The most durable synthetic fiber you can find is olefin. Out of all the synthetic and natural fibers, olefin is the most sturdy and durable, which makes olefin futon covers the longest lasting covers sold on the market. A major downside of olefin is that the fibers are really tough and make for a stiff futon cover. Most futon covers that are made with olefin are labeled as weather-resistant since they can endure harsher conditions compared to the average futon cover. Using a gentle detergent on your futon cover is important not only for the longevity of the cover itself, but for you and other family members if they have sensitive skin.
Choosing a mild detergent can make the difference when trying to minimize fading, shrinking, and stretching of your futon covers. Here are three reliable, gentle laundry detergents that are ideal for washing futon covers:.
Most brand names for liquid detergents offer a gentle or sensitive skin version of their product. There are many methods you could use to wash and clean futon covers. The method you use will depend on the fabric-type of the futon cover and the cleaning instructions provided on the manufacturer tag. Some cleaning methods are harsher on fabrics, so the more durable the fabric is, the greater the likelihood that the futon cover is washable.
Water is too harsh of a solvent for some futon covers, which explains why some covers can only be dry-cleaned or spot cleaned. If you can wash your futon covers, then you have the option of line drying or tumble drying if you have a drying machine available. Line drying enhances the freshness of the fabric, while tumble drying is quicker and efficient by comparison. The most common method for cleaning futon covers is machine laundering, which is the technical term used to refer to the cleaning process facilitated by washing machines.
Since most futon covers are washable, machine laundering is the most convenient way to wash dirty futon covers. Although the machine laundering process is simple on its face, there are still some details you need to pay attention to before washing your futon cover. Using a mild detergent for your futon covers keeps the fabric in good condition by placing less stress on the fabric.
Since hotter temperatures can shrink, damage, or fade some fabrics used in futon covers, the cold wash setting ensures that your futon cover lasts longer. Not all properties provide washers and dryers on site, and laundry facilities are not always close by. Hand washing is a great alternative to machine laundering, and is easy to do in most settings as long as you have a sink, detergent, and running water. The futon cover will be submerged in a cold water-detergent mixture.
Since scrubbing or twisting movements can damage the fabric, gently move the futon cover in the water until the fabric is clean. Hand-washing tools can be helpful, but are not warranted unless you plan on handwashing your futon cover regularly. One way to remove contaminants from futon covers without using water or harsh chemical solvent is steam cleaning. All you need is a dryer and a damp towel. Any contaminants in the futon covers will be removed by the steam that is produced from the damp towel.
So, how does steam cleaning work? For starters, you will need to place your futon covers in a dryer for minutes with a damp towel. If the futon cover is made with durable synthetic materials like polyester or nylon, then you can use the medium-to-high heat settings. Otherwise, use a low heat setting like you would use for delicates. After the minute heating cycle, you can remove the futon covers from the dryer contaminant-free: minor stains, sweat, or other liquid contaminants are removed from the fabric.
Steam cleaning cannot substitute for a deep clean, but is excellent at removing light stains and contaminants from your futon covers. Some fabrics are vulnerable to damage from water—this can lead to unwanted changes in appearance, texture, and fiber damage. Dry clean only futon covers rely on water-free solvents to clean them. As a rule of thumb, never place dry clean only futon covers into washers or dryers, as this can lead to severe damage to the fabric.
Generally speaking, wool, rayon, silk, and linen fabrics are better off being dry-cleaned rather than washed. Nonetheless, always make sure to refer to manufacturer labels before making hasty decisions about whether a futon cover should be placed in the washer or not—this will save you time, money, and potentially your futon cover.
If you are living with a large family and concerned about harsh chemicals used in dry cleaning, then do not worry. There are eco-friendly solvents you can use for dry cleaning such as liquid carbon dioxide and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane D5.
These eco-friendly alternatives are biodegradable and pose less of a health risk. Spot cleaning is an effective cleaning method for futon covers that cannot be washed or dry-cleaned.
As the name implies, spot cleaning involves cleaning specific spots or stains on a futon cover. To be properly equipped, you will need a mild detergent, sponge, water, clean towel cloth, and a large bowl. Remember that some futon covers can only be spot cleaned.
Nevertheless, if you own a washable or dry-clean only futon cover, then spot cleaning is still a viable cleaning method. To avoid the hassle of washing or dry cleaning, you can spot clean your futon cover if you find a couple of dirty spots that need to be cleaned. As with any kind of furniture, unwanted crumbs and debris can accumulate on futons over time when they are not routinely cleaned. Vacuuming is an easy way to get rid of dry litter on futon covers without soaking the futon and futon covers with cleaning solvents.
The great thing about vacuuming is you can do this with any futon cover. Gently vacuuming debris from your futon covers takes little effort and time to do. If you do not own a traditional vacuum cleaner, then you can find vacuums online that are well suited for futons and futon covers.
Using a hand-held vacuum cleaner makes removing debris from futon covers quick and easy. Similar to spot cleaning, sponge washing is the use of a damp cloth to specific parts of the fabric which have picked up dirt or other contaminants.
The main difference between sponge washing and spot cleaning is that the former i. This method is generally used for futon covers that are made with sensitive fabric materials that are not washable and should not come into contact with harsh cleaning solvents. Futon covers, for the most part, are secured with a zipper. It is usually located on the backside of the futon.
To remove the futon cover, make sure to unzip the zipper all the way. Gently remove the futon cover. Once the futon cover is unzipped, you can remove it from the mattress, but you should do this gently.
By taking the futon cover off gently, you will maintain the quality of the mattress without twisting it and potentially damaging it. Moreover, it will help preserve the cover itself. Now that you have removed the futon cover you can begin washing it. Use Cold Water and Mild Detergent To clean a futon cover yourself, you can choose to do it with a washing machine or by hand.
To clean the futon cover in a washing machine, follow these steps: Put the cover in the washing machine. Make sure that the cover fits comfortably in the washing machine. Use mild detergent. Make sure to reference the care tag in case it mentions a specific detergent to use. Otherwise, a mild one is best. A small amount of detergent is all that is needed to wash the futon cover. Set the washing machine to cold water. You do not want to wash your futon cover with warm water unless the tag says you can.
Use the gentle cycle. You do not want the washing machine to be on a high spin level when you are washing the futon cover. Instead, opt for a gentle cycle. You may also use a brush or other cleaning cloth made for delicate fabrics. You do not want to expose your futon cover to high temperatures at any point during cleaning, including the drying phase.
You also want the spin cycle to be low. You do not want the futon cover to be rapidly moving within the dryer. Consider air-drying. Some futon covers are meant to be Spot Cleaned with a mild detergent and then blotted with a towel.
There are many vinyl or leather looking futon covers. These covers are great for people with pets or small children, and they can simply be wiped off with a damp cloth or sponge. The disadvantage is that they can be hot or sticky to sit on. Sunbrella covers are the most incredible covers of all.
To clean them you basically brush off the dirt. You can wipe them off with a sponge with a mild detergent, or wash them, and you can even use bleach on them and they won't fade. They are actually guaranteed to not fade for 5 years in the direct sun.
In our store, when a futon cover got stained or soiled, we never took it to the dry cleaners.
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