Cushion covers add comfort and style to your home, but improper washing can cause faded colours, shrinkage, and misshapen fabric. Knowing the correct washing method helps extend their life, keeps them looking new, and saves money over time.
This guide explains the safest way to wash cushion covers made of cotton, linen, polyester, velvet, silk, or blends.
Why Cushion Covers Fade or Lose Shape
Damage usually happens because of hot water, harsh detergents, excessive spinning, direct sunlight, and improper drying. These factors weaken fabric fibres and cause colours to fade or the material to shrink.
How to Wash Cushion Covers Safely
Start by checking the care label stitched inside the cushion cover. It gives important instructions about water temperature, washing method, and drying style. Ignoring this label is one of the main reasons cushion covers get damaged.
Wash cushion covers by separating light and dark colours to avoid colour bleeding. Turning the covers inside out helps protect surface dye and preserves prints or embroidery. Always use cold water, as hot water causes shrinkage and fades fabric colour.
Choose a mild, colour-safe detergent. Avoid bleach and strong stain removers because they strip colour and weaken fibres. Do not overload the washing machine, since overcrowding increases friction and stretches the fabric. Use a gentle or delicate wash cycle to keep the fabric shape intact.
How to Dry Cushion Covers Properly
After washing, never wring cushion covers, as twisting damages fabric fibres and ruins shape. Instead, press out extra water gently with a towel. Dry covers in the shade rather than direct sunlight, since sun exposure fades colours quickly. Tumble dryers should be avoided for most fabrics because heat can shrink cotton and damage decorative details.
Fabric-Specific Care
Cotton covers should be washed in cold water on a gentle cycle and air-dried. Linen requires a delicate cycle or hand wash and should be laid flat to dry. Polyester and blended fabrics are durable and can handle cold or lukewarm water with low spin speed. Velvet covers should not be machine washed — spot cleaning or dry cleaning works best. Silk covers must be hand washed using silk-safe detergent and should never be wrung.
Where to Buy Quality Cushion Covers
Using good-quality fabric makes maintenance easier and increases lifespan. If you want premium cushion covers and home décor:
Buy Online: https://aawrun.com
You can also visit their experience stores:
SOUTH CITY MALL
Phone: 033 4073 5151
375, Prince Anwar Shah Road, 3rd Floor, Shop No-324
Kolkata, West Bengal, 700068
VARDAAN MARKET
Phone: 033 4605 1962
1st Floor, 101/102/103, 25A Camac St
Kolkata, West Bengal, 700016
City Centre 1
Phone: 011 3536 4291
Shop No. D104, City Centre 1, Salt Lake
Kolkata, 700064
How Often Should Cushion Covers Be Washed
Covers used daily should be washed every two to three weeks. Decorative cushions can be washed once every one to two months. Homes with pets or kids may need washing every one to two weeks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using hot water, drying in harsh sunlight, overusing detergent, mixing heavy clothes with cushion covers, and ignoring care labels can all shorten the lifespan of your cushion covers.
FAQs
How do I wash cushion covers without fading?
Use cold water and mild detergent, turn covers inside out, and dry in shade.
Can cushion covers be machine washed?
Yes, cotton, polyester, and blends can be washed on a gentle cycle.
Why do cushion covers lose shape?
High spin speed, wringing, and hot water stretch the fibres.
Is handwashing better?
It’s safer for delicate fabrics like linen, silk, and velvet.
Can I iron cushion covers?
Yes, use low heat and iron inside out.
How do I keep printed covers bright?
Wash separately, avoid sunlight drying, and use colour-safe detergent.
