How to wash microfiber couch covers – expert steps to a spotless statement seat

Wondering how to wash microfiber couch covers? This simple method will keep your furnishing fresher for longer

A burnt orange velvet couch for a small living room with dark blue walls and abstract art.
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Learning how to wash microfiber couch covers may appear tedious, but the process will elevate your space without investing too much time, energy or expense. 

While knowing how to clean a couch is widespread knowledge, there is less of a focus on the power of microfiber – and how you can use these covers to protect your favorite statement sofa. 

Your microfiber couch cover is there to take the dust, dirt, and spills that would otherwise mark your furnishing, so it's only inevitable that you will need to give it a refresh after some time. And with the right cleaning tips, the process has transformative results. This is how to wash microfiber couch covers, the professional way. 

How to wash microfiber couch covers – 4 expert steps for a spotless finish 

Coastal living room ideas with blue and yellow color scheme

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'Microfiber is a type of fabric that is made from very fine fibers of polyester. It is popular for its softness, durability, and stain resistance. Therefore, microfiber couch covers are a great way to protect your furniture from spills and wear and tear, says Utah-based cleaning expert Oberon Copeland. He offers four steps to making the process simpler.  

1. Vacuum the microfiber couch cover 

Before cleaning, Oberon suggests removing the cover from the couch and using your best vacuum cleaner to remove any loose dirt or debris. 'If there are any spots or stains, pretreat them with a stain remover before washing,' he adds. 

2. Pre-treat any stubborn stains 

Microfiber is one of the many things you can clean with vinegar, and you can use it in a solution to treat any harsh stains. Expert Davin Eberhardt from Nature of Home recommends mixing a solution of one cup of white vinegar with two cups of water before dipping a sponge into the mixture and wiping any marks away. 

'Be sure to wring out the sponge or cloth before using it again, as you don't want any excess liquid seeping into the cushions,' Davin warns. 

Light living room with rattan table and chairs and patterned blinds

(Image credit: Jan Baldwin / Future)

3. Put the cover in a washing machine 

Most microfiber couch covers are washing machine friendly, meaning the main part of the cleaning process is easy. Oberon suggests using warm water and mild laundry detergent [such as this one on Amazon]. 

However, you should be careful not to use bleach or fabric softener, as they can damage the fabric.

4. Leave your cover to air dry 

After your washing machine cycle ends, you should let your cover air dry wherever possible. Alternatively, you could place it in a dryer on a low heat, but the natural way is better. 'By following these simple tips, you can keep your microfiber couch covers clean and looking like new,' the expert adds. 

Now you know how to wash a microfiber couch cover, it's time to put the process into action and see how a refreshed cover can elevate your living room instantly. 

Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.