How To Wash Sofabed Cushion Covers?
TABLE OF CONTENT
- Methods Of Cleaning Your Sofa Bed Cushion Cover
- Step 1: Remove All The Sofa Bed’s Covers From The Cushion
- Step 2: Check The Label On The Cushion For Washing Instructions
- Step 3: Spot Cleaning Of Stains
- Step 4: Choose The Cleaning Method
- Step 5: Dry Your Cover Correctly
- Step 6: Reassemble All The Covers
- Conclusion
We often don’t give enough credit to the sofabed’s cushion covers. We even make an effort to maintain the sofabed cushion but not the covers. Remember that maintaining the sofa bed with all those cushions is a crucial job because the cushion cover is the superhero that bears all the dust, spills, and strains. Because for the most part, the “bed” in the sleeper sofa or sofa bed is used only at night. So, the sofa is frequently used and it’s not a surprise that its dirty.
So, if you want your furniture to look fresh and comfortable, it’s a must to wash the cushion covers on a regular basis. However, there’s a demerit here. Continuously washing the cushion cover might spoil the cover’s color and texture. This is why you must avoid throwing the cushion covers in the washing machine.
Keep reading this article to learn about cushion covers and keeping your family healthy by keeping your sofa bed clean and tidy.
Methods Of Cleaning Your Sofa Bed Cushion Cover
These are some steps and tips to help you choose the perfect and suitable method for cleaning your sleeper sofa cushion covers.
Step 1: Remove All The Sofa Bed’s Covers From The Cushion
Before removing the covers of the cushions:
- Check whether you have removed all the decorative items from your sofa bed, such as pillows, toys, etc.
- Carefully remove all the cushion covers from the cushions. Removing it with care is crucial because it can damage the fabric’s texture as well as the zipper or button present in the cushion covers.
- Unzip or unbutton slowly to avoid fabric being struck into it.
Step 2: Check The Label On The Cushion For Washing Instructions
Before you get started with the cleaning process, always check the care label to see if it has information about the method of cleaning. The care label has proper information about the cover washing procedure, such as whether it is machine washable, hand washable, or requires only professional dry cleaning techniques.
If the care label containing the covers is machine washable, it means that it can be cleaned in the machine. Otherwise, the label comprises only hand-washable, safe hand-washing fabric.
The high-end or special fabrics only need to be dry cleaned to preserve their texture and color and avoid damage to their appearance.
Check The Cleaning Code:
- W - This indicates that you must only use a water-based solution to clean the covers, such as dish liquid, soap, or any type of water-based upholstery cleaner that goes light on the material.
- S - You should only use water-free solvents to clean the covers. For example, using alcohol or dry-cleaning solvents is recommended for cleaning certain fabrics. However, if the sofa covers are leather, use baby wipes to clean them.
- S-W - This points out that you can use solvent and water to clean the fabric. Any wet and dry option can be used for cushion covers with W and S labels.
- X- This indicates that the fabric is eligible only by vacuum or a brush.
So, if you spill anything or it's already dirty due to regular use, get it cleaned by professionals.
Step 3: Spot Cleaning Of Stains
Spills happen. So, this step is crucial to follow if you find any cushion cover stains. And again, this step is essential while you follow a routine. Whenever you spot a stain on the sofa covers, first clean it before throwing them into the washing machine.
If your cushion cover has specific stains, spot-clean a specific area of the fabric. Before the process, take a clean white cloth to blot the stains, i.e., give gentle pressure to clean the strain with the cloth without spreading the strain to other areas or pushing it deeper into the fabrics.
Also, you can apply stain removers suitable for the type of fabric. You can add detergent to the water for natural stains such as coffee or wine; it can be more effective for spot cleaning.
Before applying any sort of stain remover, you have to test the color fastener by applying the removers in a small area and checking for color fade or damage.
Step 4: Choose The Cleaning Method
Use a hair removal tool to get rid of pet hair. If your paw-friends use your sofa bed regularly, there is a high chance their hairs get stuck. So, clean it before you put the covers in the washing machine or wash it by hand.
- Machine Washable
If the label says machine wash, putting your covers in the washing machine for cleaning is appropriate. Before you put it in the washing machine, check whether the stains are pretreated as per the instructions. Also, check if the detergent is suitable for the fabrics of your covers.
Choose the gentle wash cycle on your washing machine to minimize the risk of fabric damage. Always use cold water to prevent shrinkage and color fading. Hot water can sometimes set the strains and potentially damage the fabrics. Also, use very light detergent and fabric softener.
- Hand Wash
Suppose your cushion cover care label recommends hand washing. In that case, you have to follow specific rules, like soaking the covers with a small amount of mild washing detergent for about 15 minutes, rinsing thoroughly, and avoiding scrubbing or twisting the covers, which can cause damage to the fabrics. Again, rinse continuously until the soap residues are gone.
- Seek Professional Help
If the label says that the cushion covers must be washed professionally, go ahead and follow it.
Step 5: Dry Your Cover Correctly
Drying is the most essential part of maintaining the shape and texture of your cushion. You can dry through the air by laying the cover flat on the white, clean, dry towel to air dry properly and avoid wrinkles in the covers.
Also, you can avoid direct sunlight drying, which can cause fading and texture damage to the fabrics. Dry in a shaded area with good airflow and prevent heat drying the fabrics; it can cause shrinkage of the fabrics of cushions and covers.
Step 6: Reassemble All The Covers
After washing and drying properly, check for wrinkles. If it has, use a low-heat iron to smooth it out, put the cushion covers on the cushions, and check for fit and alignment properly.
Some extra tips for keeping your sofa bed cushion covers in good shape
- Regularly vacuum your cushion covers to prevent dust accumulation, so clean them regularly.
- Use fabric fresheners or sprays suitable for your fabrics to maintain a pleasant smell.
- Immediately clean your fabrics and upholstery to avoid damage or strain.
Conclusion
Whether your sofa bed's cover is dealing with spills or just the general wear and tear of everyday lounging, these covers can get messy. But don't worry. Washing them is easier than you think, and you supposedly know that after reading this article. Following all these rules and tips can help keep your sofa bed cushion cover clean and tidy. Regular and careful cleaning will help preserve their looks and extend their lifespan. Happy cleaning!
