Do you have a favorite sofa in your home that you just can’t seem to part with, even though the fabric is looking a little worse for wear? Or maybe you’ve just bought a new sofa and don’t want to take the risk of shrinking it by washing it yourself.
In either case, this blog post is for you! I’m going to share some tips on how to wash sofa covers without shrinking them, so read on for all the details.
Top 6 tips of how to wash sofa covers without being shrink
Check the care instructions before washing your sofa covers:
Before you wash your sofa covers, it is important to check the care instructions. Just because a hangtag lists the fabric as “machine washable” or “dry clean only,” that doesn’t necessarily mean it can handle being washed at all.
The same goes for any other item of clothing that mentions “dry clean only,” and even some items that read “washable.” It is also important to be aware of any Velcro, zippers, or other difficult-to-sew items that could get caught and cause damage to your washing machine or dryer.
Machine Wash Your Sofa Covers:
If you have a front loading machine, be sure to put the sofa covers in a mesh bag before washing them. This will prevent any snagging or damage to the fabric from occurring while it is being washed.
Make sure that your washer is set on a gentle cycle and use cold water, as hot water could damage the color of your sofa cover. Add a little laundry detergent (no fabric softener) to your washer and fill in the rest of the way with water.
Be sure not to overfill your machine, as this could lead to snagging and damage during the cycle. Once you’re done filling up the machine with water, add your sofa covers and let them soak for an hour or so.
This will allow your sofa covers to loosen any dirt and grime that has accumulated over time. Once the allotted time is up, start the gentle cycle by choosing cold water and a low power spin. This will prevent your sofa cover from being stretched out of shape during its rinse cycle.
As far as drying goes, you have the option of letting the covers air dry or using a low heat setting on your dryer. You will then be left with fresh, clean sofa covers that have not been shrunk in the process!
If you need to wash bed linen or table cloths in cold water, use one tablespoon of washing soda (Sodium carbonate) for each small wash load. For normal or heavily soiled loads, use two-level tablespoons of washing soda for each small wash load (25 Liters).
The soda is alkaline and provides extra cleaning power even in cold water. The soda also helps make the fabric softer, fresher, and brighter.
Pre-treat any stains or dirt with a stain remover:
If you want to wash your sofa covers at home, but don’t really feel confident tackling the dirty job yourself, then here is what you do:
Bring your soiled sofa cover to professional cleaners and ask them if they can handle washing it for you. Be sure to tell the cleaners that you need the job done in cold water and that you don’t want any stains or dirt to be treated with fabric softener.
Most professional cleaners will happily oblige, so just ask. If you can’t afford to take your sofa cover off of the couch and bring it in for laundering, then here is what you do:
Pour some cold water into a clean bucket and add one tablespoon of washing soda (Sodium carbonate) for each small wash load. For normal or heavily soiled loads, use two-level tablespoons of washing soda for each small wash load (25 Liters).
Add your sofa covers and let them soak in the water overnight. The next day, start the gentle cycle by choosing cold water and a low power spin. This will prevent your sofa cover from being stretched out of shape during its rinse cycle.
As far as drying goes, you have the option of letting the covers air dry or using a low heat setting on your dryer. You will then be left with fresh, clean sofa covers that have not been shrunk in the process!
Wash the covers in cold water on a gentle cycle:
Also Read: How To Make A Sleeper Sofa More Comfortable?
If you want to keep your sofa covers as clean as possible, then here is what you do:
Every now and again, give those covers a gentle cycle wash in cold water with a tablespoon of washing soda (Sodium carbonate) for each small wash load. For normal or heavily soiled loads, use two-level tablespoons of washing soda for each small wash load (25 Liters).
The soda is alkaline and provides extra cleaning power even in cold water. The soda also helps make the fabric softer, fresher, and brighter. If you do this, then your sofa covers will be as good as new after every wash.
Hang them to dry, preferably outside in the sun:
Sun-drying is the oldest and most traditional way to dry herbs, and it’s also the healthiest. When herbs are sun-dried, they retain more of their flavor, color, and nutrients than when they’re dried in an oven or dehydrator.
Ideally, you’ll want to hang your herbs in a well-ventilated area where they will get plenty of direct sunlight. If you don’t have a sunny spot outdoors, you can dry them indoors near a sunny window. Just be sure to check on them often so they don’t over-dry.
When the leaves are brittle and crumbly, they’re ready for storage. Store them in an airtight container away from heat and light. They will keep their potency for about a year.
Dampening and Ironing:
If they shrink after being washed, you can stretch them back to their original size by dampening them and then ironing them on a low setting.
Dampen the cover and place it between two layers of cloth (twin size bed sheet is ideal), and iron with a hot press cloth (a thin cotton towel, cheesecloth, or muslin).
If you need to iron your sofa covers after they have been cleaned, then here is what you do:
Turn them inside out and iron them on a low heat setting (they should be damp). Use a press cloth (a thin cotton towel, cheesecloth, or muslin) to prevent scorching.
Things need to be considered:
When it comes to sofa covers, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. For starters, make sure that you select the right size cover for your sofa. Also, be sure to wash the cover before you put it on your sofa. And finally, make sure that you use the right detergent and water temperature when washing the cover.
Conclusion:
Sofa covers can be a great way to protect your furniture from dirt and stains, but it’s important to take care when washing them. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your sofa covers come out looking new again. Have you tried washing your sofa covers this way? What tips do you have for taking care of them? Share your comments or questions below.
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