When you purchase a classic slipcover, you buy the material’s quality and craftsmanship. However, over time, that slip cover will need to be washed. In this piece, you’ll learn how to clean your Pottery Barn slipcovers to ensure they last for years.
Why use a slipcover?
As a responsible adult or pet owner, you understand the importance of clean, undamaged furniture. Slipcovers help. You can remove them quickly to remove stains or wash the upholstery. Unlike dust ruffles, which must be hand-washed, they can be machine-washed.
Why choose slipcovers over other types of furniture covers?
Slips are made from durable fabrics such as cotton, canvas, or linen that are easy to care for. Because they’re removable, they’re also easy to wash in the washing machine. In addition, they’ll stay looking fresher longer than traditional upholstery covers because they don’t get dirty as quickly.
Slipcovers aren’t just great at protecting your furniture; they also make decorating affordable and fun because you can switch out the cover whenever you want without buying new pieces!
Cleaning your Pottery Barn slipcover
To clean your Pottery Barn slipcover:
- Take the slipcover off your furniture.
- Hand-wash in cool water with mild detergent (no bleach), then let it dry flat. Don’t twist.
- If you have heavy stains, use an enzyme-based product such as Bac-Out on these areas only. Rinse thoroughly after treating with an enzyme cleaner and allow it to air dry completely before replacing the furniture.
If your slipcover has a foam filling, you may be able to wash it in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. If not, hand wash as above and let it drip dry on a flat surface.
If your slipcover is machine washable, you can use the gentle cycle and cold water. Remove it from the washer as soon as the cycle ends and allow it to air dry completely before replacing it on the furniture piece. If you choose to hand wash your slipcover, we recommend using an enzyme cleaner, rinsing it thoroughly, and letting it air dry completely before re-using it.
Removing the slipcover for a wash
- Take the slipcover off of your furniture.
- Wash in cold water (you can also use cold water on your dryer’s delicate setting).
- Dry on low heat or line-dry (line-drying is recommended because it will help to avoid shrinkage).
- If you have stains, they should be treated before washing; pre-treat stains with a stain remover and then wash, typically with mild soap and warm water; avoid bleach and fabric softener.
Avoid washing your clothing or bedding in hot water, as this will remove the fabric’s color. It’s also important to wash new purchases separately from other items until you know how they will react.
Getting the stains out of the slipcover
You can remove slipcover stains in several ways.
Use a stain remover: First, make a stain remover for the material and stain. This will ensure the best results without damaging the slipcover.
Use cold water: If you have access to cold water, this can help reduce how long it takes for your stain to come out or make it disappear completely! Like with detergents and fabric softeners, cold water helps loosen up tough stains, making them easier to remove without damaging our clothes or items.
Use a scrub brush: Using a scrub brush on the stain is another crucial step in getting rid of it. This will remove stains from your slipcover more thoroughly than cold water alone. You can also use this method on clothing and linens.
Use a stain remover: If you don’t want to use cold water, a stain remover is also an important step. This will help eliminate stubborn stains like food or drink spills that are difficult to remove otherwise!
If you have access to these items, using a stain remover can be essential to removing your slipcover stains. However, if you don’t have access to any of these things in your area, here are other options that can help!
Removing spots and stains from your slipcover
If your slipcover gets stained, there are various ways to remove it. Here are some tips:
Use a stain remover: This is the most effective method. Apply the stain remover to the streak and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then, wash your slipcover in hot water (no bleach) on a delicate cycle with soap, water, and washing powder. Rinse and air-dry.
Use another cloth, sponge, or toothbrush to scrub: Use another fabric, sponge, or toothbrush to scrub at the stain until it comes off thoroughly and gently — this may take several repetitions of this step depending on how ingrained in your fabric or upholstery is! Also, make sure whatever you’re using isn’t too abrasive since it could damage what’s underneath if used too vigorously!
If needed, repeat the steps above until all residue has been removed completely, but again, be gentle because too much pressure will cause more harm than good here.
If all else fails, try using a dry cleaner: If you don’t have access to one where you live, contact your local dry cleaner and ask if they can come out to your home.
If you can’t find a dry cleaner near you, try cleaning the stain yourself. Ensure the stain has completely dried out before trying any new methods.
Treating tough stains on your slipcover
If you have a stain on your slipcover that can’t be removed by spot-cleaning, the best thing to do is treat it with a mild detergent. Use a soft cloth and wash the stain in cold water. Rinse with cold water, then dry using a towel. If this doesn’t work, you may need to take the slipcover to a professional cleaner or send it back to PB so they can clean it for you.
Don’t use bleach on your slipcover; this will ruin the fabric!
Conclusion
If a stain remains after washing and drying, use an enzyme cleaner or spot remover before washing with dish soap and cool water (never hot). If your slipcover doesn’t fit perfectly, consider taking it to a tailor who can clean up the seams.
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