Can I machine wash dry clean only sofa/chair covers?

ellas9602

My suite could really do with freshining up (dogs!). I have hired upholstery cleaners in the past but don't really want the hassle. it would be really nice (especially in this weather) to just stick the removable covers in the washing machine. The material is sort of a velour/cord mixture.

I'm sure the answer will be no (it was quite expensive bough about 12mths ago) but your expert views would be apreciated.

Thanks !

Mumstheword

A long time ago, I was in work and DH had no work on that day. He phoned me at work to tell me what a good cleaning day he was having....he'd even washed the removal covers from the sofa......

he'd done a good job, wanted them nice and clean....


90 degree wash....

and as a bonus, he'd put some of the clothes in too, including a dark green tshirt.


Perhaps best that I don't ask him for advice for you then!!

newleaf

Would it be a complete disaster if they were ruined? If the answer's yes, then don't do it.
If not, I'd do them on a very cool, gentle cycle with the minimum amount of a mild detergent, and reshape them whilst damp.

oramgepekoe

My friend did this once and the covers shrunk.

ellas9602

Thanks everyone, I don't think I'll risk it.......

I'll stick to hiring equipment (although it doesn't seem to clean deep down IYKWIM) and febreeze!

culpepper

How about having a machine washable cover made if it is a reoccuring problem? Or if thats too expensive you could buy a couple of throws.We have 2 big blankets on ours which can go in the machine.

housemouse100

I have an old second hand sofa and when I bought it the person in the shop said that they wash the covers on a very gentle setting and then put them back on the cushions damp to dry off. I have done this on a few occaisons and it's worked well. Mind you the sofa is second hand and it wouldnt be a disaster if it went wrong. I would suggest if in doubt dont do it.

vivaladiva

oramgepekoe wrote:

My friend did this once and the covers shrunk.

Even my washable cover shrunk a bit! :eek:

Do you have or could you get a cushion cover in the same fabric to try?

gooismeid

I used to work for a fabric merchants and I can tell you that (on clothes particularly) a dry-clean-only label usually means the manufacturer's been too stingy to pay for a full wash test! For cottons and cotton mixes, you can wash practically anything BUT you will get shrinkage, which doesn't happen when you dry clean.

If you can sacrifice one cushion cover, try washing that as other posters have said (i.e. cool wash, gentle cycle) and try re-shaping it onto the cushion while it's still damp. If you can live with the shrinkage, go for it on the whole suite. Otherwise, maybe think about getting an extra set of loose covers made in a definitely washable fabric? Pretty expensive but probably not as dear as a new suite...

The other alternative is to try those dry-clean sheets that you use in the tumble dryer. Think they're called Dryel. Not sure how they work but my MIL thinks they are good. But she's only tried them on clothes, not on soft furnishings...