Today we are talking about how to wash Ikea slipcovers and how to keep slipcovers clean. I have an Ektorp slipcover sofa with a Lofallet beige slipcover and you will be surprised at how easy it is to keep it fresh and clean.

This is my slipcover sofa. It is so much better than any sofa I have ever owned as far as keeping it clean. But the first time I had to wash my slipcover I was afraid it was going to shrink or come out looking like a mess.

Here is how to wash Ikea slipcovers and how I have kept it clean.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you make a purchase using the links below.  All opinions are all my own.

How to Wash Ikea Slipcovers

Let’s start with when is the best time to clean a slipcover sofa. I think in the evening is a good time after the kids are in bed or on a day when everyone is gone.

But don’t let that stop you from starting any time.

As I said before I have the Ektorp Lofallet beige slipcovers. The material for all three of Ikea’s slipcovers is of the same kind of fabric. Vittayd white and Nordvall dark gray can be wash in the same fashion.

Vacuum the Sofa

Before you begin taking the slipcovers off take your vacuum cleaner and remove any loose dirt, hair, candy, pennies. Okay, you get the point.

No telling what treasures you will find under the cushions. LOL!

Remove the Slipcovers

I like to wash my slipcover in two loads. Start with the cushions and remove the slipcovers.

On the next load remove the body of the slipcovered couch. My washing machine is a larger drum and could hold them all but I think you get a better washing if the items inside have more room to agitate.

Toss a Blanket on the Couch

Remember me saying that you can wash your slipcovers anytime? Well, here is how life goes on at our house even when the slipcovers are washing.

I toss an old comforter on the sofa until everything is clean. This keeps the exposed cushions from getting dirty and it is more comfy to sit on.

How to Spot Clean Slipcover

Now grab your slipcovers and spray any spots with Spray n Wash or Shout. I let this spot sit for about 5 minutes and scrubbed it a little to see if the spot would remove.

It helps to take the extra time to try to remove the spot before you toss it in the washer drum. This will assure that your spot is gone.

How to Wash Slipcovers in Washer

Before you toss in your slipcovers turn on some warm water, easy or gentle cycle and add detergent and Oxy clean. I use All free and clear but I believe any detergent will work. If you have a Vittayd White slipcover let me recommend Drift.

When my girls were babies Drift was amazing at getting their whites white. Drift and bleach will work great on the Ikea Vittaryd white slipcover. I have read and heard where many people use bleach to whiten their slipcovers.

Let the slipcover agitate a little and then open the lid and make sure the items are below the surface of the water.

Now let it wash like normal.

How to Dry Sofa Slipcovers

It is time to dry your slipcovers. This is another simple step. After the washing is complete take the slipcovers and shake each one out and toss it in your dryers.

Put your dryer on 15 minutes on medium heat and start the dryer.

When they are finished drying lay them on a clean bed and turn on the ceiling fan. Let them dry one side for an hour and then turn them over and let them dry on the other side.

Now if you are planning to wash the body of the slipcovers go ahead and remove it and repeat all the washing steps and start washing the slipcover body.

How to Put on Ikea Ektorp Slipcovers

Next, if your slipcovers are not completely dry you can go ahead and put them back on the sofa. It is actually a good thing that they are still slightly damp. Once on the sofa, it will help pull out any wrinkles.

Start with the body of the sofa which is easy to put the slipcover back on. There is velcro where the slipcover connects where the back and the seat connect. Start there and adhere to the velcro.

Then place the back and arms on and then neatly pull it all down into place. Now let’s talk about how to put slipcovers on cushions.

The best way I know to put the slipcovers back on the cushions is to first put one end of the cushion into the cover and once it is inside a little turn it up where the slipcover is on top and start wiggling it down from one side then the other.

How to Keep your Slipcovers Clean

So here is my secret for keeping our slipcovers clean. Granted my daughters are older now and not having little ones makes this much easier to do.

Every week vacuum your sofa of any loose dirt, hair, food and such. And if needed toss the cushion slipcovers in the wash every month or two. The material of the Ikea fabric is pretty durable and can withstand many washings.

I have found the need to wash the cushions slipcovers more than the body but keep an eye on the arms. They can get dirty quickly.

Conclusion

Well, I hope these steps have shown you how to wash Ikea slipcovers. Trust me it is very easy and the one thing I love the most about having a slipcover sofa is my sofa is clean.

No more clean house with the somewhat clean fabric on my sofa!!!

If you are thinking about purchasing a slipcover sofa I have several posts that will help you decide. One post I share about the best slipcovered sofas from Pottery Barn to the Ektorp Ikea slipcover sofa. This is first-hand information about both.

I also share the top affordable slipcovered sofas and last a round-up of the slipcovered sofa ideas other people slipcover sofas to help you see and learn from their experience.

I think you will love having one of these sofas. I feel like in our day and age we are cleaner than ever with our homes.

Happy Decorating!

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