Your sofa covers take a lot of wear and tear — from food spills and pet fur to dust and body oils. Regular washing not only keeps them looking fresh but also helps maintain a clean, healthy living space. If you’ve ever wondered how to wash sofa covers without damaging them, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Whether you have a simple cotton cover or a delicate designer fabric, let’s explore the best ways to clean sofa covers at home using locally available products in Kenya.
🧽 Why Cleaning Sofa Covers Is Important
✨ Hygiene – Kills germs, bacteria, and dust mites.
🧺 Aesthetics – Keeps colors vibrant and fresh.
🌬️ Odor Control – Removes sweat, food, and pet odors.
🛡️ Preservation – Extends the life of your sofa set.
🛋️ Types of Sofa Covers & Washing Instructions
Different sofa fabrics require different cleaning methods. Let’s look at the most common types found in Kenyan homes:
1. Cotton or Linen Covers
These are the most common and easiest to wash.
✅ How to Wash:
Machine-washable – Use cold or lukewarm water on a gentle cycle.
Use mild detergent (e.g., Toss, Sunlight, Ariel, or Gental Care Liquid Detergent).
Air-dry under shade to prevent fading.
🧼 Pro Tip: Add a splash of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help eliminate odor and soften fabric.
2. Polyester or Microfiber Covers
These are stain-resistant but can still collect dust and body oils over time.
✅ How to Wash:
Machine wash in cold water on a gentle cycle.
Use a liquid detergent and avoid bleach.
Dry naturally — avoid tumble dryers to prevent shrinkage.
🧴 Recommended Product: Kiwi Soft Liquid Detergent – gentle and available in local supermarkets.
3. Velvet or Suede Covers
Luxurious but delicate — handle with extra care.
✅ How to Wash:
Hand wash only in cold water.
Use a small amount of gentle detergent (e.g. Baby-safe liquid soap or Gental Care).
Do not wring – instead press gently to remove excess water.
Air dry on a flat surface, away from direct sunlight.
🧼 Pro Tip: Brush velvet gently with a fabric brush to restore its texture after drying.
📌 Step-by-Step: How to Wash Sofa Covers at Home
Regardless of fabric type, here’s the standard washing process:
✅ Step 1: Check the Label
Before anything, look for the manufacturer’s care label on the cover. It tells you whether it’s machine-washable, hand-wash only, or dry-clean.
✅ Step 2: Vacuum the Covers
Use a vacuum cleaner (or handheld brush) to remove:
Dust
Crumbs
Pet fur
This prevents dirt from spreading during washing.
✅ Step 3: Pretreat Stains
For grease, wine, food, or ink stains:
Mix water with a few drops of dish soap or white vinegar.
Dab the stain gently using a soft cloth — don’t rub!
You can also use local stain removers like Vanish or Blue Omo Bar Soap.
✅ Step 4: Wash the Covers
Based on fabric type, either machine-wash or hand-wash as explained above. Always turn the covers inside out to preserve color and avoid zipper damage.
✅ Step 5: Air Dry Naturally
Hang the covers in a shaded area with good airflow. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent color fading.
✅ Step 6: Iron If Needed
Only iron if the label allows. Use low heat and avoid using steam on delicate fabrics.
🔁 How Often Should You Wash Sofa Covers?
| Usage Level | Recommended Cleaning Frequency |
|---|---|
| High traffic home (kids, pets) | Every 2–4 weeks |
| Regular household | Every 4–6 weeks |
| Rarely used/guest room | Every 2–3 months |
🧼 What If Covers Are Not Removable?
If your sofa covers are non-removable, use the following cleaning methods:
Vacuum regularly to remove surface dirt.
Spot clean using a damp cloth and mild soap.
Steam cleaning for deep cleaning (Available from Kejani Cleaning Services).
🛒 Locally Available Products for Cleaning Sofa Covers
Here are some recommended cleaning products available in Kenya:
| Product Name | Use Case | Available At |
|---|---|---|
| Sunlight Liquid Detergent | General fabric cleaning | Supermarkets / Kejani Store |
| Gental Care Liquid Detergent | Sensitive fabric & baby-safe wash | Kejani Cleaning Store |
| Kiwi Soft Detergent | Delicate fabric | Local shops & online |
| Vanish Oxi Action Stain Remover | Tough stain pre-treatment | Kejani /local shops |
| Blue Omo Bar Soap | Spot cleaning and scrubbing | Widely available |
👨🔧 When to Call Professional Sofa Cleaners
If:
The fabric is too delicate or expensive
Covers are not removable
There are tough stains or odors
You don’t have time or tools
📞 Call Kejani Cleaning Services for professional sofa cover and upholstery cleaning across Nairobi County, Kiambu County, Kajiado County, Mombasa County, Machakos County, Nakuru County, Kilifi County, Meru County, Narok County and beyond.
📋 Price Guide for Professional Sofa Cleaning
| Service | Price (Per Seater) |
|---|---|
| Sofa Shampooing | Ksh 1000 |
| Sofa Steam Cleaning | Ksh 1000 |
| White Sofa Cleaning | Ksh 1000 |
| Fabric Sofa | Ksh 600 |
| Leather Sofa | Ksh 850 |
| Recliner or Large Sofa | Ksh 700 |
📍 Note: Minimum 5 seaters for free transport — otherwise, a small transport fee may apply.
Final Thoughts
Washing your sofa covers is one of the easiest ways to maintain a clean, fresh home. With the right detergent, a little care, and proper drying techniques, you can keep your sofa looking brand new without spending thousands.
Whether you DIY at home or choose to book a professional sofa cleaning service from Kejani, regular cleaning helps extend the life of your furniture and promotes a healthier environment for your family.
💬 Need Help?
📞 Call or WhatsApp us now to schedule sofa or upholstery cleaning.
🌐 Visit: www.kejanicleaning.co.ke
🚚 We serve homes, offices, and businesses across Nairobi County, Kiambu County, Kajiado County, Mombasa County, Machakos County, Nakuru County, Kilifi County, Meru County, Narok County and beyond.
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