How to Wash Sofa Covers Without Shrinking: The Ultimate Guide

Your sofa is the most valuable piece of furniture within your home, and its cover is its outward covering of shield. Sofa covers tend to stain, develop spots, and smell unpleasant after some time, making it essential to clean them regularly. What everyone dreads doing most when washing their couch covers is that they will shrink. If you ever fall victim to being left with a shrunken sofa cover from washing, then you know what I’m speaking of. Panic not! It is simple to find out how to wash sofa covers without shrinking them and without destroying the integrity of your furniture after you learn the proper techniques.

We, Dubai Sofa Upholstery, possess the expertise to offer sofa care services such as sofa cleaning and sofa cover maintenance for any type of material. Here, in this blog, we will take you through the do’s and don’ts of washing sofa covers without shrinking, according to the experience and know-how we have gained working in the upholstery business.

The Importance of Washing Sofa Covers Without Shrinking

Sofa covers protect your sofa from dust, dirt, and spills but are also likely to become dirty. They must be washed in order to remain clean, extend the life of your sofa, and keep it appearing like new. Improper washing may lead to permanent damage such as shrinkage, discoloration, or fabric weakening.

If you wash sofa covers, you want them not just to become clean but also to preserve their size, shape, and color. How to Wash Sofa Covers Without Shrinking is more a matter of getting things right that apply to the material as well as the instructions on the label. Shrinkage is because fibers in the material have already been shrunk due to heat, agitation, or the wrong type of washing process.

You have to be cautious with the type of sofa covers and how to maintain them for the sofa to be in pristine condition.

Types of Sofa Covers and Care

Before we proceed to the procedures on how to wash sofa covers without shrinking them, you have to know what material your sofa cover is made of. They are treated differently, and you should know them so that you will not be making errors that will cause them to shrink.

Cotton Sofa Covers

Cotton sofa cover material is also widely sought after due to its softness and comfort. Cotton does, however, shrink when washed or dried using hot water and high heat. Avoid shrinking by washing your cotton sofa covers in cold water and allowing them to dry naturally. In case your cotton sofa cover already shrunk, Dubai Sofa Upholstery can re-dress it back to its original state using expert re-upholstery services.

Linen Sofa Covers

Linen feels silky and technological in feel but contracts upon being heated. Like cotton, linen may be air-dried by the sun and cold-washed in order not to contract. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions, and when unsure, procure the professional service of an upholsterer like Dubai Sofa Upholstery.

Synthetic Sofa Covers

Synthetic fabrics such as polyester do not shrink as much as natural fabrics. They are, however, ruined by harsh wash conditions anyway. Synthetic covers should be washed in cold water on a low setting. Low-heat tumble drying is also generally fine but is always best air-dried anyway.

Leather Sofa Covers

Leather should be washed separately since it cannot be machine-washed like cloth covers. Leather sofa covers should be spot-cleaned using a mild soap so that they do not shrink. If you wish to have your leather sofa cover repaired or cleaned, Dubai Sofa Upholstery provides professional leather furniture cleaning.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Wash Sofa Covers Without Shrinking

With this mentioned in terms of sofa cover types, let us proceed to a step-by-step guide explanation on how to wash sofa covers without shrinking.

Read the Care Label First
One should, for starters, examine the care label on the sofa cover prior to washing the sofa cover. The label has crucial details regarding the kind of material, such as how one is supposed to wash the desired, water temperature, and drying. Disregarding the label leads to mistakes which lead to shrinkage.
Wash in Cold Water
Washing sofa covers in cold water is one of the simple tips on how to wash sofa covers without shrinking them. This is because hot water makes the fibers of the fabric curl and shrink. Cold water maintains the size of the fabric as it is and does not lead to color change. Sofa covers must be washed in cold water irrespective of the material used.
Delicate Cycle
Wash the washing machine on gentle or delicate wash to minimize the friction between the items within the wash and the fabric. This is a deterrent to the risk of shrinking, stretching, or ruining your sofa covers. Dubai Sofa Upholstery always advises doing a delicate wash when cleaning sofa cover materials so that no alteration to their nature is made in any form.
Mild Detergent
Avoid subjecting clothes to harsh detergents, bleach, and fabric softeners since they loosen the garment material, cause it to fade, and induce shrinking. Use a gentle, soft detergent that is specifically formulated to wash delicates. Always make sure that the detergent is formulated for the garment you are washing.
Don’t Overload the Washing Machine
While washing sofa covers, never load the washing machine to its maximum capacity. To capacity load, the sofa covers will not get to move about and this could lead to non-uniform washing and excessive friction. This can cause shrinking or ripping of the cover. Leave some space for rotation of the covers and enjoy a good wash.
Do not dry on High Heat
Drying is as important as washing in determining how to wash sofa covers so that they will not shrink. Excessive heat from the dryer will cause the fibers of the fabric to shrink, thus causing shrinkage. The best way of drying your sofa covers is air drying. Lay out the covers or put them on the clothesline and air dry.
If you don’t have a dryer, dry on the lowest heat you can and remove the covers when still damp. That is low heat, and you can completely dry them using flat or hanging drying.
Iron or Steam the Covers if Needed
If your sofa covers wrinkle as they dry up, you may iron them gently at low temperature or else steam out the creases. Never overheat since it breaks down the material and shrinks it. Always be guided by the instructions found on the label when steaming or pressing your covers.
Professional Upholstery Services by Dubai Sofa Upholstery

Even though it is great to be able to clean your sofa covers periodically, sometimes you simply want a professional. Dubai Sofa Upholstery provides professional cleaning and re-upholstery of any sofa cover. We are fabric and leather upholsterers and make your sofa covers shine their brightest and cleanest possible.

If you’re unsure about washing your sofa covers or need assistance with any other upholstery-related services, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our team of professionals has years of experience and knows exactly how to handle delicate fabrics without causing shrinkage or other damage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Washing Sofa Covers

When washing sofa covers, certain mistakes are made that cause shrinkage or damage to the fabric. The following are mistakes to be avoided:

Hot Water Washing
Hot water washing of your sofa covers is one of the most common causes of shrinkage. Never wash with hot or warm water when washing in a bid to maintain the originality of the fabric.
Harsh Detergents
Harsh cleansers or bleach will degrade the fibers of your upholstery, destroying, weakening, and shrinking it. Clean only with mild, cloth-friendly cleansers at all times.
Not Reading the Care Label
The care label is full of good information on how to treat your sofa cover. Ignoring it can result in irreversible damage and shrinkage.
High-Heat Drying
Hot heat shrinks sofa covers. Air dry or low heat is preferable. Never sun-dry to prevent fading and heat damage.

Conclusion

How to Wash Sofa Covers Without Shrinking in an attempt to extend the life and appearance of your sofa. Through proper washing and drying methods, your sofa covers will be strong for many years without any problem of shrinkage. Be guided by the instructions on the labels, wash in cold water levels, and dry in air without ripping them.

Because when you need professional service, Dubai Sofa Upholstery is ready to offer professional re-upholstering and cleaning. To perform a deep clean or a complete reupholster, our experts can get all of your upholstery completed. Call now for fast and reliable sofa care services.

By using the right methods and seeking the advice of professionals where needed, you can extend the life of your sofa covers and get your furniture professionally upholstered.