use your washing machine and avoid using bleach while washing your ikea couch cover at a temperature of 40°C or less. Don’t wring the cover.

Please note that you need to drip dry it in the shade. Although it might be easier to merely put in the dryer, the fabric is not appropriate for that. You can iron your cover to its maximum smoothness at 230°F or 110°C.

It weighs 340g/m2. Martindale is 53 000. You can read more about the Martindale Test above.

Ideal choice for Karlstad and Kivik collections.

Polyester Petite couch covers – washing instructions

Polyester Petite sofa slipcovers designed for your living room furniture are quite easy to clean. Use your washing machine at default settings and wash your cover at or below 30°C without bleach. Even if it is really soaked, do not wring the cover.

Drip it dry in the shade. If you need your cover to be perfectly smooth, you may iron it to the max. temperature 110°C or 230°F. Now you can enjoy your freshly washed polyester couch cover.

It weighs 350 g per square meter. Martindale is 50 000. You can read more about the Martindale Test above. Polyester Petite is pre-shrunk. It’s carefully made of 95% polyester and 5% nylon.

You can read more about this fantastic fabric in our other article – dedicated to Polyester Petite >>> https://mastersofcovers.com/polyester-petite-sofa-covers/

Velvet couch covers – washing instructions

It’s recommended to use a delicate cycle. Velvet is one of the easiest fabrics to clean. Throw your cover into the washing machine, set the temperature maximum at 40 degrees, and turn it on!

Remember: do not use bleach as it may damage the material. Do not wring your wet cover. Also, note that it’s important to drip dry your cover in the shade in lieu of using a tumble dryer. When it’s clean and dry – it’s ready to be back on your sofa!

Please also remember to not iron the fabric with classic, ordinary iron. Use the steamer instead, but be very careful. Turn your device on low heat and do not touch the cover. Take some time and patience. Now I believe you know everything about cleaning the velvet cover!

It weighs 280g/m2. Martindale is 25 000. You can read more about the Martindale Test above.

Premium Velvet couch covers – washing instructions

Premium Velvet is the easiest fabric to clean. It’s possible to eliminate a stain quite quickly. You just need to take the cover off your furniture. Then throw it into the washing machine, set the temperature at most at 30 degrees, and turn it on. You may use a gentle cycle.

Remember: do not use bleach as it may damage the material. Do not wring it. Also, please note that it’s important to drip dry your cover in the shade, as written on the washing label. When it’s clean and dry – it’s ready to be back on your couch!

As with classic velvet: do not use classic iron – use steamer in the same way as with classic Velvet.

It weighs 300 grams per square meter. Martindale is 50 000. You can read more about the Martindale Test above.

It’s the strongest fabric available. It’s perfect for families with kids and pets. The upholstery is amazingly durable.

Pure Linen couch covers – washing instructions

Pure Linen is a 100% natural fabric made from flax fibers. It means that it needs special treatment while washing. Hand wash it at 30 degrees Celsius or less. Do not use a drum washing machine.

Remember: do not use bleach, as it may damage the material. Also, do not wring the covers. Do not tumble dry. Do not dry-clean. Please drip dry in the shade.

You may iron the covers at max. temp. 110℃ or 230℉.

Pure Linen weighs 490 grams per square meter. Martindale is 30 000. It’s pre-shrunk.

As it’s a 100% linen, we do not recommend it for pets – it’s not scratch-resistant – check our ideal covers for pet lovers instead.

Linen Blend couch covers – washing instructions

Linen Blend is a is made of 70% polyester and 30% linen. This combination has many advantages, because of the mix of soft and natural with very durable material.

Linen Blend is made of 335 GSM, which will withstand as many as 35,000 cycles.

You can wash it at or below 40 degrees.

Remember: do not use bleach, as it may damage the material. Also, do not wring the covers. Do not tumble dry. Do not dry-clean. Please drip dry in the shade.

You may iron the covers at max. temp. 110℃ or 230℉.

Corduroy couch covers – washing instructions

Corduroy is made of 92% polyester 8% polyamide. It has a distinctive ribbed texture created by vertical rows called “cords”.

Corduroy’s covers can be machine washed at or below 30 degrees. It can be dry cleaned (any solvent except Trichloroethylene).

Steam iron in low heat, up to 110°C or 230°F.

It can be tumble dried at the lowest temperature.

Remember: do not use bleach, as it may damage the material. Also, do not wring the covers. Please drip dry in the shade.

It’s made of 360 GSM. The ikea sofa cover in this configuration will withstand as many as 42,000 cycles.

Boucle couch Covers – washing instructions

Boucle is made of 100% polyester and features a soft, teddy surface that adds warmth and a cozy look to your interior. The fabric has a durable 550 GSM weight and is designed to withstand up to 35,000 cycles, making it suitable for everyday use.

The covers can be machine washed at or below 30°C (86°F).

If needed, steam iron at low heat, up to 110°C (230°F).

Do not use bleach, as it may damage the fabric. Avoid wringing the covers after washing. For best results, drip dry in the shade.

Remember: do not use bleach, as it may damage the material. Also, do not wring the covers. Please drip dry in the shade.

Elegance couch covers – washing instructions

Elegance is made of 100% polyester. Its surface shines, which adds a charm and uniqueness to it.

We recommend handwash at 30 degrees. Do not tumble dry. Iron at low heat, up to 110°C or 230°F. We recommend ironing inside out.

Remember: Do not bleach, do not wring, do not dry-clean, do not tumble dry, do not use drum washing machine, do not machine wash, drip dry in the shade.

Elegance is made of 420 GSM. The couch cover in Elegance will withstand as many as 30,000 cycles.

Spillproof couch covers – washing instructions

Spillproof is made of 100% polyester. Its innovative structure makes it stand out – it protects from any accidental spills. Except of that it’s characterized by high durability.

To remove any spills from the cover use damp cloth and gently wipe away the stains. And that’s it!

Iron friendly. Iron at very low heat – at max. temp. 110°C or 230°F.

Remember: Dry-clean only. Do not use washing machine. Do not tumble dry. Do not bleach, do not wring, drip dry in the shade. Avoid direct sunlight.

Spillproof fabric is made of 360 GSM. Sofa cover in this configuration will withstand as many as 50 000 cycles.

Outdoor couch covers – washing instructions

Outdoor fabric is 100% Acrylic. Outdoor fabric is a remarkable material crafted to excel in the great outdoors. Uniquely designed, it is distinguished by exceptional durability making it the ideal choice for outdoor furnishings. Depending on the color, Outdoor weighs 260±10 GSM (Vanilla White, Stone Grey, Stormy Grey) and 280±10 GSM (Sandstone Beige). It can withstand as many as 45,000 cycles.

Do not bleach. Do not tumble dry. High temperature (120 degrees Fahrenheit and more) can cause discoloration. We recommend not exposing it directly to sunlight to avoid discoloration. Only spot cleaning – wipe up spilled drinks as quickly as possible. Remember not to press it against the material, but gently place kitchen paper on the liquid and leave it to absorb. Then gently rub the already dry material with a dry cloth. Following the appropriate recommendations for wiping liquids will help avoid stains. Do not machine wash. Do not dry-clean.

Tetron Cotton couch cover – washing instructions

It’s a very specific material. It looks amazing and needs a little bit more care. It’s not suitable for pets, or kids. It’s quite durable, however, to some extent. It’s made of 30% Polyester, 30% Rayon, and 40% Cotton. It weighs 380g/m2. Martindale is 40 000. You can read more about the Martindale Test above.

Please do not use bleach, as it may damage the material. Wash at or below 40 degrees. Don’t wring the wet covers. If you feel the need, you may iron the covers at max. temp. 110℃ or 230℉. The fabric might be slightly damp, so it’s best to air dry it in the shade. Now it’s nice, clean, and ready to be back on your furniture!

Pillowcases, couch cushions – cleaning solution

Obviously, removable covers are cleaned best in the washing machine, but not every fabric can be washed that way. While cleaning cushion covers, follow washing guideliness too. However, sometimes a water-based cleaner and a clean white cloth may do the magic. Try to gently wipe the stain off. Don’t rub it in. The couch cushions are the first thing you pay attention to, so try to remove all the stains thoroughly.

You may try so-called spot cleaning solutions. For that, you will need some warm water, a spray bottle, some soap, and a clean cloth. Gently apply some water onto stains and dip your cloth in the water. Then, apply some of the soap onto those stains. It will remove all the dirt from the cushion. Later on, use some water to clean the spots, dry the covers and be happy with your quick wash!

Tip for cleaning your couch covers

Always test any new cleaning technique on a hidden patch of fabric (or by using fabric samples ordered before), such as the region beneath one of your cushions, before using it all over, to ensure that it won’t fade or harm the fabric.

It’s always better to take the covers off your sofa and your couch cushions. When cleaning a stain by hand, please remember to use a neutral PH detergent. Always spot treat the stained area first, It’s best to do so right away. The clean cloth will work just fine. Don’t let the cover absorb the stain. Make sure that your covered couch is not placed in full sunlight for the whole day as it may cause significant damage to the fabric.

Sometimes, using an upholstery vacuum cleaner may do the job. Unless it’s a liquid stain. Check out our tips for certain types of stains below!

Ink stain

It’s best to clean it with… a hair spray! Can you believe that? Just cover the smudge with a layer of the hair product and wait until the alcohol sucks the stain away! (Please note that it needs to contain alcohol.) Of course, the next thing to do is to wash your cover in the washing machine. All the instructions for every fabric you may find above.

Dried-up stains

How to get rid of those? Apply some shaving foam onto the stain and leave it for about 10 minutes. It works like magic, even on red wine spills! Then, use a very soft brush and start gently brushing the upholstery (one way only). After the spot treatment, wash your upholstery in a washing machine.

Coffee spill

Mix some baking soda with cold water and cover the spill with the blend. Leave it overnight. On the next day, vacuum your cushion covers and you are good to go!

I hope some of our ideas turned out to be helpful!

Dry Cleaning of couch covers – is it a good idea?

Let me say this – no. We do not recommend doing it. You never know how and what they treat the covers with. It’s simply too risky to do that. It’s so easy to do it at home. You will encounter more trouble by going and dry cleaning your cover, than by using your own washing machine. Your covers for cushions will appreciate it! Conclusion? Don’t dry clean your covers!

Can proper care extend the life of your IKEA furniture?

A good cover does more than change the appearance of a sofa or armchair. Ikea Sofa Covers can help protect the original upholstery from everyday wear, small spills, dust, and fading. This can be especially useful if the furniture itself is still comfortable and in good condition, but the original fabric has started to look tired.

Collections such as Ikea Ektorp Covers and Ikea Friheten Covers are a practical option for older IKEA furniture that may no longer be available in stores. Instead of replacing the whole piece, a new cover can give it a fresh look while helping to extend the life of the furniture underneath.

Why is fabric choice important before buying IKEA covers?

Choosing the right fabric can make everyday care much easier. If your sofa is used intensively, shared with children, or regularly occupied by pets, it is worth looking for a material that is durable and easy to maintain. For less frequently used furniture, you may prefer to focus more on texture, softness, or the overall look of the room.

This applies to both Ikea Armchair Covers and larger Ikea Couch Covers such as Ikea Hovas Covers or Ikea Kivik Covers. The best choice depends on how you use the furniture, how often you expect to clean it, and which care routine fits naturally into your household.

When is it worth replacing an IKEA cover instead of cleaning it again?

Even with proper care, every cover eventually shows signs of use. Permanent discoloration, worn areas, stretched fabric, or stains that can no longer be removed may be a sign that it is time for a replacement. Sometimes the reason is simply aesthetic – changing the cover can be one of the easiest ways to update the style of a room without buying new furniture.

When searching for the best Ikea Covers, it is worth looking beyond color alone. A replacement cover should fit the exact furniture model and suit the way the piece is used every day. This makes it easier to refresh an older sofa or armchair while keeping the furniture you already know and like.

FAQ – Ikea Couch Covers

Q: Can I machine-wash all sofa covers described in the article?
A: No – washing method depends heavily on the fabric. Some covers (like Velvet, Premium Velvet, Linen Blend, Corduroy) can be machine-washed under the right conditions, but others (like Pure Linen, Elegance, Spillproof) require hand-washing, spot-treatment, or special care.

Q: What precautions should I take when washing velvet covers?
A: For velvet — use only a delicate cycle, with water at max 40 °C (or 30 °C for Premium Velvet), avoid bleach, do not wring, do not tumble-dry. After washing, drip-dry in shade. Don’t use a regular iron — use a steamer on low heat and avoid touching the fabric directly.

Q: How should I deal with a stain (like ink, coffee, or dried stain) on a cover?
A: Spot-treat first: for ink, use hairspray containing alcohol, then wash; for dried stains, apply shaving foam, leave ~10 minutes, gently brush, then wash; for coffee stains, apply a baking-soda + cold-water mix, leave overnight, vacuum the next day, then wash.

Q: Is professional dry-cleaning recommended for sofa covers?
A: No. They advise against dry-cleaning for regular couch covers because of uncertainty about chemicals used. Home washing (when allowed) or spot-treating is considered safer.

Q: How should I dry sofa covers after washing them?
A: Most fabrics in the article should be drip-dried in the shade and must not be tumble-dried — this applies to Velvet, Premium Velvet, Pure Linen, Linen Blend, and Elegance. Corduroy is the only exception: it may be tumble-dried, but only at the lowest temperature. Spillproof covers should not be washed at all, so standard drying methods do not apply.

Q: Can a replacement cover help protect older IKEA furniture?
A: Yes. A well-fitted replacement cover can protect the original upholstery from further wear and help extend the useful life of the furniture.

Q: Does the type of fabric matter if I have children or pets?
A: Yes. Homes with children or pets usually benefit from durable, easy-care fabrics that can handle more frequent cleaning and everyday use.

Q: When should I consider replacing a sofa cover instead of washing it again?
A: Replacement may be a better option when the fabric has permanent stains, visible wear, stretching, or discoloration that cleaning can no longer improve.

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