IKEA Ektorp Beige Slipcovered Couch Care {An easy & fast cleaning routine}

It took several years of owning several couches before I found the one that I truly love. I finally discovered the IKEA Ektorp slipcovered couches a few years ago, and can only wonder why I hadn’t discovered these couches sooner. Now that we have owned this couch for a few years, I can happily say I still love it and that it is a fantastic option for families with kids and pets. The couch itself is very affordable at just $799 for the beige slipcovered sectional option, with additional covers starting at only $99! I love that you can change the cover and refresh your style without having to invest in a whole new couch. The size of the couch is just right. It doesn’t consume your whole room, yet several of us can relax on it comfortably at once. I pair it with the coordinating Ektorp chair and ottoman, and have another 2-seat Ektorp loveseat in our front room.

If your looking for ideas to decorate your couch and home, check out my favorite decor here!

My favorite color is the Lofallet Beige, which is a very light beige that hides light wear and marks well between washings, and looks amazing with farmhouse styled homes! All the Ektorp couches in my home have the beige cover and look beautiful! I purchased an extra beige cover for each of my pieces so that if one piece gets beyond washing I will have the matching color ready to go. IKEA does tend to discontinue colors over time, so I recommend that you keep a spare if you really love a color you find!

When I needed to wash my covers for the first time, I searched for proper care routines everywhere because I did not want to shrink or damage my covers, but couldn’t find a good wash routine specifically for the beige covers. So after testing out my own wash routine a few times and getting it just right, I decided to share my routine so your couch care, hopefully, can be as easy and hassle free as possible.

Please note that my advice may counter the directions on your cover, and it is your responsibility to read your cover carefully and proceed with care if you follow my routine.

My easy & fast IKEA Ektorp slipcover wash routine:

Step 1: Remove the covers from all of your couches, chairs, ottomans (including the main frame cover). Once you have your covers off, divide them into small wash loads. Don’t overload your washer otherwise the detergent may not properly wash all parts (and who wants to repeat the routine because you missed some areas?)

I divide mine into 4 loads: 1)sectional main cover 2)sectional seat cushions 3)sectional back cushions 4) chair/ottoman. If you only have the sectional, I suggest using the first 3 wash load divisions.

Step 2: Begin one wash load at a time, beginning with the main frame cover, using a mild detergent. My laundry combination includes 2 tablespoons of Costco Kirkland detergent and 1 tablespoon of Clorox2 for colors. This is what I use for all my laundry and it works fantastically for everyday laundry care. Stains may require pre-treatment and should be tested using your remedy with care.

Step 3: Begin drying one load at a time. Your cover most likely says do not dry/do not tumble dry. Drying in a dryer risks shrinkage! My technique is to use the dryer on medium heat for only 15-20 minutes until the cover pieces are just damp, but not super wet. This helps remove wrinkles and speeds up the process. While the cover is still damp, place it back on the frame of the couch and continue to allow it to air-dry. It may appear wrinkly as pictured here, you can allow it to rest or steam it if you prefer.

Step 4: Dry the rest of the cover one load at a time using the same technique as above, checking every 5 minutes to ensure the covers do not dry too much. While still damp, put them back on the cushions. They should be easy to put on without having shrinkage.

Step 5: Once all the loads have completed washing and light drying, and the covers have been put back on the cushions and frame, lay them out so that they can continue air-dry for the remainder of the day. I usually start the process early in the day so the covers have 6 or more hours to air dry. I also have the heat on in the house to help speed up the process, though that is completely optional.

Step 6: At the end of the day once all the covers have air-dryed completely, put the cushions back in their proper place, fluff, and smooth. My technique removes most of the wrinkles so I just allow the cover to settle for a couple days (and leave the small wrinkles as is). You could also steam them if desired.

I generally wash the covers as needed, no more than every 3 months. Its an easy seasonal task that keeps them looking fresh and new! And if for some reason cleaning doesn’t do the trick, remember, a new cover is only $99!

And check out my other home decor ideas here.

I hope my routine will help you when you establish your wash routine for your IKEA Ektorp couches!

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