Can a sofa cover be machine washed?

Sofa covers whose label allows it and that fit the machine's capacity can be machine washed on a delicate or duvet programme, at a low temperature and with a low spin. Large covers are washed by hand in the bathtub.

At what temperature should a sofa cover be washed?

A sofa cover is washed at the temperature on its label; a low temperature is recommended for jacquard, velvet and padded covers. The temperature on the label is not exceeded.

Guide · Carpets, sofas and upholstery · October 24, 2026

How to Wash a Sofa Cover

Q: How do you dry a padded sofa cover?

Press the water out of a padded sofa cover without twisting it, dry it spread on a flat surface or over several hangers, and shake it a few times while it dries so the padding spreads evenly.

Sofa covers protect the sofa from stains, hair and wear, which is why they are among the most soiled textiles in the home. Food and drink stains, pet hair and everyday dust build up on the cover. How to wash a sofa cover depends on its fabric and padding: plain fabric covers can be machine washed, while padded, jacquard and velvet covers need a gentler wash. This guide explains how to wash a sofa cover, how to machine wash a sofa cover and how to wash a padded sofa cover. For the sofa itself, see our guide how to clean a sofa.

Types of sofa cover

Plain fabric covers: cotton and polyester covers can usually be machine washed.
Padded (quilted) covers: a thin layer of foam or fibre sits between two layers of fabric; wash gently.
Jacquard and velvet covers: the textured surface is sensitive to friction; wash inside out.
Linen and plush covers: linen can shrink and plush pile can mat; follow the label.

Before you start

Read the label: check the cover's fabric, washing temperature and drying instructions.
Shake it out: shake the cover outdoors to remove crumbs and dust.
Remove hair: take off pet hair with a lint roller or a vacuum cleaner; for details, see how to remove cat hair.
Check for stains: pre-treat stains in a way that suits the fabric before washing.

How to machine wash a sofa cover?

Make sure the cover fits the machine's capacity; do not cram a large cover in.
Use TETİK detergent for coloureds at the dose on the label.
Choose the gentle or duvet programme, the low temperature on the label and a low spin.
Add an extra rinse if needed.
As soon as the wash finishes, take the cover out of the machine and shake it out.

How to wash a padded sofa cover?

In padded and quilted sofa covers, the thin foam or fibre between the two layers of fabric can clump during washing. If the label allows, wash the cover in the machine on a delicate or duvet programme, at a low temperature and with a low spin; wash covers that do not fit the machine in the bathtub. Do not twist or wring the cover; press the water out. Dry the cover spread on a flat surface or over several hangers, and shake it a few times while it dries so the padding spreads evenly.

Jacquard, velvet, linen and plush covers

Jacquard covers: turn inside out and wash at a low temperature; the threads of the pattern can fluff up with friction.
Velvet covers: wash inside out and do not wring, to protect the direction of the pile; for details, see how to wash velvet.
Linen covers: do not exceed the temperature on the label; linen can shrink. Iron while still slightly damp.
Plush covers: do not use fabric softener; the pile mats. Once dry, open up the pile with a soft brush.

Hand washing large covers

Fill the bathtub with lukewarm water and dissolve TETİK hand-wash detergent completely in the water.
Submerge the cover and wash the dirty areas by pressing with your hands; do not rub.
Drain the water and rinse the cover with clean water until no detergent remains.
Press the water out of the cover and spread it over a large area to dry.
For blankets and coverlets: how to wash a blanket.

Drying

Dry the cover in the shade, spread over a wide line or drying rack.
Use a tumble dryer only if the label allows and on low heat.
Do not put the cover back on the sofa until it is completely dry; the upholstery can get damp.
For seat cushions: how to wash seat cushions.
On why a washed, new or leather sofa smells: sofa smell.

What not to do

Squeezing a bedspread that does not fit into the machine.
Twisting and wringing a padded cover.
Using fabric softener on a plush cover.
Washing velvet and jacquard covers at a high temperature.
Putting a damp cover on the sofa.

For hotels, cafés and home textile shops

In hotel lobbies, cafés and the display areas of home textile shops, sofa covers are in constant use and on show; shaking covers out regularly, cleaning stains without delay, washing covers in rotation sorted by fabric and not putting them back until fully dry make for a well-organised routine. For laundry organisation, see our guide Laundry supplies and chemicals. TETİK detergent for coloureds is sold in 4 kg and TETİK hand-wash detergent in 20 kg packs; for bulk purchases you can request a quote.

Prepared by: Tetikoğlu Kimya — cleaning chemicals manufacturer since 1997. When using products, always follow the instructions and warnings on the pack.