Let's face it: we all love IKEA furniture for its modern style, practicality, and budget-friendly prices. If you have fallen for their comfy couches with removable covers (like the popular Ektorp or Söderhamn), you know what a game-changer these accessories can be. They're perfect for refreshing your living space and protecting your investment, especially when you've got little ones or furry friends running around.
But here's the thing—no matter how careful we are, life happens. Those juice spills, muddy paw prints, and everyday wear start showing up on our beloved sofas.
If you've been wondering how to get rid of an old couch, think about giving it a new lease on life. Did you know that washing removable slipcovers might be just what you need? Getting the hang of keeping these accessories in good shape can make them look like new for a long time.
In this friendly guide, we'll share all tried-and-true hacks for keeping your couch covers spotless—from getting rid of those pesky stains to the best drying methods and non-obvious maintenance advice. Plus, we'll throw in some expert IKEA furniture care tips to help you keep your stuff in its best condition with minimal fuss.
Let's Wash IKEA Couch Covers: Why It's Important
Think of your slipcovers as your sofa's protective shield. They're not just about making your lounge zone look pretty—they're your primary protection against everyday damage and wear.
While such couch covers are also great for switching up your decor without breaking the bank, they do need some TLC to stay fresh and functional. Here's why regular cleaning should be on your home maintenance checklist:
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Maintaining freshness: Just like your lovely jumper, sofa covers collect all sorts of everyday debris—from cookie crumbs to pet fur. Regular washing helps your living area smell clean and feel welcoming.
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Getting rid of blemishes: We've all been there—that red wine spill or juice splash. The faster you deal with these stains, the better your stuff is going to look.
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Staying on top of fabric quality: Regular cleaning is not only about appearances—it truly contributes to maintaining the fabric's integrity and keeping its colors vibrant for a longer period.
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Cutting down on allergens: If you've got allergy sufferers at home, tidy couch covers make a big impact on your health, minimizing dust, pet dander, and other sneeze-triggering particles.
Now that you understand why keeping those covers clean is so important, let's get into the details of how to do it right.
How to Prepare for the Wash
Before jumping into the laundry process, let's talk about prep work. You'll be amazed at how much a bit of planning can improve your results.
1. Read the Care Instructions on a Label
Don't forget to peek at the care label before giving your covers a wash—think of it as your trusty little instruction manual. Each sofa model has its own set of couch cover washing instructions, and sticking to these will keep these accessories looking fabulous for ages. The label has all the details you need: the ideal washing temperature, whether to steer clear of bleach, and the best way to dry your covers post-wash.
Every fabric type needs specific kinds of care—each has its preferences when it comes to washing. If you've got delicate materials, you might need to be extra gentle with those items by using a softer wash cycle or allowing them to air dry naturally instead of tossing them in the dryer.
2. Be Careful When Removing Your Couch Covers
While IKEA makes it pretty easy to take off their furniture covers, you'll want to handle them with care. Start by gently removing items from the cushions and frame. If your couch has multiple pieces—like separate couch covers for the seat and backrest—take your time and remove them one at a time.
Watch out for any pulling or stretching as you remove them. If they're a snug fit (and some can be pretty tight!), don't be shy about asking someone to help you—it's better than accidentally damaging your covers while wrestling with them solo.
3. Remove Any Marks Before You Start Washing
Caring for white slipcovers can be not so toughie, if you do it right. Do you have some visible spots on your items? Deal with them before they end up in the washer.
The golden rule with stains is: if you want to have clean IKEA couch covers that stay looking fresh, you've got to tackle them as soon as you can.
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For food marks: Grab a stain remover or mix up some mild soapy water. Dab the spot gently—no rough scrubbing that could damage the material.
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For pet accidents: Act quickly! First, blot up spills with a dry, clean cloth. For stubborn spots, try a 50/50 water and white vinegar blend. Spray it on, let it sit briefly, and then blot it.
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For everyday dirt: A soft-bristled brush or the vac's upholstery tool works great for removing surface dust and dirt.
4. Separate by Different Colors
Just like with regular laundry, maintaining slipcover color is super important. Keep those light-colored pieces with other light items so as not to let the colors bleed. Dark covers should stick with similar dark shades. If you've got both light and dark ones, it's worth washing them separately to keep each looking bright
An Easy Way to Wash IKEA Sofa Covers
Now that you're all prepped, let's get to the actual washing part. Don't worry—washing IKEA couch covers isn't complicated, but you should keep in mind a few helpful tips.
1. Applying the Most Suitable Detergent
When you need to wash white couch covers, using gentle detergents is right for the job. Skip those harsh bleach-containing products—they may appear to be a good choice, but they can actually harm your fabric and cause discoloration. Instead, pick a mild detergent made for soft materials.
For those beautiful white fabrics, look for a solution that's made to keep whites bright and prevent that dreaded yellowing effect.
2. Choosing the Right Temperature
Getting the water temperature right is crucial for preventing fabric shrinkage or damage! Most of them do best with chilling or lukewarm water. Hot water is usually a no-go, especially for cotton ones, since it can make them shrink up on you.
Look at the care label to find the recommended washing temperature. If the label is missing or illegible, use cold or room temperature water.
3. Using the Gentle Cycle
Even though Mamma Mia Covers’ fabrics are wear-resistant, they still need some TLC in the wash. Always use that gentle cycle on your washer. This prevents clothes from becoming worn out while still getting all the dirt out without damaging those precious fibers.
4. Optimal Washing Machine Loading
Don't try to stuff all items in at once—we know it's tempting! Overloading your washer might not be cleaning your clothes evenly. To get the most out of your machine, wash IKEA couch covers in smaller batches, especially those bigger pieces. This way, the detergent can circulate properly, and you won't end up with any clumped-up areas.
The good news is that Mamma Mia Covers’ fabrics keep their color and shape even after being washed many times. They look as good as new through the years with the right wash and care routine.
Let’s Dry Your Slipcovers Properly
The proper cleaning of your sofa covers is just the start. Keeping them completely dry is just as crucial to avoid shrinking, fading, or any other damage.
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Natural drying is the best option.
For drying slipcovers after washing, the easiest and gentle thing is just to lay them flat somewhere. A drying rack or even a towel on the floor is perfect. Let them air dry, it's the nicest way to treat the fabric. Especially with clean IKEA couch covers, just make sure they're not bunched up so they dry evenly, and you don't end up with weird wrinkles. -
Be careful with a tumble dryer.
If you're going to use the dryer, please stick to low heat or the air-dry setting. High heat is a recipe for disaster—it'll shrink your fabric right up. To help with static and keep things feeling soft, toss in some dryer balls or sheets. But seriously, the most important thing is to check that care label. You need to be sure your specific couch covers are dryer-safe. -
Do not overdry.
You've got to keep an eye on your items when they're in the dryer. If you leave them in too long, they'll get stiff, and you risk shrinking them. The trick is to pull clothes out when they're still just slightly damp and let them finish drying on their own.
Luckily, Mamma Mia Covers’ slipcovers retain their shape and fits perfectly on furniture even after multiple washes when dried properly.
Make Your IKEA Couch Covers Look Fabulous Again
Great job getting the washing and drying sorted! Now, to keep your couch covers looking their best long-term, here's what you need to know. Just do a few easy things, and your items will stay looking tidy and new as the day you brought them home.
Regular Love and Care
Give your couch covers a quick vacuum at least every weekend. We suggest using the upholstery brush on your vacuum—it's perfect for gently removing all those pesky crumbs, dust bunnies, and pet hair that love to settle into the fabric.
Dealing with Spills and Stains
We all know how it can be—juice spills, coffee drips, or those mysterious marks that appear out of nowhere! Important to act fast. Spilled something? No worries! Just grab a clean, white cloth and gently blot it up—remember, no rubbing! If it's a real toughie, mix a little bit of mild soap with water and dab it on before you toss it in the wash.
Switch Things Up
Just like rotating your mattress, your couch covers need some movement, too! Flip those cushions and give them a good fluff regularly. If you have separate pieces for seats and backs, swap them around now and then. This helps everything wear evenly and keeps your sofa looking perfectly put-together.
Your Secret to a Beautiful Home
Whatever you're dealing with, do these simple things, and you'll be amazed at how showroom-fresh your sofa looks, even years down the line.
Think of your IKEA couch covers as your home's favorite outfit. With the right care, they'll keep looking fantastic season after season. These easy IKEA furniture care tips are your magic wand for maintaining that fresh, clean look we all love.
