How to Clean Couch Cushions (Without Shrinking the Covers)

Couch cushions collect crumbs, pet hair, spills and body oils — and because the covers have zippers, it's tempting to toss them in the washing machine. That's one of the most common ways people ruin a sofa. Here's how to clean cushions safely.

Why not to machine-wash the covers

Cushion zippers are usually there to get the foam in at the factory, not for laundering. Washing and drying can shrink covers, fade colors, change the texture, and leave you with covers that don't match the rest of the couch — or won't fit back on. Only machine-wash covers if the care tag specifically says you can.

Step 1: Vacuum

Take the cushions off and vacuum all sides with the upholstery tool, plus the seams and the deck underneath. Use a crevice tool along the welting.

Step 2: Freshen

For general freshness, sprinkle a light layer of baking soda on the cushions, let it sit for 20–30 minutes, then vacuum it up thoroughly.

Step 3: Spot clean

Check the cleaning code on the couch tag (W, S, W/S or X). For water-safe fabric, use a mild detergent solution on a white cloth, blot from the outside in, then blot with plain water. Don't soak the cushion — water that reaches the foam takes a long time to dry and can leave rings. For "S" fabrics, use a solvent-based upholstery cleaner as directed.

Step 4: Dry evenly

Stand cushions on edge with a fan blowing across them. Drying the whole surface evenly helps prevent water rings.

Keep them looking good longer

• Flip and rotate cushions every week or two so they wear evenly.
• Fluff cushions regularly to keep their shape.
• Use a washable throw where pets like to sleep.
• Keep the couch out of direct sun to reduce fading.

When it's time for a deep clean

If the cushions look darker than the back of the couch, there are pet accidents, or spot cleaning has left blotches, a professional cleaning evens everything out. We check the fabric first and deep-clean the whole piece, so cushions and frame match. Customers have had everything from a "WHITE couch from Ethan Allen" to a couch "which our dogs live on" brought back. See our upholstery cleaning prices.