Here are 14 DIY methods to clean the futon covers without removing them. The cover protects the furniture and also enhances the charm of the bed when you match it with the wall color.
How to Clean a Futon Cover Without Taking It Off? You can clean the futon cover without taking it off by dry cleaning, vacuum cleaning, and steam cleaning. Clean it with detergent and water solution and dry with a hairdryer or in the sun. In addition, you can remove the stains by ammonia solution, mineral spirit, and absorb moisture by talcum powder and baking soda. You should consider the type of fabric, temperature, and maintain humidity for effective cleaning.
Many people like to put futon covers to shield and decorate the furniture. Usually, you remove it to clean properly, but sometimes you can also vanish the stains without removing them.
Absorbing agent method
Some people want to clean the futon cover without removing it because it is sometimes hard for a single person to manage it.
It happens that you put a cup of tea or glass of water on the futon, and suddenly it splashes on it. Sprinkle the baking soda on that area, and it will suck the moisture.
If the futon cover is white, then you can put talcum powder on the stain. Talcum powder will retain the color and remove more moisture from it.
You do not need to worry about oily stains because corn starch is available. Cover the stain with corn starch with a thick layer and leave it for ten minutes. After ten minutes, rub the corn starch with the cover gently and remove it.
It will absorb the oil and become moist by absorbing the oil from cotton or wool cover. Remove it and apply the corn starch again to clean it properly. You will have a surprising result after this procedure.
Vacuum cleaning
Vacuum cleaning is the best method to remove stubborn dust particles and sticky dust. Many people place the leather and thick fabric futon covers.
It won’t be easy to clean when you take it apart because its weight will increase by absorbing the water. However, it is the preferred method when you do not want to remove the cover for cleaning. Take a vacuum cleaner and run it all over the surface.
It will pull the stubborn dirt and hairs stick to the cover within no time. It is beneficial for fabric, such as linen, cotton, and wool, but preferable for leather and spandex.
Detergents solution
Use detergent solution in recommended quantity to remove the blot from the futon cover. Take any detergent in liquid or powder form about one tablespoon and add this in two cups of water.
Mix well to make a solution and apply it to the stain with the help of a sponge. Dip the sponge or soft fabric in this solution and squeeze lightly to keep the dripping water away. Keep this sponge or a piece of soft fabric on the stain and press to release the absorbed detergent solution.
The standard detergent is available in the market that you can use for cleaning purposes. Rub that area gently with hands or with a fresh and wet fabric. Repeat this procedure until all the detergent will remove. Dry this under the fan and sun. You can also sprinkle talcum powder for quick drying.
Use of hairdryer
The daily dusting of furniture will not get extra dust particles in the linings and pattern of futon covers. You can use a hairdryer that will blow away the dust. You should be careful while using the hairdryer. Move your hand gently all over the surface with an equal pause.
It is the easiest method that you can do at home without removing the cover. However, you should do it daily or after two days so that the dust will not gather between the designs and pattern.
Mineral spirit
When you see a stain on the cover after some time, you can remove it using mineral spirit, alcohol, and vinegar solutions. Take one cup of water and add 1/4 cup of mineral spirit to make a solution.
Pour the solution directly on the stain and leave it for few minutes. Rub the surface of the futon cotton, wool, and spandex cover to remove ink, tomato ketchup, and gravy spots.
Similarly, make the diluted solution of vinegar in water. For this, take half a cup of vinegar in two cups of water and mix it well.
Alcohol is effective for the dust spot that will not remove with soap or detergents. Take a small quantity of alcohol and dilute it in excessive water.
Be careful while using the alcohol for cleaning because it can damage the fabric lining when you use it directly. Always make a diluted solution and test on a separate piece of cloth.
Ice rubbing
It happens that children go around all over the room and eat snacks and chewing gum. Sometimes the chewing gum sticks to the cover and is difficult to remove.
If you do not want to uncover the futon, take an ice cube from the freezer and rub it on the bubble gum. It will weaken the bonding of the cover with chewing gum. You should rub the ice until it is removed.
It is a helpful method to clean the sticky and sweet things from the cover. It not only removes the sticky chewing gum but also the candies and toffees. It will become wet as the ice melts and moisten the surface. You can dry it using a hairdryer and talcum powder etc.
Steam cleaning
You can do steam cleaning to the futon cover without removing it. Cotton, linen, and polyester covers bear steam cleaning.
Do not place the steam cleaner on the stain directly; take this at the corner and check the effect. If it does not damage and maintain its color, you can do it all over the surface.
As steam occurs at high temperatures, you should know the type of fabric that can bear the heat. Sensitive cloth cannot bear the heat, and the fibers denature.
Use Wax paper towel and Baby wipes
When water spreads on the futon cover, clean it immediately with a dry towel and tissue paper. You can also clean the juices and cold drinks stains with a wax paper towel and baby wipes.
Use the wax paper towel by rubbing and pressing the surface gently. It has moisture in it that will clean the cover. You do not need to add extra water and dip in any solution.
You can use baby wipes instead of wax paper towel as it is also damp and has cleaning action. However, do not use the same wipe all over the surface as it will again leave dirt on it.
Take a wipe, rub on the small area, and throw it in the dustbin, then take another wipe and repeat the same procedure.
Diluted Ammonia Solution
Ammonia is an active chemical and needs careful handling and precautions. Put on gloves in your hands before starting the procedure. Take 1000 ml water and add two tablespoons of ammonia to it.
Dip the soft fabric in the water-containing bowl and squeeze the dripping water. Take this wet cloth to the surface and rub it. Take another clean cloth or wash the same to dip again in the solution.
Deodorizing agent
Take a teaspoon of baking soda and cover it all over the surface. It will reduce the pungent smell and impart smoothness to the cover.
You can also put some talcum powder and market-based deodorizing agent. Here is another ingredient to deodorize is lavender oil. It will spread a pleasant odor in the surrounding.
You can also place the scented candles near the cover. Add one teaspoon of baking soda in 1/4 cup of vinegar or lemon juice and mix it well. Keep this on the stain or neat it for some time.
You can also place the baking soda alone to remove the odor. The purpose of vanilla extract is to impart fragrance. Therefore, the minor quantity of vanilla extract will give a strong fragrance.
When you are done with the stain cleaning, take a spray bottle filled with water and add few drops of soap to it. Spray this water all around; it will impart fragrance as well as disinfect the surface.
Things to consider when cleaning the Futon covers
You should know about the type of fabric because all kinds of fabric do not afford washing. You can clean the cotton, wool, and spandex cover with a wet and dry cloth. Polyester covers bear the washing and cleaning when you mistakenly put something on them.
You should be careful before using any chemicals on the fabric. Do not apply the direct solution to the stain. Always test it at the corner or same piece of cloth; if it does not react or damage, go ahead for further procedure.
Some covers are heat sensitive and do not bear high temperatures. Sometimes it will be harmful to clean a specific cover with hot water. You should know about the type and washing of the cover when you purchase it.
The maintenance of humidity is an essential factor during and after cleaning. You should turn on the fans and open the doors to avoid moisture. You can place it in the open air or sun for drying.
Which type of futon cover is more durable after frequent cleaning?
There are different types of futon cover such as cotton, linen, spandex, wool, and polyester. You can also buy and use blends of fabric such as cotton and linen.
Polyester covers are more durable than any other type because you can clean them with wet cloth and ammonia solution. In addition, polyester has a plastic and soft surface that can bear vacuum and steam cleaning.
The cotton and linen cover color fades away when you wash it with detergents and chemicals again and again, but the polyester maintains its texture and appearance after frequent washing.
Are futon covers washable?
Yes, futon covers are washable; you can clean them without removing them from the furniture.
Many people use the detergents solution method, and other use ammonia solution to wipe the surface. It not only vanish the stain but also disinfects the surface.
Keep the deodorizing agent near it, such as charcoal and scent candles, or sprinkle on the surface like baking soda to reduce the smell.
How much time does it take?
The time duration depends on the method of cleaning and surface area. For example, it will take 15minutes when you use wipes and wax paper towels on a small area.
The time will increase up to 45 to 50 minutes when you steam and vacuum clean the whole futon cover. The average time to clean the cover of any type by following any method is about 15 minutes to 60 minutes.
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