“A dirty couch cover is like a stain on the reputation of your home; it not only looks unappealing, but it also leaves a lasting impression on those who encounter it.” – BCT
A couch cover can be a great investment for anyone who wants to keep their couch looking new for longer. Couch covers can help protect your couch from spills, stains, and wear and tear, and they can be easily washed to keep them looking clean and fresh.
How To Wash A Couch Cover? (Full Guide)
If you’ve never washed a couch cover before, you may be unsure about the best way to go about it. In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to wash a couch cover with ease.
Step 01: Check the Care Label
To start washing your couch cover, check the care label to see if there are any specific instructions you need to follow. The care label will typically provide information on the recommended washing temperature, whether the cover can be machine-washed or needs to be hand-washed, and whether it can be tumble-dried or needs to be air-dried. If you don’t follow the care label instructions, you could damage the cover or cause it to shrink or fade.
Step 02: Remove the Cover from the Couch
Remove it from the couch. Some couch covers are designed to be easily slipped off, while others may require a bit of effort to remove. If you’re unsure how to remove your couch cover, check the manufacturer’s instructions or look for tutorials online.
Step 03: Shake Out Loose Debris
Before you wash your couch cover, shake it out to remove any loose debris like dust, pet hair, or crumbs. You can do this outside or over a trash can to prevent the debris from getting all over your home.
Step 04: Pre-Treat Stains
If your couch cover has any stains, it’s a good idea to pre-treat them before washing them. You can use a stain remover or a mixture of water and laundry detergent to pre-treat the stain. Simply apply the solution to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before washing.
Step 05: Wash the Couch Cover
Now it’s time to wash your couch cover. If the care label allows for machine washing, you can put the cover in the washing machine with like colors and a mild laundry detergent. Use a gentle cycle and cold water to prevent shrinkage or fading. If the care label requires hand-washing, you can fill a bathtub or sink with cold water and add a small amount of laundry detergent. Gently agitate the cover in the water and let it soak for 15-20 minutes.
Step 06: Rinse the Couch Cover
After washing, rinse your couch cover thoroughly to remove all traces of detergent. If you’re machine-washing, run the cover through an extra rinse cycle. If you’re hand-washing, you can drain the soapy water and refill the sink or bathtub with clean water to rinse the cover.
Step 07: Dry the Couch Cover
Once your couch cover is clean and rinsed, it’s time to dry it. If the care label allows for machine drying, you can put the cover in the dryer on a low heat setting. We repeat again, remember to check the care label to see if you should remove the cover from the dryer while it’s still slightly damp to prevent shrinkage. If the care label requires air-drying, you can hang the cover outside or on a drying rack indoors.
Step 08: Reinstall the Couch Cover
Once your couch cover is dry, it’s time to reinstall it on the couch. Simply install it as you did while removing it from your couch.
Related Article: How to wash your sofa?
Things You Should Consider Before Buy a Couch Cover If You Have a Pet.
If you’re a pet owner and want to buy a couch cover, you should consider some specific needs and preferences. We noted 06 things to look for when selecting a couch cover for you:
01. Material
Look for materials that are durable, stain-resistant, and easy to clean. Some popular options include microfiber, leather, and polyester blends. Avoid materials like velvet or silk that can be easily damaged by pet claws or fur.
02. Color and Pattern
If you have a pet that sheds a lot or has darker fur, you may want to choose a couch cover in a darker color or pattern to help hide pet hair. Conversely, if you have a pet with lighter fur, a darker cover may show its fur more prominently. A neutral color or pattern that complements your home decor is always a good choice.
03. Fit
Ensure that the couch cover fits your couch properly, with enough coverage to protect the couch from pet hair and stains. Look for covers that come in multiple sizes to accommodate different couch shapes and sizes.
04. Easy to Clean
A good couch cover for pet owners should be easy to clean, especially if you have a pet that sheds a lot or is prone to accidents. Look for covers that are machine washable or can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.
05. Anti-Slip Features
Look for covers with anti-slip features such as straps or elastic to ensure that the cover stays in place, even when your pet jumps on or off the couch.
06. Budget
Couch covers for pet owners can range in price, so it’s important to consider your budget when selecting a cover. While some covers may be more expensive, they may also be more durable and last longer, potentially saving you money in the long run.
Tips for Pet Owners: Avoid These Mistakes When Choosing a Cover
As a pet owner, there are several things you should avoid while buying a new couch cover. It will ensure that it is suitable for your household. The top 05 things you should avoid are:
01. Avoid fabrics that are easily snagged or torn
Pets, especially cats and dogs, have sharp claws that can easily snag or tear the fabric. To avoid constant replacements, avoid fabrics such as silk, linen, and some types of velvet that can be easily damaged.
02. Avoid light colors
Pet hair, dirt, and stains are more visible on light-colored fabrics, and it can be challenging to keep them clean. Darker colors or patterns can help hide any stains or dirt that your pet may leave on the couch.
03. Avoid fabrics that attract pet hair
Some fabrics can attract pet hair, making it harder to keep your couch clean. Instead, consider fabrics such as leather or tightly woven fabrics that do not attract pet hair.
04. Avoid fabrics that are difficult to clean
Pets can leave stains and dirt on your couch, so it’s essential to choose a fabric that is easy to clean. Fabrics such as cotton, polyester, and leather are easy to clean, making them an excellent choice for pet owners.
05. Avoid covers that do not fit properly
When buying a new couch cover, ensure that it fits your couch properly. A cover that is too small or too big will not protect your couch adequately, and it may move around, creating a tripping hazard for your pets.
How Often Should You Wash a Couch Cover if You Have a Pet?
If you have a pet, it’s a good idea to wash your couch cover regularly to remove pet hair, dirt, and any odors that may accumulate over time. The frequency of washing will depend on several factors such as the type of pet you have, how often they shed, and how often they use the couch.
As a general rule of thumb, you should aim to wash your couch cover at least once a month if you have a pet. If your pet sheds a lot or spends a lot of time on the couch, you may need to wash the cover more frequently, such as every one to two weeks.
You can also look for signs that your couch cover needs washing, such as visible dirt or pet hair on the surface, or any unpleasant odors. If your pet has an accident or vomits on the couch, you should wash the cover immediately to avoid any stains or odors setting in.
How Do You Measure For a Dog Couch Cover?
Measuring for a dog couch cover is relatively easy and straightforward. We noted here some important things that you should notice.
Determine the Type of Couch: The first thing you need to do is determine the type of couch you have. Is it a sectional, a loveseat, or a sofa? Knowing the type of couch will help you select the correct size of the dog couch cover.
Measure the Width: Measure the width of the couch from one armrest to the other. This will give you the width measurement of the couch.
Measure the Depth: Measure the depth of the couch from the backrest to the edge of the seat cushion. This will give you the depth measurement of the couch.
Measure the Height: Measure the height of the couch from the floor to the top of the backrest. This will give you the height measurement of the couch.
Measure the Armrests: If your couch has armrests, measure the width and height of the armrests. This will help you determine the size of the armrest covers you may need.
Check the Product Measurements: After taking the above measurements, now check the product measurements of the dog couch cover you wish to purchase. Ensure that the product dimensions match the measurements you have taken to make sure that the cover will fit your couch properly.
Note: It is essential to measure your couch accurately to ensure that you choose the correct size of the dog couch cover. A cover that is too small will not provide adequate coverage, while a cover that is too large will slip and bunch up, making it uncomfortable for your pet.
How Do You Get Dog Hair Off of a Couch Cover?
If you’re a dog owner, you know that pet hair can easily find its way onto furniture, including couch covers. While this can be frustrating to deal with, there are several methods you can try to effectively remove dog hair from your couch cover. With a little bit of patience and persistence, you can have your couch cover looking clean and hair-free in no time. We suggest 05 different solutions for you.
01. Lint Roller: A lint roller is a sticky tape that can be rolled over the couch cover to pick up hair and other debris. Simply roll the lint roller over the cover until all the hair is removed.
02. Rubber Gloves: Put on a pair of rubber gloves and rub your hands over the couch cover in a circular motion. The hair will stick to the gloves, and you can easily peel it off and dispose of it.
03. Vacuum Cleaner: Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove the hair from the couch cover. Run the brush over the cover in a back-and-forth motion, making sure to get into all the crevices and seams.
04. Fabric Softener Sheet: Rub a fabric softener sheet over the couch cover to remove the hair. The static in the sheet will attract the hair, and you can simply brush or vacuum it off afterward.
05. Damp Cloth: Dampen a cloth with water and run it over the couch cover to pick up the hair. Make sure the cloth is not too wet, as this can damage the fabric. You can also use a small amount of fabric softener or a drop of dish soap to help loosen the hair.
Conclusion
Buying a couch cover for pet owners can be a great way to protect your furniture from stains, pet hair, and other damage caused by your furry friends. Remember to clean your couch cover regularly, and use the right tips to effectively remove pet hair from your cover. With the right couch cover and maintenance, you can enjoy your time with your pets on the couch without worrying about any mess or damage.
