Can I wash my couch cushions in the washing machine?

Question

I'm talking about the interior cushion - I've already pulled off and washed the covers, but cannot find any instructions on the foam or whatever interior actual cushion. These are pretty dirty from drink spills and such - while I know they won't be seen, I have a feeling they probably retain odor, dirt, dust mites, etc. - I think I'd just feel better having them washed without having to pay Stanley Steemer to come in and do it. Do you think I could put them in an industrial washer at the laundrymat on a delicate and/or soak cycle then a low dry?

Oh, and these interior pieces aren't just foam - they're covered in a material similar to a mattress pad all the way around - I think that might help keep the shape and integrity, but it's just a guess. Totally open to input!

Answer 1

how about trying to wash them in the bath tub. Pour water and detergent through them, then rinse well, may have to spend quite a while on knees by the tub doing this.

I have a hand held sprayer on the tub for washing dogs! This works on the foam mattresses for the sleeping bags and the mattresses for the fold away beds.

Then lay them out in a shady place where they aren't exactly on the ground to dry.

Answer 2

Here's a really simple solution for you. Get a new spray bottle, fill it with alcohol. Set the spray nozzle on the best spray setting that you can do. Get 2 older washcloths to use. Then, take all of your cushions outside to your picnic table. Lightly spray down the cushions while lightly scrubbing the surfaces with the washcloth. Let the cushions dry in the sun. Don't forget to turn them over to get the other side dry too.This cleans and deodorizes them at the same time and the UV of the sun will also kill any bacteria and dust mites as well. This works really well for me and is easy and cheap to do.

Answer 3

Run them through the dryer- IF THEY FIT with Dryel- it is a dry cleaning pad for at home. It will freshen them right up...

Answer 4

I would advise not to do it by your self... Cushions are very tricky and by getting them wet moisture will stay deep in them even if you put them in  the dryer and you will probably get an even worse odor then before. Have it professionally done, they will have a guarantee.

Answer 5

Wash them in the bath tub, do not use bleach.  It will break down the foam... Use something like simple green, but not too much, because it will foam really bad.  Once you get them rinsed out, get a bottle of the pet urine remover and pour it in a "rinse solution"  of water in the tub (you can add a little tea tree oil as well, to kill bacteria...)  There are enzymes in the urine remover that will get any biological stink out of the cushion... dip the cusions and ring as much water out as you can.  Get the big black force flex  glad bags.  Put a cushion in the bag and take a wet dry vac and put the hose deep into the bag.  Make a seal around the hose and bag (duct tape keeps your hands from getting tired!) and suck as much as the water out as you can.  Set them in front of a heavy volume fan and let them dry completely.  Good Luck!