Slip-up or smart move? The reality of cleaning loose sofa covers

Fitted loose sofa covers are a popular choice for homeowners looking to add both interior design style and practicality to their living spaces. These covers offer the flexibility to change the look of your furniture without the cost of replacing it entirely. But when it comes to cleaning, are they the dream upholstery cleaning solution they appear to be, or could they turn into a cleaning nightmare?

What are loose sofa covers?

Loose sofa covers are fabric slipcovers designed to fit snugly over your sofa or other upholstered furniture. Available in a variety of fabrics and colours, they give the freedom to refresh the look of the sofa whenever needed. Unlike tight, upholstered coverings that are stapled or glued to the furniture, loose covers can be removed and reattached for regular cleaning. This is a highly attractive feature for people, especially if they have young children or pets as they protect the furniture from stains, spills, and wear and tear.

Sofa cleaning dream: the upside of removable sofa covers

Unlike permanently fixed upholstery, which requires spot cleaning or laborious vacuuming, loose covers can be simply taken off and thrown in the washing machine. This allows for a deeper clean, ensuring that dust, dirt, and stains are thoroughly removed. The manufacturers of some of the more delicate fabrics such as velvet or linen recommend dry cleaning to maintain their texture and colour.

A living room with a white couch , chairs , coffee table and lamp.

From dream to scream: when loose covers and DIY sofa cleaning don’t mix

Despite their benefits, the dream of easily removable and washable loose sofa covers can quickly turn into a costly sofa cleaning mistake if not handled properly. While many covers are machine washable, it's not always as simple as tossing them in with your regular laundry. Cleaning sofa slip covers incorrectly can result in shrinking, fading, or warping of the fabric, turning perfectly tailored covers into ill-fitting eyesores.

Shrinkage issues: if the fabric hasn't been pre-shrunk, cleaning could lead to shrinkage, making the covers no longer fit properly.

Piping problems: if the piping cord isn't pre-shrunk, it can contract during cleaning, causing a puckered or uneven appearance.

Improper cleaning method: using the wrong cleaning products or methods can cause permanent damage. Over-saturating the fabric or using too much detergent can result in water stains or leave behind a residue that attracts more dirt over time.

Inexperienced cleaners: using non-specialist drycleaners, like high-street garment cleaners, can lead to poor outcomes. It's important to use a specialist cleaner for sofa upholstery. Note too, drycleaners often price jobs on the weight of the fabric to be cleaned, cheap dry-cleaning for sofa covers is a rarity.

Bungling of refitting: refitting loose sofa covers is not a walk in the park, it’s tricky!

Cushion the blow: professional sofa cleaning in Christchurch

Hiring a professional upholstery cleaner takes the guesswork out of maintaining your sofa loose sofa covers or otherwise. With our expertise, your sofa is cleaned thoroughly without the risk of shrinkage, fading, or discoloration. As professional upholstery cleaners in Christchurch who specialise in textiles and fabrics, we use the latest hot water extraction technology to gently deep clean the sofa covers in situ – there is no need to remove them.

Regularly cleaning the textiles and fabrics of your home, keeps them looking fantastic, and extends their lifespan, saving you money in the long term. Don’t forget too, Christchurch Carpet Cleaning also offer carpet cleaning services in Christchurch and Canterbury, so while your sofa covers are being cleaned, you can have your rugs or carpets freshened up as well.

Call 021 638 637 today for a free no-obligation quote or drop us a message at chchcarpetcleaningltd@gmail.com .

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