How to Wash Microfiber Couch Covers in 2 Effective Ways
Contents
- 1 Can You Wash Microfiber Couch Covers?
- 2 What Are The Measures/Steps to Follow When Cleaning Microfiber Couch Covers?
- 3 Frequently Asked Questions
- 3.1 Can You Wash Microfiber Couch Cushion Covers In the Washing Machine?
- 3.2 Can Microfiber Be Washed In the Washing Machine?
- 3.3 Can You Wash Microfiber with Vinegar?
- 3.4 Can I Strip Microfiber Couch Covers?
- 3.5 How Do You Clean Microsuede Couch Covers?
- 3.6 Can You Put Microfiber Covers In the Dryer?
- 3.7 How should I dry my Microfiber Couch Covers?
- 4 Conclusion
Can You Wash Microfiber Couch Covers?
As a mother of two toddlers, I take major precautions by ensuring my couches are covered in microfiber, if not they will be damaged from all forms of dirt in a minute.
Microfiber couch covers are durable, have high resistance levels to stains, and are very easy to clean away when they happen. However, having kids requires you to regularly have a cleaner in hand to help minimize stains immediately they happen, lest you suffer tough and hard-to-clean stains.
You can use resolve cleaner to wash your microfiber couch cover if it has “W” and “S” labels on it. Do this by spraying generous amounts of resolve cleaner on the stained area and giving it about 5 minutes to work on the stain then rub off the cleaner with a colorless sponge. Make sure you give it time to completely dry.
Ideally, you can wash your microfiber couch cover on a gentle cycle in a washer with a mild detergent or without any detergent at all, then transfer it outside to dry. Although you have the option to dry it in the dryer, it is not the safest method.
Washing your microfiber couch covers in a washing machine is, however, possible only if your couch has removable cushions and covers unless you want to wash your couch cushions too. You just have to unzip your cushion, remove the cushion covers, turn them inside out (to prevent the cushions from shrinking), and then toss it into the washer.
If your couch cushion covers are not removable, you can also easily clean them by spot cleaning, which is almost the safest method of cleaning couch cushions.
How to Wash Microfiber Couch Covers In 2 Ways
The best way to keep your microfiber couch looking clean and fresh every passing day is by cleaning it regularly. Microfiber couches tend to attract dust whether they have been used or not. Plus, regular cleaning is one of the best ways to increase the lifespan of your couch. Here are the 3easy steps to follow when washing your microfiber couch cover:
Spot Cleaning
Spot cleaning your couch covers would work effectively if the stain is fresh. Taking care of fresh stains immediately would save you from excess work as tuff stains can be very difficult to deal with.
What you will need:
- Resolve cleaner
- Bissell brush
- Colorless sponge
- Microfiber cloth
Instructions
- Spray a generous amount of resolve cleaner on the stained area of your microfiber couch cover. Let it sit for about 5 minutes (the longer you let it stay the easier it will be to get rid of the soil or stain)
- Using your Bissell brush, rub the stain out gently and carefully (careful not to spread the stains on other parts of the cushion cover that do not require cleaning).
- Dampen your colorless sponge (avoid using a colored sponge as the color may rub off) with water then massage the area gently and slowly to extract the resolve cleaner.
- Using a microfiber cloth, rub the area gently to remove the excess water, then give your couch cover time to completely dry before using it.
Machine Washing
Although machine washing upholstery sounds like the best option for homeowners especially if the weather is cold, it is not the best idea for all upholstery. However, if your microfiber couch cover has a “W” label, then it is safe to be tossed in the washer. It is even better if your couch cover is removable.
Instructions
- Unzip your couch cushion then remove the covers from the cushion.
- Turn the covers inside out before tossing them into the washer to prevent them from shrinking.
- Check your settings. Make sure you wash them on a gentle cycle in cold water (This would also prevent your cushion covers from shrinking)
- You can choose to add a mild detergent or no detergent at all, both options are absolutely ok.
- After washing, you can choose to transfer them to the dryer or dry them outside if it is sunny (this might take about 3 hours). I personally prefer to dry them outside in the open as the dryer may subject them to shrinking hence ruining them (although not all upholstery is dryer-friendly)
- Make sure your covers have completely dried before returning your cushions in. this will prevent them from molds and bad odor.
Generally, this method works great, however, if the stain is still on your couch, you might need to repeat this process for the second time. Personally, I wash my couch covers in the washer and the results have always been great. I hope this works on your side as well.
What Are The Measures/Steps to Follow When Cleaning Microfiber Couch Covers?
In many homes, you are likely to find couches covered in microfiber as they tend to be durable and very easy to clean. Here are some steps you can follow when cleaning your microfiber couch.
- Check the care label: Before you start cleaning your microfiber couch covers, check the care labels to see if there are any instructions you need to follow. This will enable you to understand if the covers can be machine washed, dry cleaned, or spot cleaned.
- Vacuum the couch: Removing loose dirt, debris, and dust first will make cleaning the stains and spots on the couch covers easier. make sure you use a vacuum cleaner with a hand attachment.
- Spot clean the stains: If the couch covers have any stains on them, use a clean damp cloth to blot the area. Do it gently and carefully so you don’t transfer the dirt to other areas. If the stain is tough, you can add a suitable cleaning detergent to ease the dirt.
- Wash the covers: If the care label allows for machine washing, wash the covers in cold water on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Use of bleach and fabric softeners is not recommended on microfiber as it may cause discoloration thus ruining the aesthetic of the microfiber. However, you can add a generous amount of vinegar to the rinse cycle to help remove any odors.
- Air dry the Covers: After washing, hang the covers to air dry or lay them flat on a clean surface. It is not recommended to put them in the dryer or in direct sunlight as this can damage the microfiber.
Following these steps will help keep your microfiber couch covers clean and in good condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Wash Microfiber Couch Cushion Covers In the Washing Machine?
In general, microfiber couch covers can be washed in a washing machine, but you should always check the care label on your specific couch cover for any manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations.
Here are some general guidelines to follow when washing microfiber couch covers:
- Remove any loose dirt or debris from the cover using a soft brush or vacuum cleaner.
- Pre-treat any stains on the cover with a stain remover or a mixture of mild detergent and warm water.
- Check the care label for specific washing instructions. Microfiber couch covers may require cold water or gentle cycle washing.
- Use a mild detergent and avoid using bleach or fabric softeners, as these can damage the fibers.
- Wash the cover on its own or with similar colors to avoid any color bleeding or transfer.
- Dry the cover on a low heat or air-dry, avoiding high heat as it can damage the fibers.
It’s always best to follow the care instructions on the label to ensure that you don’t damage the fabric or cause shrinkage or color fading. If you’re unsure about washing the cover yourself, it’s always best to consult a professional upholstery cleaner.
Can Microfiber Be Washed In the Washing Machine?
You can easily wash your heavily soiled microfiber upholstery in the washing machine to make them look clean as new without ruining them. Wash them in a gentle cycle in cold water or warm water, avoid using hot water to prevent wrinkling) with mild (Choose a gentle detergent) or no detergent at all. However, you will need to avoid washing microfiber upholstery with other types of fabric (especially cotton) as the microfiber may grab onto the lint.
If you want your microfiber upholstery to stand up to wear and tear, you would need to avoid using the dryer (microfiber upholstery is heat-sensitive) and fabric softeners (fabric softeners clog open spaces in microfiber thus ruining them)
Microfiber upholstery is literally the easiest to deal with. From being easy to maintain, and clean, to literally standing up to wear and tear since they don’t shrink or wrinkle.
Can You Wash Microfiber with Vinegar?
Yes, you can wash microfiber with vinegar. In fact, using vinegar as a cleaning agent for microfiber is a popular and effective method. Vinegar can help remove dirt and stains from microfiber fabric without damaging it.
To wash microfiber with vinegar, you can follow these steps:
- Fill a washing machine with warm water.
- Add a cup of white vinegar to the water.
- Place the microfiber items in the washing machine.
- Wash the microfiber items on a gentle cycle.
- Once the cycle is complete, remove the microfiber items and hang them to dry.
Note that it’s best to avoid using fabric softeners or dryer sheets when washing microfiber, as they can leave a residue that can affect the fabric’s absorbency.
Can I Strip Microfiber Couch Covers?
It depends on the specific microfiber couch covers you have. Some microfiber fabrics are designed to be machine washable and can be removed from the couch and stripped for washing. However, other microfiber fabrics may not be machine washable, and attempting to strip them could damage the fabric or cause it to lose its shape.
If you are unsure whether your microfiber couch covers are machine washable, it’s best to check the care label or contact the manufacturer for specific instructions. In general, it’s recommended to spot clean any stains or spills on the covers with a mild detergent and water solution before attempting to remove them for washing.
If you do decide to strip the covers, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, use a gentle detergent, and avoid using any fabric softeners or bleach. It’s also important to avoid using high heat when drying the covers, as this can damage the fabric or cause it to shrink.
How Do You Clean Microsuede Couch Covers?
Microsuede couch covers can be a little tricky to clean, but here are some general steps to follow:
- Check the care label: Before starting to clean, check the care label on the couch cover to make sure it is safe to clean it with water or any cleaning solutions. If the label says “dry clean only,” then take it to a professional cleaner.
- Vacuum: Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft-bristled attachment to remove any loose dirt and dust from the surface of the cover.
- Spot cleaning: If there are any stains on the cover, try to remove them with a clean cloth and a mixture of mild detergent and water. Dampen the cloth with the solution and gently rub the stain in a circular motion. Be careful not to saturate the fabric as this can cause water marks or damage the microsuede.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse the area you’ve spot cleaned with a damp cloth and allow the cover to air dry completely. Avoid using a hairdryer or any other heat source to dry the cover as this can damage the fabric.
- Fluffing: Once the cover is dry, fluff the fabric with a soft-bristled brush to restore its soft texture.
- Routine Maintenance: To prevent future stains, spills, and grime build-up, regularly brush off and vacuum the microsuede cover to keep it looking its best.
Note: If you are unsure about the best way to clean your microsuede couch cover or if you are dealing with a difficult stain, it is always best to seek professional cleaning services.
Can You Put Microfiber Covers In the Dryer?
Microfiber covers can be machine washed but should not be dried in the dryer. This is because microfiber has low resistance to heat and doing so may cause wrinkling hence ruining its aesthetic.
How should I dry my Microfiber Couch Covers?
Microfiber couch covers can be best dried out in the sun. They should take about 5 hours to dry completely if the weather is sunny.
When it comes to drying microfiber couch covers, it’s important to follow the care instructions that came with your couch, as different microfiber blends may have different requirements. In general, however, here are some tips on how to dry microfiber couch covers:
- Read the care label: Check the care label on the microfiber couch covers to ensure that they are safe to be machine-dried, as some microfiber blends may require air-drying instead.
- Use low heat: If your microfiber couch covers are safe to machine-dry, set your dryer to the lowest heat setting to prevent shrinking or damage. High heat can melt or damage the fibers, which can ruin the texture and appearance of your couch covers.
- Use dryer balls or clean tennis balls: Adding a few dryer balls or clean tennis balls to the dryer can help fluff up the microfiber and prevent it from matting or clumping together. This can also help to reduce drying time.
- Remove from dryer promptly: Remove the microfiber couch covers from the dryer promptly once they are dry to prevent wrinkling. Avoid leaving them in the dryer for an extended period of time, as this can cause the fibers to become stiff and uncomfortable.
- Air-dry, if needed: If the care label recommends air-drying, you can hang the microfiber couch covers on a clothesline or lay them flat to dry. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause the color of the fabric to fade.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your microfiber couch covers dry properly without causing any damage or shrinkage.
Conclusion
Microfiber is the best option for furniture upholstery for most homeowners as it is literally easier to deal with. They hardly shrink or wrinkle and they are the best when it comes to withstanding wear and tear.