How Do I Wash Sofa Seat Cushions?

[amydawnsmommy]

Anyone done this?

Would you put them in the machine or handwash them?

[brogansmomma]

Do you mean the cushion itself or the cover? I nervously unzipped my covers and tossed them in the washer - cold/cold and minimal soap - and then dried them in a low heat drier for awhile and then let them finish by air drying. No noticeable effect other than that they're clean.

[amydawnsmommy]

I meant the covers.

Thanks. Did you use the gentle cycle?

[cristeen]

Do you know what fabric they're made of? Some are not water-safe (spot clean only).

When we got our couch, we specifically got one with cotton upholstery so we could wash it. Strip it, toss it (inside out) in a "casual" cycle (between normal and gentle), cold/cold with an extra spin cycle (but med speed, not super high), low soap, no softener. Dry it flat on a sweater dryer or over the porch rail.

[amydawnsmommy]

I think it's cotton. How do I tell?