Washing Slipcovers for Sofas and Chairs

Your couches are expensive and so you want to make sure you give them the best treatment possible. First you start off by actually buying slipcovers so you can better preserve the couch or chair itself. However, slipcovers become dirty just like regular chairs and sofas, so then you have to go about the task of cleaning the slipcover. How do you do it? What do you need to take into account? Is there a safe way to do it? Luckily there are easy and safe ways to go about cleaning your slipcovers so your couches stay as nice as possible!

You can always wash the slipcover yourself. This is a more risky move however because usually the fabrics are more delicate or more heavy and often your regular washing machine isn't equipped to handle intense loads of slipcover laundry. However if you're bent on washing your slipcovers yourself, do keep a few things in mind. Do some homework on the fabric and make sure you actually know how to wash it. You should wash it in cold and depending on what fabric you have for your slipcovers, strictly adhere to the rules for washing the fabric (for example, washing it in a heavy or delicate mode). You don't want to leave any leaf unturned when it comes to figuring out how to wash your slipcovers yourself.

The other option that is a bit safer than the former is to simply have your slipcovers dry-cleaned. Yes, it costs money and for a quality, large slipcover may cost a bit, but I think it would be worth it. The dry cleaners become liable for your items and so if they affect the fabric at all, it's not your fault and you'll get a new one! With dry cleaning they know the methods to use with the various fabrics and they know how best to launder items like your slipcovers. This is by far the safest way and the one that is most reliable when it comes to your slipcovers. Their equipment is set up to handle large washings like a slipcover and chances are you won't be disappointed if you go to a dry cleaner. Dry cleaning can be a bit expensive, but how often do you really wash your slipcovers? My guess is that it's infrequent enough to merit a dry cleaning splurge here and there.

Washing your slipcovers for couches or chairs doesn't have to be a daunting task, regardless of whether you do it yourself or go somewhere else. I'd recommend going to the dry cleaners, but it's also not necessary. You can easily keep your chairs and couches looking good as new and you'll be set to go!