How to Wash Restoration Hardware Couch Covers in Washing Machine

Take a Deep Breath: Washing Your Restoration Hardware Couch Covers

Let’s be real: Restoration Hardware (RH) couches are a luxury investment. You want to keep those beautiful covers looking fresh without turning them into a shrunken mess or a color-faded nightmare. But how on earth do you wash them in a washing machine without causing chaos? Spoiler alert: It’s totally doable. You just have to treat those covers like the delicate divas they are.

These covers are often linen or linen blends, sometimes polyester, and they have a fabric finish that deserves TLC. Harsh chemicals, hot water, or aggressive drying can wreck the fibers faster than you can say “slipcover.” So buckle up — here’s the lowdown on safe washing that keeps your RH couch covers looking haute.

Step 1: The Great Unzipping and Removal

First things first, remove those slipcovers carefully. No tug-of-war matches, please. Turn the covers inside out to protect the outer fabric from friction damage during the wash. And here’s a pro tip: don’t zip them all the way up. Leaving the zipper partly open prevents stress and possible ripping or jamming inside the machine.

If your cover has any decorative or delicate trims, consider spot cleaning those areas by hand to avoid roughing them up in the wash.

Step 2: Sorting Out Your Washing Machine Setup

Not all washing machines are created equal, especially when it comes to delicate laundry. For RH covers, a front-loading, non-agitator washing machine is your best friend. These machines use a gentle tumbling action rather than an aggressive agitator, which can stress the fabric.

If you only have access to a top-loader with an agitator, be extra cautious: always select the gentlest and shortest cycle available, and use cold water. Speaking of water temperature…

Step 3: Water Temperature and Detergent Choices

Cold water is king here — hot water will shrink or weaken the fabric finish, and we definitely want to avoid that. Use a mild, liquid detergent designed for delicate fabrics or for wool and silk (yes, the fancy stuff), and skip any bleach or harsh chemical additives. These can strip the fabric finish, dull the color, or cause premature wear.

Give your detergent a moment to fully dissolve in the water to ensure a gentle but effective clean.

Step 4: The Washing Cycle: Gentle but Thorough

Set your machine to the gentle or delicate cycle. This usually means less agitation and a slower spin. And please, keep those spin speeds low — high-speed spins risk wrinkling or damage.

As for load size, wash your covers alone or with a few similarly delicate items to avoid excess rubbing or stretching.

Step 5: When in Doubt, Air Dry Like a Pro

Drying is where many of us trip up. The best practice is to air dry your Restoration Hardware couch covers flat or hung up, away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. Sunlight is brutal on linen and colorfastness.

If you must use a dryer, tumble dry on the lowest heat possible and remove the covers while slightly damp. This last bit is a ninja technique: putting the covers back on the couch while damp helps stretch and smooth wrinkles out, minimizing the ironing you might otherwise have to do.

Never dry clean or steam iron these covers, as that can damage the fabric finish or cause shrinkage per the official RH care instructions.

Spot Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

For minor stains or those tough-to-wash trims, a hand spot cleaning with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can work wonders — just blot, don’t rub. And a routine vacuuming keeps dust and dirt from embedding in the fabric.

Some owners swear by steaming after washing to fluff the fibers and reduce wrinkles, but always test a small hidden area first to be safe.

A Few Not-So-Fun But Crucial Warnings

  • Avoid bleach like the plague — it’s a fabric nightmare.
  • Do not fully zip the covers before washing; it could stress zippers or fabric.
  • Machine washing might still cause some minimal shrinkage, especially on linen. Consider this basically the cost of keeping your covers fresh.
  • Double-check your specific cover’s care label — some Restoration Hardware fabrics are “dry clean only.” Don’t gamble with your investment.

Extra Reading for the Clean-Curious

Want to expand your laundry prowess? We have some guides that get pretty granular on washing delicate and polyester couch covers, which could come in handy if your RH covers have blends or special treatments:

Smart Buys for Your Washing Needs

If your laundry setup needs a boost, here are some solid options folks favor for cleaning delicate home textiles like your RH couch covers:

Wrapping It Up Without a Wrinkle

Washing your Restoration Hardware couch covers in a washing machine isn’t rocket science, but it does demand a delicate touch. Cold water, gentle cycles, mild detergent, and air drying are your best friends here. Remember to always check care tags and never rush the drying process. Treat your covers like the delicate treasures they are, and you’ll enjoy that luxurious RH look for years to come.

Good luck, happy washing, and may your couch covers stay crisp and comfy!