25 September 2024

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 .

< Older Post Newer Post >

Get a FREE Quote

A dirty carpet in a room with a radiator.

Stain alive: how a deep carpet clean can save your carpet

28 April 2025

There’s nothing like the thought of having to replace a tired, stained or fading carpet to drain your colour; the prospect of a big-ticket expense is rarely welcome. But before you rip up your carpet and start a fresh, you maybe lucky, a professional carpet clean can work wonders to bring carpets back to life saving you the cost and hassle of replacing. Is it damaged or a dirty carpet? First things first: is your carpet truly worn out, or just in need of a deep clean? It’s easy to mistake a dull, grubby appearance for permanent damage, but more often than not, embedded dirt and grime are to blame. High-traffic areas, especially in homes with pets or kids, can quickly become discoloured. In commercial spaces, daily footfall can leave carpets looking tired far sooner than they actually are. A visit from a team offering expert carpet cleaning in Christchurch NZ lift stains, remove odours, and revive carpet fibres, leaving it looking significantly better, and your money in your wallet. Age and the quality of the carpet matter Carpet doesn’t last forever. But with regular maintenance and professional cleaning, many carpets can last a good 10 to15 years or more. The higher-quality materials like wool respond better to cleaning and last longer than cheaper carpet options. If your carpet is still within its expected lifespan, a deep clean from an affordable carpet cleaning Christchurch provider extends its life for years to come. However, if your carpet is showing signs of wear such as frayed fibres, bare patches, or delamination (the separation of the different layers of carpet which looks like wrinkles or ripples), it might be time to consider replacing it. Christchurch Carpet Cleaning assess all carpets before cleaning them, not only to deliver realistic expectations of what can be achieved, but also because there can be underlying causes such as flood damage or improper installation which need to be addressed as a priority. Cleaning can't reverse physical damage, but it can restore surface appearance. Dirty carpets: there’s more than meets the eye Think about what your carpet is exposed to every day. Pets, children, work boots, or food and drink spills all take a toll. Getting carpets cleaned, for either residential or commercial carpet cleaning , enhances the look and feel of your floors but also removes the nasties that reside on them. Allergens, bacteria, and moulds impact our health, and hot water extraction is a highly effective way to remove them to create a healthier environment for your family or employees. When in doubt give Christchurch Carpet Cleaning a shout If you’re unsure whether cleaning or replacing is right for your carpet, book a consultation with Christchurch Carpet Cleaning . We’ll organise a specialist in professional carpet cleaning to assess your floors and recommend the most cost-effective, safe and practical approach. Even carpets you thought were beyond saving can be dramatically improved with the right techniques. Christchurch Carpet Cleaning also offer additional options such as sofa cleaning, upholstery cleaning services , and rug cleaning in Christchurch, allowing you to freshen up your entire space in one go. Before you spend thousands of dollars on a new carpet, explore your options with the best carpet cleaning Christchurch has to offer. Whether it’s for your home or business, our carpet cleaning Christchurch services are designed to breathe new life into tired carpets - saving you money, time, and stress. Ready to transform your floors? Book an appointment today, call 021 638 637.