How to wash Sofa Covers without shrinking – a step-by-step guide
Sofa covers are a wonderful addition to every home – they’re not only a beautiful and stylish decoration, but also a way to keep the furniture clean. However, washing them the correct way is extremely important. Incorrect washing can lead to shrinkage and damage to the cover. It may also cause difficulties in fitting back on your sofa. In this guide, we’ll show you how to wash sofa covers without shrinking them. Ensuring they stay in perfect shape and maintain their original size. Follow these steps to protect your sofa covers and keep them looking fresh.
Preparing your Sofa Covers for washing
The first and most important thing to do, is checking the washing instructions. Never avoid this step – it’s crucial. Washing covers the wrong way can destroy them.
– Check the washing guidelines – every fabric from our website has its own washing instruction. All of them can be found in “Washing instructions” article in Guide tab. You can also find it here: https://mastersofcovers.com/how-to-wash-sofa-armchair-and-chair-covers/
– Washing instructions contain important information, such as fabric composition, material, GSM, washing type, the washing temperature, information about ironing and info about thing to avoid.
Friheten Corner Sofa Bed Right Chaise in Individual Fit Polyester Petite Cool White Cover
Hand washing techniques for delicate fabrics
If your sofa covers are made from delicate materials, hand washing is the safest option to prevent shrinkage.
1. Fill a basin with room-temperature water: Water at or below 30 degrees helps preserve the integrity of the fabric fibers and prevents shrinking.
2. Add a mild detergent: Choose a gentle detergent formulated for delicate fabrics. Mix it into the water to create a light, soapy solution.
3. Gently wash the covers: Submerge the sofa covers into the water and gently move them around. Avoid scrubbing or wringing the fabric, as this can stretch or damage it.
4. Rinse thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with clean, room-temperature water. Rinse the covers until all the detergent is removed.
5. Press out excess water: Do not wring the fabric. Instead, gently drain off excess water.
6. Drip dry in the shade. This will allow you to avoid unwanted stretching of the fabric.
Which covers should be hand washed only? Covers made of Pure Linen and Elegance.
The exception from machine washing are Corduroy and Spill-proof Covers. These two fabrics can be dry-cleaned only.
Machine washing tips for Sofa Covers
If your sofa covers are machine-washable, follow these tips to minimize the risk of shrinking.
• Follow washing guidelines: Washing with water temperature at or below 30 or 40 degrees, depending on the material, is key when learning how to wash sofa covers without shrinking. Hot water can cause certain fabrics to contract, leading to shrinkage.
• Select a gentle cycle: Always use the delicate or gentle cycle when machine-washing sofa covers. This minimizes the agitation that can weaken fibers and cause shrinking.
• Wash separately or in small loads: Avoid overloading the washing machine. Wash the covers by themselves or with a few lightweight items to give them enough space to move around without excess friction.
• Zip up or button covers: If your covers have zippers or buttons, secure them before washing to prevent snagging or tearing.
Drying methods to avoid shrinkage
Drying your sofa covers properly is crucial in preventing shrinkage. Here is the best drying method:
• Drip dry in the shade – drying in the shade is the safest way for any cover. This way allow avoiding damaging the cover or stretching the material.
• Do not expose directly to sunlight – this may cause discoloration.
How to iron a couch cover?
Proper ironing couch covers is also crucial. High temperatures can damage the material or cause discoloration. That’s why we always recommend to follow ironing guidelines, which can be found in the “Washing Instructions” article.
FAQs
Q: How do you wash couch covers so they don’t shrink?
A: To avoid shrinkage, wash couch covers in the right temperature of water on a gentle cycle or hand wash them with a mild detergent. Don’t tumble dry, the safest way is to drip dry in the shade.
Q: Should I wash my sofa covers inside out?
A: Yes, turning your sofa covers inside out before washing can help protect the outer fabric from abrasion during the washing process, especially if you’re using a washing machine.
Q: How do I wash my IKEA sofa covers without ruining them or making them shrink?
A: To wash safely: use cold water (or max 30 °C / lukewarm), choose a gentle/delicate cycle, use a mild detergent, avoid bleach or fabric softeners, and do not overload the washing machine. After washing, skip high-heat drying and instead air-dry — these steps help avoid shrinkage. This is exactly what the “wash without shrinking” guide from Masters of Covers recommends for their Ikea Sofa Covers or Couch Covers.
Q: Can I tumble-dry my sofa covers from Masters of Covers after washing?
A: It’s not recommended. Heat from a dryer is one of the main causes of shrinkage. Try to air-dry covers whenever possible. If you really must use a dryer, use the lowest heat or no-heat (air-dry / fluff) setting – but air-drying is safest for maintaining size and fit.
Q: My sofa cover is made of cotton or linen – are there special precautions to prevent shrinkage when washing?
A: Yes – natural fabrics like cotton or linen are more sensitive. Always wash in cold or lukewarm water, on a gentle cycle, with mild detergent, and air-dry flat or hang out of direct sunlight, reshaping the cover while damp. This helps preserve fabric integrity and avoid size reduction.
Q: I have a removable slipcover for my IKEA sofa – does that make washing safer or easier?
A: Absolutely. Removable slipcovers (like those offered by Masters of Covers) are much easier to wash properly since you can follow the care instructions exactly: remove them, wash on gentle/cold settings, air-dry, reshape when damp. This makes maintenance feasible without risking shrinkage – a major advantage over fixed upholstery.
Q: Can sofa covers be machine washed without shrinking if I do it properly?
A: Yes – many sofa covers can be machine-washed without shrinking, as long as you follow best practices: cold water, gentle cycle, mild detergent, avoid heat drying, and reshape while damp. The article from Masters of Covers confirms that with correct care, even fitted covers can remain their original size and fit. Always read washing instructions before washing your couch cover!
Conclusion
Learning how to wash sofa covers without shrinking is essential for keeping your furniture looking fresh and well-maintained. Whether you’re hand washing delicate fabrics, machine washing with care, or drying your covers properly, following these steps will help you avoid shrinkage and extend the life of your sofa covers. With the right techniques, your covers will remain in great condition, fitting perfectly on your sofa for years to come.
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