How to Clean & Sanitize Couch Slipcovers, Cushions and Throw Pillows

Clorox makes it easy to learn how to clean and sanitize couch slipcovers, cushions and throw pillows. Clorox® Disinfecting Mist spot sanitizes leather, fabric, and microfiber couches.

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Question

Can I use Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach on a slipcover that’s not solid white? I don’t mind if the bleach lightens the fabric, it’s just so soiled that I want it brighter.

Answer

If the slipcover is cotton or cotton/polyester, then you can wash it with Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach.  Here are some other considerations for how you can proceed:

  1. Wash in hot water using a good detergent and ⅓ cup Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach.
  2. If the slipcover is very dirty, start by soaking the entire slipcover (and any cushion covers and matching throw pillows) fully submerged in a bleach solution of ¼ cup Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach per gallon of water for 5 minutes.  Drain the soaking solution and then wash as described above.
  3. Avoid shrinkage — keep the slip cover pieces out of the dryer. Instead, put them back on the couch before they dry. This is especially important for cushion covers, which need to be stretched over the cushions while still damp or they won’t fit back on again.
  4. If the slipcover is made of nylon or rayon, I would still expect it to be bleachable, but I would confirm this first with a bleachability test: add 2 teaspoons bleach to ¼ cup water and apply a drop of this solution to a less-visible part of the slipcover. Wait 1 minute and then rinse and blot dry — any color change will give you an idea what to expect if you bleach the slipcover. In fact you may even want to do this if the slip cover is made of cotton, and you may also want to check any topstitching thread to see if that will shift color when bleached.
  5. If you decide you don’t want to use bleach on the slipcover, then I would try an overnight pre-soak using Clorox 2® for Colors Powder. Use a ratio of 1 scoop Clorox 2® per 2 gallons of hot water—make sure the powder has completely dissolved and then add the slip cover to the soaking solution. Make sure it is fully submerged (weigh it down if you need to) and let it sit overnight or up to 8 hours.  Drain the soaking solution and then wash in hot water using detergent and more Clorox 2®. Air dry as described above.
  6. Learn more about using Clorox® Disinfecting Mist to sanitize leather and other soft surfaces here.

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