How to Clean Sofa Cushion Covers

Start with the care tag and cleaning code

Before you wet anything, find the care tag. It is usually under a cushion, along a seam, or on the frame under the seat. Upholstery tags often use a cleaning code:

W: water-based cleaners are generally suitable.
S: solvent-based (water-free) cleaners only. Water can leave rings or damage the fabric.
WS (or SW): either water-based or solvent-based cleaners.
X: vacuum or brush only. Do not use liquid cleaners.

Loose covers sold separately, such as slipcovers, often have their own laundry-style care label with a symbol for machine washing, temperature, and drying. If the label says “dry clean only,” do not put the cover in a washing machine. If you cannot find a tag, treat the fabric cautiously and test any cleaner on a hidden spot first.

Prepare the cushions and covers

Vacuum. Use the upholstery attachment on the cushion and cover to lift crumbs, dust and pet hair before any water is involved.
Check that the cover really is removable. A zipper does not always mean the cover is meant to be washed. Some are designed for professional cleaning only.
Remove the cover. Unzip it fully and pull it off the insert. Note how it fits so you can put it back correctly.
Zip it closed and turn it inside out. This helps protect the outside surface and keeps the zipper from snagging other fabric.
Pre-treat visible stains (see below) and test any stain product on an inside seam first.

Machine washing removable covers

If the label allows machine washing:

Use a gentle or delicate cycle with cold or lukewarm water, unless the label says otherwise. Warm or hot water can shrink some fabrics, especially cotton and linen.
Use a mild detergent in the amount recommended on the bottle (see tips for doing laundry for general washing habits). Skip fabric softener and bleach unless the care label explicitly allows them.
Wash a small load. Crowding makes it harder to rinse and can stretch the fabric.
Wash covers with similar colors. Dark covers can bleed in early washes.

Do not mix cleaning products. In particular, never combine bleach with ammonia, vinegar or other cleaners, because the fumes can be dangerous. If a product has been used in the washer recently, run an empty rinse before washing the covers.

Hand washing and spot cleaning

Hand washing is a good choice for delicate fabrics, covers with a “wash separately” label, or when the machine feels too risky.

Fill a clean basin or tub with cool water and a small amount of mild detergent.
Press the cover into the water and gently squeeze it. Avoid twisting or wringing hard.
Drain and rinse with clean water until the suds are gone. Leftover soap attracts dirt.
Press out water with a clean towel instead of wringing.

For spots on covers that stay on the sofa, blot with a clean white cloth lightly dampened with a gentle cleaner suited to the fabric code. Work from the outside of the stain toward the center, and avoid soaking the cushion underneath.

Fabric notes

Fabric type matters as much as the cleaning code. These are general points; the manufacturer’s instructions come first.

Cotton and cotton blends: often washable but can shrink. Cold water and low heat are safer.
Polyester: usually durable and tolerant of gentle machine washing. Check the label for the dryer setting.
Corduroy: turn inside out before washing to help protect the ridges, and avoid high heat. Many people air dry corduroy or tumble on low and remove it while slightly damp.
Velvet: often delicate and may be dry-clean only or spot-clean only. Follow the label closely.
Linen and linen blends: can wrinkle and shrink. Cool water and gentle drying are generally safer.
Bouclé and textured weaves: loops can snag. Wash inside out in a gentle cycle, or hand wash if the label allows.

If you have a washable slipcover sold with a sofa (for example from a furniture retailer), the retailer’s care page or the label is the best source on whether the machine is suitable.

Fixing common stains

Act quickly and always blot rather than rub.

Coffee, tea, juice: blot the liquid, then dab with cool water and a small amount of mild detergent. Rinse by blotting with clean water.
Red wine: blot immediately. Dab with cool water and mild detergent. Avoid heat, which can set stains.
Grease or food oil: sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch to absorb oil, wait a while, brush it off, then treat with a little mild dish soap on a cloth.
Ink: a solvent-type product such as rubbing alcohol may help on some fabrics. Test on a hidden spot and use only if the cleaning code and fabric allow it. Rubbing alcohol is flammable, so use it in a ventilated room, keep it away from flames and heat, and store it out of reach of children and pets.
Pet accidents or vomit: remove solids, blot, and wash the cover as the label allows. Enzyme-based pet cleaners are designed for these stains; follow the product directions.

Old, dried-in stains may not fully come out. Repeat gentle treatments rather than using stronger chemicals.

Cleaning covers that do not come off

If the cover is sewn on or marked as non-removable:

Vacuum thoroughly, including seams.
Test a cleaner on a hidden area.
Spot clean using the product type matching the code (water-based for W, solvent-based for S).
Use as little liquid as possible. Cushion fillings such as foam stay damp for a long time, which can cause odors.
Let the cushion air dry with good airflow. A fan can help.

For large overall cleaning on a non-removable fabric, an upholstery cleaning machine or a professional service may be a better fit. For stain-by-stain technique, see how to spot clean upholstery.

Drying and putting covers back

Air drying is the safest choice. Lay covers flat or hang them out of direct sunlight, which can fade fabrics.
Tumble drying, if the label allows, should be on low heat. Remove covers while slightly damp.
Put covers back on while still very slightly damp only if the label suggests it, since this can help covers fit smoothly. Otherwise, make sure they are fully dry. Damp covers over a cushion can develop musty smells.
Smooth seams and zippers, then plump the cushions.

Cleaning sofa pillows

Throw pillows are easier than cushions. Check the pillow cover’s tag and the insert’s tag separately. Many covers are washable while the insert is spot-clean only. Down or feather inserts need special care, see how to clean down sofa cushions.

Making cushions look new again

Often the cushion looks tired because of flattening, surface dirt, or dulled fabric rather than deep stains.

Vacuum and brush the surface. A soft brush can lift the pile on textured fabrics.
Rotate and flip cushions regularly so wear is even.
Fluff or reshape the filling if the cushion allows it.
Wash removable covers on a regular schedule suited to your household, for example every few months, and more often with pets or children.
For specific materials, see our guides for microfiber couch cushions, polyurethane couches and leather furniture.

Safety with cleaning products, pets and children

Never mix bleach, ammonia, vinegar, or other cleaners. Some combinations release harmful fumes.
Ventilate the room when using any cleaning product.
Keep children and pets away from damp areas and cleaning solutions until the surface is dry and any odor has cleared.
Rinse well so no detergent residue remains where a pet or child may lie or chew.
Store cleaning products, especially solvents and alcohol, out of reach.

When to call a professional

Consider a professional upholstery cleaner if the code is X, the cover is velvet or another delicate fabric labeled for professional cleaning, the stain is large or old, or the cushion has a strong odor that returns after cleaning.

Frequently asked questions

How do I wash corduroy couch covers?

Check the label first. If it permits machine washing, turn the cover inside out, zip it, use a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent, and dry on low or air dry. Avoid high heat.

Can you wash sofa covers from a furniture retailer in the washing machine?

Some can, some cannot. Check the label or the retailer’s care instructions. Many retailers state whether a cover is machine washable and at which temperature.

How do I clean sofa pillows?

Remove the cover and wash it according to its tag. For the insert, follow its own tag, and spot clean if it is not washable.

How do I make couch cushions look new again?

Vacuum, brush, wash removable covers per the label, fluff or rotate the cushions, and address stains gently. Flattened foam or worn fabric may need replacement.