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How to Clean a Sofa Cushion Cover

Julian Duggan April 7, 2025

Have you ever found yourself staring at a dirty sofa cushion cover, wondering how to get it looking fresh again without ruining it? Whether it's a spilled drink, muddy paw prints, or just general wear and tear, cleaning sofa cushion covers can be tricky—but it doesn't have to be. With the right approach and knowledge of your fabric, you can keep your cushions clean, fresh, and in top condition.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through each cleaning method based on your fabric type—whether your cushions are machine washable, non-removable, or even leather. We’ll explain the best techniques and tips, plus the science behind them, to make sure your sofa cushions are spotless without damaging them. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

Step 1: Check the Care Label First

Before you clean anything, it’s crucial to check the care label on your sofa cushion cover. The care label tells you what cleaning methods are safe for your specific fabric. Most labels have symbols that provide guidance on how to properly clean the cover. Here’s how to interpret the most common symbols:

Symbol	Meaning
W	Water-based cleaning allowed (can be machine or hand-washed)
S	Solvent-based cleaner only (dry clean or special fabric cleaning solution)
WS	Water or solvent-based cleaner OK (flexible cleaning options)
X	Vacuum or professional cleaning only (no home washing or cleaning methods)

Tip: If the label says “Dry Clean Only” or has an “X”, do not attempt to wash it yourself. Ignoring these guidelines could lead to fabric damage, such as shrinking, fading, or even tearing.

Step 2: Determine If Your Sofa Cover Fabric Is Machine Washable

Here’s a quick breakdown of common sofa cover fabrics and how to wash them safely:

(About the washing machine temperature: According to research by The Spruce, most brands of washing machines have a hot water setting around 130°F, warm water setting between 90°F to 110°F, and cold water between 60°F and 80°F.)

Cotton: Machine wash with a temperature of 104°F or lower. Don’t wring the fabric, even if it’s soaking wet—let it air dry instead.
Polyester: Safe to machine wash. Use 104°F or below, and avoid bleach. Skip the wringing to protect the shape.
Polyester Petite: Use default machine settings with water no hotter than 86°F. Avoid bleach and wringing.
Velvet: Use the delicate cycle with water up to 104°F. Cleaning velvet sofa covers is simple, no special steps needed—just toss it in gently and let the cycle do the work.
Premium Velvet: Very easy to maintain. Wash on a gentle cycle using water no warmer than 86°F. Remove stains promptly for best results.
Tetron Cotton: Wash with care—104°F or lower, no bleach, and no wringing. Stick to air drying.

Tip: Always zip up covers and turn them inside out before washing to prevent damage and fading.

Step 3: Spot Clean for Small Stains

For minor stains, there’s no need to remove the entire cover. Spot cleaning is an effective method to target only the affected area. Here’s how to do it:

Vacuum: Start by vacuuming the stained area to remove dust, dirt, and pet hair. This step ensures that the cleaning solution can work directly on the stain, rather than pushing dirt deeper into the fabric.
Mix the Cleaning Solution: Combine a small amount of mild detergent with warm water. The detergent helps break down oils and dirt without being too harsh on the fabric. For tougher stains, you can use a specialized stain remover (but always patch test first to avoid damage).
Blot the Stain: Use a clean cloth or soft sponge to blot the stain. Blotting (rather than rubbing) helps lift the stain without pushing it deeper into the fabric. For greasy stains, you may want to gently scrub in a circular motion.
Rinse and Dry: After the stain is lifted, use a second clean cloth soaked in plain water to blot away any detergent residue. This prevents soap buildup. Then, let the fabric air dry completely.

Why it Works: Vacuuming before cleaning ensures that dirt and debris don’t interfere with the cleaning process. The detergent helps break down oils, while warm water helps dissolve dirt particles. Blotting removes stains without damaging the fabric, keeping the integrity of the fibers intact.

Step 4: Washing Machine Washable Sofa Cushion Covers

If your cushion covers are removable and machine washable, here’s how to clean them effectively:

Vacuum: Start by vacuuming the cushions while they are still on the sofa. This removes dust, crumbs, and pet hair. Removing pet hair beforehand is especially important, as it can clog your washing machine filter.
Work on Stains: For visible stains, apply a fabric-safe stain remover. Always patch test first to ensure the cleaner doesn’t damage the fabric. Let the stain remover sit for a few minutes, then wipe it away.
Machine Wash: Place the covers in the washing machine, but avoid overloading it. Washing a few covers at a time ensures that they are cleaned properly. If the covers are large, consider washing them separately to avoid them becoming too wrinkled or not washing evenly.
Add Detergent: Use a mild detergent that is free of harsh chemicals like bleach, which can weaken fibers and affect the fabric’s color. Choose a detergent designed for delicate fabrics to avoid damage.
Air Dry: Once the cycle is done, do not put the covers in the dryer. Air dry only to avoid shrinking. Lay the covers flat or hang them up until completely dry. The air drying process helps maintain the fabric’s shape and prevents damage from heat exposure.

Why it Works: Vacuuming before washing ensures that dirt doesn’t get further embedded into the fabric during the wash. The gentle cycle combined with cold or lukewarm water minimizes the risk of shrinking, while air drying prevents heat damage.

Step 5: Cleaning Non-Removable Sofa Cushion Covers

If your sofa cushion covers are non-removable, here’s how to clean them directly on the sofa:

Vacuum: Start by vacuuming the entire surface to remove dust, crumbs, and pet hair. This helps avoid dirt getting deeper into the fabric when you clean it.
Use Upholstery Cleaner: Apply a fabric-safe upholstery cleaner according to the product’s label. Be sure the cleaner is designed for your fabric type (some cleaners are for specific materials like microfiber or velvet).
Scrub Gently: Use a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub the fabric. Avoid using abrasive brushes, as they can damage the texture of the fabric. Always scrub in the direction of the fabric’s grain.
Wipe Clean: Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away any residue from the cleaning solution. Be careful not to oversaturate the fabric.
Air Dry: Allow the cushions to air dry completely. You can speed up the drying process by using a fan.

Tip: If stains are particularly stubborn, or the sofa has significant build-up, hiring a professional upholstery cleaner may be the best option. They have specialized tools and cleaning solutions for tough jobs.

Step 6: Cleaning Leather Sofa Cushion Covers

Leather sofas are elegant but require careful maintenance to preserve their look and feel. Here’s how to clean your leather cushions:

Wipe Dust Away: Use a soft cloth to wipe away any dust and dirt from the surface. This prevents dirt from scratching the leather when you clean it.
Use Mild Soap: Mix a solution of mild soap and water. Dampen the cloth with the solution (not soaking it) and wipe the leather gently.
Dry Immediately: Use a clean towel to dry the leather immediately after cleaning. Leather can absorb moisture, which can lead to cracking.
Condition: Apply a leather conditioner to keep the leather supple and prevent it from drying out. This helps maintain its natural shine.

Why it Works: Leather is a delicate material, and the mild soap solution cleans without stripping natural oils. Conditioning the leather afterward helps keep it soft and crack-free.

FAQ

How often should I clean my sofa cushion covers?

Every 3 to 6 months, or immediately if stains occur.

Which sofa cover materials are the most stain-resistant?

Synthetic blends (like polyester) and treated fabrics are generally more resistant to stains.

How do I know if my sofa cushion covers are machine washable?

Check the care label. If it shows a “W” or “WS” without “Dry Clean Only,” it is usually machine washable.