How to Wash IKEA Slipcovers

One of the questions I get asked all the time is how do I care for and wash my IKEA Slipcovers. I’ve had slipcovers for almost twenty years now and I’ve washed quite a few and learned a trick or two in that time.

Let me start off by asking you to read the care instructions for your particular slipcover on the IKEA site. Different colours and patterns of the IKEA slipcovers are made from various fabrics and various mixes of fabrics and require different care.

My sofa is from the Ektorp series and has the ” Vittaryd White” Slipcover.

Product description

65 % polyester, 35 % cotton

Care instructions from IKEA:

Removable cover
Machine wash, warm, normal cycle.
To be washed separately.
Do not bleach.
Do not tumble dry.
Iron medium temperature, max 300°F/150°C.
Iron on reverse side.
Dry clean any solvent except trichloroethylene.

Product description

59.5 % cotton, 24 % polyester, 16.5 % linen

I bought these Farlov Armchairs last March and I’ve washed them recently for the first time. I think they turned out great. I’ll share how I did both the farlov and ektorp covers.

                                                                                      

1.  I Always start by removing the main cover first and get that in the machine.  While thats washing I’ll start  wrestling with the seat cushions. I like the main cover to be the first piece on after the wash. (I start this process in the evening so that the covers have time to dry overnight.)
2. Remove the seat covers.  This is not an easy feat and the whole darn process is like doing a workout to tell you the truth. But like all workouts, worth the effort when you’re done!
3. After I remove the covers, I always do up the zippers before washing. It just helps to prevent them from getting caught up and becoming damaged.
4. Next, I will do spot treatments if needed. I use the same detergent I use to wash the covers as I do to spot treat. I knew that chocolate fell somewhere!
5. If you’ve read the IKEA instructions they say not to use bleach and I  very rarely do. I find it’s very rough on fabric. Usually I place the recommended amount detergent and oxi-clean in my front loader first and then add the slipcovers. I wash it in a normal wash cycle but add an extra rinse to make sure they’re as white as can be.
6. This is where I’ve added my own spin to it. (This step is contrary to the IKEA instructions and you do so at your own risk!) After the covers are washed, I remove them from the washer and give them a good shake. Then I will put them in the dryer for 2-5 minutes! I put them on timed dry and check after 2 minutes. I’m basically letting the covers barely come to a warm. This works every time to relax the fabric. I do not leave them in any longer than that even if the dryer doesn’t feel warm. Any longer than that and you run the risk of your covers shrinking! Which they will and you will not be able to fit them back on your furniture!
7. I quickly take them out, shake them again and race them upstairs. If its the cushion covers, I’ll lay them smoothly over the kitchen chairs while I put them on one at a time. If it’s the main cover, I get that sucker on asap and begin my smoothing process.
8. Lastly, I put the covers back on I begin to smooth and stretch them out with my hands. It’s kinda like ironing with your hands!

This is before I do my “hand ironing”, notice the bottom of the slipcover:

My hand ironing thingy:

This is the after, notice the bottom wrinkles are almost gone:

Now that the covers are all on and smoothed out I place the cushions all around so that they stay smooth and they can dry evenly all around. It’s a bit of a mess and that’s why I do it in the evening. By the morning everything is dry and has stayed wrinkle free! Simply put the cushions back together and your good for another few months!

After years  of washing slipcovers, this has been what works best for me. I hope this was helpful!

Blessings,

Kim