How to Wash The IKEA Ektorp Slipcovers

Learn how to easily wash your IKEA Ektorp slip covers. You’ll never have a dirty sofa again!

We’ve had the IKEA Ektorp couch and chairs for about three years now, and I’ve been so pleased with how they’ve held up. What drew me to them initially was the idea of being able to WASH MY COUCH. I can’t even tell you how many times I said that I wish I could throw my couch in the washing machine. When I learned that the Ektorp had removable, washable slipcovers, I knew it was the next couch I wanted. I’m happy to report it is very simple to wash the slipcovers, too!

I’m embarassed to admit how filthy our couch was. It needed washed ASAP. While I had it all torn apart, I thought that someone out there might be wondering how to wash their own slip covered couch. So, why not share my knowledge.

wash slipcovers Ikea ektorp — She was living her best life while the cushions were all off. 🙂

Washing your slipcover is as easy as 1 – 2 – 3

Start by removing all of the slipcovers from the cushions, and the couch body.
Load your washing machine, and wash on normal cycle, cold water. I usually do my couch covers in two separate loads. I like to wash the large slipcover that covers the body of the couch separate from the cushion covers. If your washing machine is large enough to accommodate them all, definitely take advantage!
Put the covers back on the couch body and cushions while they’re damp. This helps keep them from getting super wrinkled, and you get to skip the ironing.

I wash my slipcovers on a normal cycle in cold water. Once they’re done washing, I take them out and throw them in the dryer for 5 minutes on medium heat. THIS IS NOT RECOMMENDED BY IKEA. DO NOT do this step unless you’re absolutely sure you won’t be upset if they shrink, even a tiny bit. I’ve never had any trouble with it, but FULL DISCLOSURE IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED. I’m just a rebel, I guess. 😉

Once I’m done with that I put all of the slipcovers back on the cushions, and the body of the couch. I try to do the couch’s covers in the evening before we go to bed. That way I know that when we wake up in the morning they’ll be nice and dry for us to enjoy. I usually pile them all back on the couch, and let them hang out until morning.

How often do you wash the slipcovers?

The answer to that is it’s entirely up to you. I’ve washed mine as frequently as once a month, and I’ve gone as long as almost six months between washings. I try to wash them before any stains set in, but you know, life and all. 😉

The picture on the left above is AFTER I washed the slipcover. The right is before. Can you even believe how clean they come!? It’s truly amazing to me every single time I wash them. An added bonus of being able to wash the slipcovers is it makes the whole room smell fresh and clean.

One day soon I plan to do a full review on the couch since we’ve had it for nearly three years. It’s one of the pieces I get asked the most about, and I can honestly say that I still love it.

That’s it from me today, guys! As always, thanks so much for stopping by, and spending a little part of your day with me.