How to Clean Couch Cushions: A Guide for Every Fabric

Couch cushions take more daily wear than almost anything else in the house: spills, pets, sunscreen, crumbs. The right way to clean them depends on the fabric, and getting it wrong can shrink a cover, leave a water ring or ruin the foam. Here is how to clean couch cushions safely, fabric by fabric.

Start with the care code

Most upholstery has a cleaning code on a tag under the cushion or on the frame. It tells you what the fabric can take:

• W: water-based cleaners are fine.
• S: solvent-based cleaners only; avoid water.
• W/S: either water-based or solvent-based cleaners.
• X: vacuum or brush only; no water or solvents.

If there is no code, test any cleaner on a hidden spot first and let it dry before you go further.

Everyday care for every fabric

1. Vacuum weekly with an upholstery brush, including the seams and under the cushions.
2. Blot spills straight away with a clean, dry cloth. Blot from the outside in; don't rub.
3. Flip and rotate cushions every week or two so they wear and fade evenly.
4. Keep cushions out of strong sun where you can, unless the fabric is solution-dyed.

How to clean cushions by fabric

Sunbrella and other solution-dyed fabrics

Sunbrella is one of the easiest fabrics to keep clean.

1. Spot clean: mix 1/4 cup of mild soap per gallon of lukewarm water. Scrub gently with a soft brush, rinse well and let it air dry.
2. Machine wash the cover: remove the foam, close the zipper, and wash on a delicate cycle in cold water with a mild detergent. Air dry. Don't use a dryer or a steamer.
3. Mildew: mix 1 cup of bleach and 1/4 cup of mild soap per gallon of water. Let it sit for 15 minutes, scrub gently, rinse thoroughly and air dry. Test on a hidden spot first.

For tougher stains, see our Sunbrella cleaning guide.

Warwick and other indoor woven fabrics

1. Vacuum weekly on low suction.
2. Spot clean with mild soap and water on a damp cloth, then blot with clean water.
3. Keep the covers on the cushions rather than washing them.
4. Once a year, have a professional do a warm-water extraction clean at no more than 30°C (86°F).

For other woven upholstery, check the care code first. For W-coded fabrics, a little upholstery shampoo or mild soap on a damp cloth, followed by blotting with clean water, handles most marks. For S-coded fabrics, use a water-free upholstery cleaner.

Gabriel fabrics

1. Vacuum weekly.
2. Spot clean with lukewarm water and a pH-neutral dish soap.
3. Blot with clean water and let it air dry.

Ultraleather

1. Wipe with mild soap and water on a soft cloth, then dry.
2. For stains, use a 5:1 mix of water to bleach, then wipe with clean water.
3. For ink, dab gently with rubbing alcohol.

Faux leather

Wipe with a damp cloth and a little mild soap, then dry with a soft towel. Avoid solvents, bleach and abrasive cleaners, which can crack the surface of most faux leathers. (Ultraleather is the exception noted above.)

Velvet and genuine leather

Vacuum velvet with a soft brush in the direction of the pile, and blot spills immediately with a dry cloth. Light steam held a few inches from the fabric lifts crushed pile. Beyond that, we recommend professional cleaning for both velvet and genuine leather.

How to wash couch cushion covers

Only machine wash a cover if the fabric and the care label allow it. Zippers on cushion covers are there so the cover can be fitted over the foam; they don't always mean the cover is washable. If yours is washable:

1. Take the foam out and close the zipper so it doesn't snag.
2. Wash on a gentle or delicate cycle in cold water with a mild detergent.
3. Skip the dryer. Air dry flat or on a line.
4. Put the cover back on while it is still slightly damp, so it stretches into shape.

Many non-Sunbrella covers shrink a little when washed, which makes them hard to get back on. Wash all the covers from one couch together so they stay the same color.

Never soak the foam

Foam inserts hold water for a long time and can grow mildew inside. Spot clean foam with a barely damp cloth and let it dry completely before putting the cover back on. Dry Fast foam, made for outdoor cushions, is the exception: its open cells let water drain straight through.

When cleaning isn't enough

If the fabric is faded, pilled or permanently stained, new sofa cushion covers made to the size of your foam give the couch a fresh look. If the cushions have gone flat, replacement couch cushion foam or complete replacement couch cushions will bring the seat back. For homes with kids and pets, Sunbrella is the easiest fabric to keep clean.

Frequently asked questions

How do you wash couch cushion covers?

Check the care label first. If it allows washing, remove the foam, zip the cover closed, and wash it on a cold, gentle cycle with mild detergent. Air dry it and refit it while it's slightly damp.

Can you put couch cushion covers in the washing machine?

Only if the label says so. Sunbrella covers can be machine washed on a delicate cycle in cold water. Many other upholstery fabrics, including Warwick, are meant to stay on the cushion and be spot cleaned instead. If you're unsure, spot clean.

How often should I deep clean couch cushions?

Vacuum weekly and deep clean once or twice a year, more often with pets or young children.

Can I use baking soda on couch cushions?

Yes, on most fabrics. Sprinkle it on, leave it for 20 minutes to absorb odors, then vacuum it off thoroughly. Test on a hidden spot first.

How do I get a water ring out?

On W-coded fabrics, dampen the whole panel evenly with distilled water and blot, so it dries without an edge. On S-coded fabrics, use a solvent cleaner or call a professional.

Can I put the foam in the washing machine?

No. Washing machines can tear foam, and wet foam takes a long time to dry. Spot clean it gently and let it dry completely.

Cleaning will keep your cushions looking good for years, and when they finally wear out, we can make new ones to your exact size. You'll see the price instantly in our cushion builder, or email care@fabricakraft.com with any cleaning questions.