Washing slipcovers can seem daunting, but with some planning and the right techniques, you can keep them looking fresh and new. Here is an in-depth guide on how to wash furniture slipcovers properly.
Assess the Slipcover Fabric
Before washing, check the care tag to see what the fabric content is and if there are any special washing instructions.
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Cotton, linen, polyester, olefin, and microfiber slipcovers can typically be machine washed and dried.
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Silk, wool, and velvet slipcovers will require dry cleaning or hand washing only.
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Blends may require a gentle cycle or hand washing.
Pre-treat Stains
Inspect the slipcovers for any stains and spot treat them before washing. Dab stains with a clean cloth soaked in warm water and a small amount of mild detergent. For tougher stains, use a stain remover formulated for the fabric. This helps prevent stains from setting during washing.
Wash in Cold Water
Wash slipcovers in cold water on a gentle cycle with an all purpose detergent. Avoid using bleach or fabric softener which can damage or discolor the fabric.
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Woolite is a good gentle detergent for delicate fabrics like silk.
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All Free Clear works well for fabrics prone to shrinking.
Shake Out Dust
Before washing, take the slipcovers outside and shake them to remove any dust, dirt, and debris. This prevents particles from getting ground into the fabric during the wash cycle.
Zip Up and Button
Close all zippers, hooks, and buttons on the slipcover prior to washing. This helps retain the shape and prevents tangling, twisting, or snagging during the cycle.
Use Gentle Wash Cycles
Opt for the gentle or delicate cycle if possible. The agitation from regular cycles can damage delicate fabrics. Choose a cycle with a low spin speed to reduce wrinkling.
Wash Separately
Wash slipcovers separately from other laundry. The load size, detergent amount, temperature, and cycle can be tailored specifically for the fabric. Washing alone also prevents pilling and snagging.
Pretreat Stains After Washing
Check for any lingering stains after washing and spot treat them again while the fabric is still damp. This second pretreating helps fully lift out stubborn stains.
Reshape While Damp
Gently smooth and reshape the slipcovers while still damp from the wash. Pull and adjust them back into the proper shape before drying so they retain their form.
Air Dry When Possible
If the fabric permits it, air dry slipcovers to prevent heat damage from machine drying. Lay them flat or hang them on a clothing line. This also avoids shrinkage issues.
Machine Dry on Low
If air drying isn’t possible, tumble dry slipcovers on the lowest heat setting. Remove them promptly when finished to prevent over drying. Don’t dry wool, silk, or velvet slipcovers in machines.
Steam After Drying
Lightly steam slipcovers after air or machine drying to release any remaining wrinkles and help reshape them. Be careful when steaming delicate fabrics.
Inspect and Spot Treat Again
Do a final inspection after drying for any new stains that may have surfaced during the wash process and spot treat one last time while the fabric is warm and absorbent. Your slipcovers are now fresh, clean, and ready to go back on your furniture!
