Slipcovers are an excellent way to breathe new life into your furniture, yet they can be challenging to clean. To facilitate this process and make it more manageable, we have compiled a guide for washing Pottery Barn slipcovers in a washing machine.

Washing slipcovers is an easy process, and it will keep your furniture looking great.

• After vacuuming, place the slipcover on a clean flat surface.
• You can use warm water and a little detergent or stain remover for either hand or machine washing.
• If necessary, you can remove stains by using chlorine bleach; however, you should be careful not to rub too vigorously since this could cause the cloth to become damaged.
• If you use chlorine bleach, rinse thoroughly with clear water afterward, so there’s no residual smell left behind. 
• Before rewashing the cloth furniture coverings by hand or running them through the washing machine for a second time, it is possible that a natural product that may remove stains, such as vinegar, will help remove any spots that are quite minor.

How do I wash my slipcover?

How to clean your Pottery Barn slipcover in a washing machine.

• Take your slipcover off of the chair or sofa. You will want to remove both sides of the slipcover so you can wash it in a machine.
• If your slipcover is one piece, zip or unbutton all closures before beginning to wash.
• Locate the cleaning code tag sewn into the seam of your slipcover. The first number represents how often you can launder your item before losing its breathability and quality. In contrast, the second number indicates how hot you should dry it (in Fahrenheit).
• For example, if your cleaning code tag reads “30/40,” you can launder your item 30 times before it loses its breathability and quality, and you should dry it at no more than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

To launder your slipcover:

1. It should be washed in a washing machine using lukewarm water and a gentle detergent.
2. Use the gentle cycle and let it run through an entire cycle before removing it.
3. Hang or lay flat to dry.

If the slipcover you have is made of a delicate material, such as silk or linen, you should probably dry clean it rather than putting it in the washing machine to clean it.

If you have a stain, try removing it as much as possible before putting your slipcover in the washing machine. If that’s not possible, spot clean the area with mild detergent and let it air dry before placing it back on the sofa.

• Gently wash your cushion covers with cold water using Woolite Laundry Detergent for best results on upholstery fabrics such as velvet and corduroy to ensure color consistency throughout future cleanings. Do not use oxygen cleaners; they may cause damage to special finishes on upholstery fabrics like velvet and corduroy.
• Locate the cleaning code tag sewn into the seam of your slipcover. You can use your normal laundry detergent in warm water for most cotton and cotton-blend fabrics.
• If your slipcover doesn’t have a cleaning code tag and you are unsure how to clean it, try washing it in cold water using an all-purpose cleaner or mild soap. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and lay flat to dry away from direct sunlight, which may fade the colors over time.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to clean upholstery thoroughly.

For cotton that is heavily soiled or has stains.

If your slipcover is heavily soiled or has stains, you’ll want to pre-treat it with chlorine bleach and natural stain remover before washing.

To do this:

• For heavily soiled cotton or those with stains, add 1⁄4 cup of chlorine bleach and a natural stain remover, such as vinegar, and soak for 30 minutes before washing.
• If your whites are not colored, you can skip this step. 

Cotton linen and washable silk items can be washed on a delicate cycle in cold water with a mild detergent to preserve color and fabric integrity. We recommend that you air dry your slipcovers to reduce shrinkage.

Many fabrics have been treated with a coating or finish that makes them water repellent, stain resistant, and soil repellent. We recommend using an all-purpose cleaner on gentle cycles with cold water for these fabrics.

Hang or lay flat to dry.

• Hang it to dry.
• Lie flat to dry, but pin any loose straps or ties, so they don’t get caught in the dryer’s lint trap.
• Avoid using a dryer, even if your slipcover is made of cotton linen or washable silk, because they won’t hold their shape well and will be prone to shrinking or fading over time.
• In a hurry, use the dryer on low for 10 minutes. This will remove wrinkles from your slipcover.

Conclusion

Contacting the maker of your slipcover is the best action when you have any questions on how to clean it. They can assist you in ensuring you are washing it appropriately and safely.