Slipcovers are a crucial part for a furniture transformation. But to clean white slipcovers is a task to consider, it’s hard when they are a cloud color. Cleaning routine includes, washing the white slipcovers, drying, ironing and fluffing them for the next proper use. Most of the times it gets crucial because of colorfastness, shrinking and fabric damage issues.
To cover these issues while saving the fabric for good, we need to understand the fabric care labels for washing and drying. Also, some drying techniques to not to loose the fabric shine. White color is one of the crucial colors to clean. Once it looses it’s shine and whiteness, it ain’t never coming back. You will get a slight yellow color or a bit grey color if saved. Let’s dive into the guide and procedure details to clean slipcovers, cloud couch covers and more like these.
Cleaning Slipcovers
Cleaning your white slipcovers is as important as keeping your furniture clean and shiny. Maintenance of slipcovers require more attention as compared to other upholstery goods, because of their fabric synthesis and their quality to protect.
You can machine wash some of the slipcovers, as well as some slipcovers demands proper care and attention while cleaning them, So, hand wash is a better option to handle them. While white slipcovers need more care for you have to avoid washing them with any other coloured clothes. You need to take care of water temperature, detergent quality and stain removal solution.
Avoiding bleach is a better option, but to clean white slipcovers a yellow dirt shade or stain has to be removed properly, for that purpose you can use bleaching agent, borax as well as hydrogen per oxide according to the care instruction labels.
Always check the care instruction labels, provided by the brand or go check for fabric instructions in special cases. Care labels are different for different fabrics, styles. And water resistant protectors or shields need proper maintenance techniques to protect that shield from damage.
Clean White Slipcovers of Different Fabrics
Cotton and Linen: These are very light fabrics, mostly used in summer season and for the light transformation of room. It results in a classic look. To clean these fabric you can easily machine wash them on a special temperature given on the care label. You can use Bleach and stain removal solution on them. Make sure to use right temperature of water to avoid shrinking.
Silk: To clean slipcover, weather they are cloud slipcovers or white sofa covers, You should clean them according to their fabric synthesis and water resistant shield. Silk fabric is very delicate, provides an elegant look. But it is hard to clean and maintain. Spills can easily mark a stain, even water stains are visible. But you can machine wash it as well as hand washing.
Leather: White leather is a classic premium looking slipcover. They are often a wipe clean away, but whenever you need to wash them you have to hand wash them while pre treating the stains.
Polyester & Velvet: It is also a cotton and polyester mix fabric, it is very easy to clean and wash. You can easily machine wash them. White velvet is a premium and plush look on a sofa couch. You need to pay extra attention for stain removal process and washing it. Hand washing is a good option to maintain it’s shine and fur. But to machine wash use a very light detergent and gentle cycle.
Vacuum the Slipcovers
Before moving on to cleaning process with water, First you need to get rid of dirt, dust, smell and stains as much as possible. For this, Spread some baking soda on the slipcover, Leave it for 20-30 good minutes. And vacuum the slipcover. This will get rid of dirt, hidden dust, smell and pet hair very easily. Vacuuming the slipcover is necessary because pet hair, dry grime, dirt and dust can penetrate deeper if you wash them without getting rid of it first.
Like wise, if you ignore to pre- teat the stains and directly wash slipcovers, there are higher chances of spreading and color damaging of this stain on to the whole slipcover. When you are vacuuming, attach a hose or piper wit it to make sure to access every single part of sofa, inner gaps, backrest, seats in- between and armrest properly. Get rid of all the baking soda you spread on it.
Spread baking soda evenly on the couch or bed. Baking soda will help you to get rid of pet hair, funky smell, hidden dirt and dust as well as lint made on the fabric because of a long wear and tear.
Stain Removal
Any thing white specially attracts dirt, dust and stains more than other colours. But if they are from fabrics they can attract air dust more than any thing. Stains from spills, water, food and dirt can be visible from a distance and are very important to treat right away.
To remove stains from white slipcovers is very first step before starting to clean them. Stains from liquid spills like water, coffee ketchup and drinks need to be treated immediately. Stains from food items or pet hair need to be treated with right chemical solution while keeping in mind the care label instructions to avoid any fabric damage.
Hydrogen per Oxide solution, rubbing alcohol or vinegar and lemon solution need to be used according to fabric synthesis and stain condition. For Liquid spills and grime stains, use vinegar solution ( 1 part vinegar, 3 parts water and 20 drops of lemon juice) to remove them. Use rubbing alcohol on leather to remove stains from grime, dirt and spills.
Use a soft cloth, a new clean and soft sponge, a very mild liquid detergent or a dishwashing liquid to get rid if hard and old stains. Mix a cleaning solution with 2 parts water, 3-5 drops of dish wash soap and 1/2 part vinegar. Spray this solution on the stain and scrub it with sponge. Now wipe clean with soft cloth and here you go! Slipcover is ready for a proper wash.
Machine Wash to Clean White Slipcovers
To machine wash a slipcover First of all you need to confirm that fabric is machine wash able from care label instructions. Follow this procedure for a damage free wash; Prepare a warm water cycle with 30 degree temperature in a clean washing machine.
Use mild detergent, make sure it is free from harsh chemicals and extra bleaching properties. Pour the detergent in cycle. Start a gentle cycle with out any hard spins and strong wash. Avoid wringing the slipcover after washing to drain excess water.
Hand Wash
Prepare a spacious sink or tub and clean it. Add some cold water and mix detergent in it. Use a little of bleaching agent (if prescribed on care label) in it and give it a good mix. Soak the white slipcovers in tub and leave it for 30 minutes.
Make sure to mix and stir the slipcovers in between to get every part wet and clean. Avoid hard scrubbing, extra rubbing the fabric together, as it will damage the fabric. Avoid a lot of bleaching agent as it can cause discoloration. If white slipcovers are a bit yellow because of wear and tear you can use a little of vinegar in the detergent.
Drying Process to Clean White Slipcovers
To dry a slipcover it is best to practice sun and air dry. Avoid wringing the fabric too much, instead put the slipcover on a dry towel and press from both sides to get rid of excess water. Lay them on a flat surface to flatten out all the wrinkles and straightening all the creases.
Clip the slipcover from each side to avoid flying away or falling on the ground. Now air dry the slipcover until it is dry completely from inside out. If velvet covers are taking a lot of time to dry, try drying them in a soft sunlight. Avoid spinning in the dryer as it can cause shrinking and other fabric damages.
If there is a rainy season going on, try using a portable heater to dry excess water then turn on the room fan to let slipcovers dry completely. Drying process always takes time, avoid rushing it too much because a moist or humid slipcover can be a very good host to Mold, mildew or fungus.
Dry slipcovers in a clean and open place so their white color can not attract any more dirt, dust during the process. A moist or wet slipcover can attract more dust and grime because of color and fabric, avoid touching it with dirty hands, dry them far away from access of pets, naughty toddlers and a most audience attracted place.
Ironing Slipcovers
After slipcovers are dry, you need to collect them and place them back on the couch. Now the fabric style will decide to get it ironed or not. Always follow the care label instructions to iron any fabric specially slipcovers, bed sheets and curtains. As a simple small mistake can lead to shrinking of fabric.
Iron the slipcover on a required heat for fabric, For example, If you have cotton, linen, polyester mix fabric, it may get wrinkled very easily and you will feel a need to iron it. To iron white cotton slipcover, use the medium high heat and a wide table, So you can easily spread and iron it.
For Silk slipcover, it does not adopt wrinkles that easily, Also it’s shine does not fade away. Ironing a Silk slipcover is un necessary. Leather and velvet slipcovers also do not require any ironing. But Woven slipcovers does. To iron Woven slipcovers, use medium high heat according to care label instructions. Avoid high ironing heat and extra hot water to wash slipcovers, it can shrink the fabric or fade it’s shine.
Repair Wear and Tear
After completing this whole process, when slipcovers are dry completely, make sure to check for any wear and tear on the slipcover. If you find any small wear and tear repair it immediately, don’t leave it for later. As later can damage the fabric more and more. Before applying any cleaning solution on the fabric, test it on a small hidden area ( we recommend back bottom area).
If there are no damages on the fabric with in half an hour, you can use these solutions on the slipcover. Repairing the slipcover is necessary, You should check for wear and tear every now and then. Changing between 2- 3 covers is necessary every once in a while, as it will give you a new look. And will give an even wear between slipcovers.
Keep pets and food away from slipcovers, this will help long lasting the quality and lifespan of slipcover. Use waterproof slipcovers to avoid drink spills and their stains penetrating deeper into the sofa. Use Some decorative pillows, rugs and blankets to style with white slipcovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can clean white slipcovers using various methods, such as machine washing with a mild detergent, spot cleaning with a mixture of water and gentle soap, or professional dry cleaning, depending on the fabric care instructions.
For fresh stains, blot the area with a clean cloth to absorb excess liquid, then gently spot clean using a mild detergent or stain remover specifically designed for the fabric type. Always test in an inconspicuous area first.
Bleaching may damage certain fabrics or cause discoloration. Check the care label first and opt for non-chlorine bleach if recommended. Alternatively, consider using baking soda or oxygen-based cleaners for a safer approach to brightening white fabric.
Always refer to the care label on the slipcovers. In general, cold water is safer for delicate fabrics, while hot water can be used for sturdier materials. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent damage or shrinkage.
Again, it depends on the fabric care instructions. Some slipcovers may be machine dried on a low or delicate setting, while others might require air-drying to prevent shrinking or damage. Always check the labels for specific guidelines.
Regular cleaning helps maintain the appearance of white slipcovers. Consider spot cleaning for minor stains and washing them periodically, depending on usage. High-traffic areas may need more frequent cleaning.
Vacuum or brush off loose dirt and debris regularly. Rotate and flip cushions to ensure even wear. Avoid eating or drinking on the slipcovers to prevent spills and stains. Additionally, consider using slipcover protectors for added defence against spills and pet hair.
