Guide · Carpets, sofas and upholstery ·
How to Wash Cushions
Cushions are used all the time on sofas, beds and chairs, so they pick up dust, sweat, and food and drink stains. A cushion's cover fabric and the type of filling inside decide how it is washed: removable covers can usually be machine washed, while some fillings can be washed and others must never be put in water. This guide explains how to wash cushion covers and cushions by hand and in the machine, the types of filling and how to dry them correctly.
Before washing
- Read the labels: check the care labels of the cover and the inner filling separately; the cover may be washable even if the filling is not.
- Remove the cover: take off the zipped or buttoned cover and assess the inner filling separately.
- Remove the dust: beat the cushion and remove dust from the seams with the vacuum cleaner's brush attachment.
- Pre-treat stains: apply a stain remover to stains before washing; test the product on a hidden spot first.
How to wash cushion covers?
- Turn the cover inside out and close its zip; the zip will not snag other laundry and the outer side of the fabric is protected.
- Wash coloured covers separately from light colours; wash new and dark covers on their own for the first few washes.
- Choose the programme and temperature on the fabric care label; use detergent for coloureds or, for white covers, detergent for whites, at the dose on the label.
- Take the cover out of the machine without leaving it and dry it in shape; ironing it while slightly damp reduces creases.
How to wash cushions in the washing machine?
Cushions whose cover cannot be removed, or whose inner filling can be machine washed according to its label, can be washed at a low temperature on a delicate programme with a low spin speed. So that the machine spins evenly, wash two cushions together or with a few towels, and use detergent at the dose on the label; too much detergent does not rinse fully out of the filling. Do not put cushions whose label does not mention machine washing into the machine. For pillows, see how to wash a pillow.
How to wash polyester-filled cushions?
Most cushions with polyester fibre filling can be machine or hand washed according to their label. For hand washing, fill a basin with lukewarm water, dissolve TETİK Hand-Wash Powder Detergent completely in the water, wash the cushion by pressing it into the water and releasing it, and rinse until no foam remains. Do not wring the cushion; press the water out instead. While it dries, shake the cushion from time to time to stop the fibres clumping.
Foam and feather fillings
Foam filling absorbs water, dries slowly and can lose its shape when washed; with foam cushions, wash only the cover and air the foam. For cushions filled with down and feathers, follow the instructions on the filling's label; if the label does not allow washing, use professional cleaning. Cushions filled with beads or grain are not put in water. For foam, cotton and fibre seat cushions, see the guide how to wash seat cushions.
Velvet, plush and fluffy cushions
Velvet, plush and fluffy covers are sensitive to friction; turn the cover inside out and wash it cold or at a low temperature on a delicate programme, or by hand. Do not wring a fluffy cover; straighten the pile with a soft brush in the direction of the fibres and dry it in the shade. For velvet fabrics, see how to wash velvet; for softness, you can use fabric softener at the dose on the label (how to use fabric softener).
Punch-needle and buttoned cushions
- On punch-needle cushions, the loops can loosen with friction; wash these cushions by hand in cold water without rubbing.
- On buttoned covers, undo the buttons; wash covers with decorative buttons, sequins and beads by hand rather than in the machine.
- On cushions whose decorative parts cannot be removed, lift stains in place by pressing with a damp cloth.
Stains on cushions
Pre-treat food, drink and makeup stains on cushion covers before washing with a stain remover such as İLK BOR Leke Sihirbazı and leave it for the time on the label; test the product on a hidden spot first. On cushions whose cover cannot be removed, lift the stain by pressing with product applied to a clean cloth and wipe with a clean damp cloth (how to use stain remover). For the sofa itself, see how to clean a sofa.
How to dry cushions?
Dry a washed cushion in an airy, shady place, flat or on a line, and turn and shake it from time to time. Do not put the cover back on or use the cushion before the filling is completely dry inside; filling that stays damp can cause bad smells. Use a tumble dryer only if the label allows it and on low heat; do not put foam, fluffy or punch-needle cushions in the tumble dryer.
What not to do when washing cushions
- Putting the cover and filling in the machine together without checking the label.
- Putting foam, bead or grain-filled cushions in water.
- Using too much detergent: it does not rinse fully out of the filling.
- Wringing the cushion.
- Putting the cover back on before the filling is completely dry.
For hotels, cafés and restaurants
In hotels, cafés and restaurants, cushion covers are used heavily, so they should be kept in reserve and tied to a regular washing plan; removable, machine-washable covers make care easier. TETİK Laundry Detergent for Coloureds is sold in 4 kg packs, TETİK Hand-Wash Powder Detergent in 20 kg, and TETİK Soft fabric softener in 1, 5 and 30 kg. For product lists, see the hotel cleaning supplies list and laundry supplies and chemicals; for bulk purchases, you can request a quote.
