<p>I have some very tailored sofas with tight white slipcovers that need washing. They are in a heavy denim-like fabric. If they shrink even a little bit they won’t fit. They got some very dark grime on them during my move (long story but no recourse against person causing it). Any thoughts on how best to get them clean? Im afraid if I send them out they will either shrink or come back yellowed.</p>
<p>If you don’t want them to shrink, I suggest drycleaning. Probably if you put them in a washer, and certainly if you put them in a dryer, they will shrink. Plus, ironing them will be an enormous pain in the neck.</p>
<p>I have the same type for three years and take them to be dry cleaned. I want so badly to throw them in the machine, and even asked the upholsterer when he was here to do another job, and they just don’t recommend it, do not guarantee they won’t shrink. I made a tote bag from the leftover fabric and I have machine washed it. It shrunk a tiny bit and looks wrinkled. The dry cleaner does a better job. Unfortunately they have them for a couple weeks so that’s why we just had a second set made (different fabric, but still dry clean only).</p>
<p>I would not put them into the dryer at all. I would put them on the cushions when they are still slightly wet. </p>
<p>But likely, dry cleaning is safer. </p>
<p>Can you clarify? Are these true slipcovers (purchased separately)? or are you talking about the zip-off covers that sofas have? </p>
<p>All this is going to be so YMMV. I do think that dry cleaning is the safest bet. And those professionals will know how to spot treat.</p>
<p>I hand washed my tailored slipcovers in the tub, in room temp water, with Woolite. Then rolled them in towels, got as much wet out as possible. I hung them outside on the clothes line, turning them, every so often. No problem. Mine are not white, nor your material. And I’m still tempted to say, “Don’t try this at home.” I believe dry cleaners tackle this quite often- you can ask yours. Good luck.</p>
<p>Thanks, everyone. It seems like drycleaning is the consensus. I just worry a little bit about that because bright whites tend to yellow when drycleaned. But that seems to be the safest bet.</p>
<p>Mom2ck: in response to your question about whether they are true slipcovers: they are very tight, tailored covered that were made specifically for the sofas at the same time the sofas were made. There is no other finished fabric; i think the sofas are covered in muslin underneath. They have hidden zippers and are very white and crisp.</p>
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<p>This sounds like the slipcovers I had made for a sleeper sofa many years ago. I made the mistake of washing them and they did shrink – not a lot, but just enough that the seams wouldn’t line up properly when I put them back on. I didn’t put them in the dryer – I put them back on the sofa while they were still a little bit wet and that allowed me to stretch them just enough to get the zippers closed. </p>
<p>If I had it to do over again, I’d definitely have them drycleaned.</p>
<p>Tell the cleaners about your concern that they not get yellowed so they can do whatever possible to clean without yellowing. </p>
<p>Is there any way to use drycleaning fluids to clean them while they’re still on their cushions?</p>
<p>If I was in op position, I would leave slipcovers on and spot clean with a brush and mild soap, or enzyme cleaner.
Glad I have leather, it takes a beating.</p>
<p>^^^
I thought the same thing, but with white the issue would be “rings”… The entire fabric would need to be washed with the slipcovers on. </p>
<p>I wonder if any of those spray foam upholstery cleaners would work…spray the entire panel, work it in with a damp, clean sponge, blot with clean towel, etc. </p>
<p>Stanley Steemer did a good job on an older cotton upholstered beige sofa of ours that showed rings when I spot cleaned it. It wasn’t outragously expensive, either.</p>
<p>I have a sofa with tailored white slipcovers (purchased as a slipcover sofa) in my sunroom. It’s our dog’s favorite spot so it gets dirty often. I spot treat, soak in the rinse tub with detergent and oxyclean, then I throw them in the washer on cold. The front loader does a good job of extracting the water. I put them in the dryer on low heat, damp dry. In your case, I would probably just put them on air dry (no heat) or line dry. Put them back on the sofa slightly damp. </p>
<p>I would be afraid to steam clean due to the heat. I also think dry cleaning solution sometimes yellows whites. Whether to wash or dry clean may depend on the fabric. My slipcovers are are washable fabric. What does your care label recommend?</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>