You can wash RV couches and cushions covers, much like the upholstery in your home. A regular cleaning schedule for your RV’s upholstery will enrich your on-the-road adventures by providing you with beautiful, comfy, and pleasant-smelling cushions to rest on.
Can you wash RV cushion covers? Yes, RV covers can and should be washed regularly. You can opt to wash them yourself at home, or go with a professional service, like the dry cleaners or upholstery cleaners.
If you’re not sure which route is best for you, continue reading to learn more about the time, costs, tools, and processes necessary for DIY and professional RV cushion cleaning.
Table of Contents
How to Wash RV Cushion Covers
The following steps will help you gather important information about the best methods and cleaners for your RV cushion covers.
Step 1: Know your materials.
Knowing what material your cushion covers are made of will help you select the appropriate cleaning product and method.
Check the care instructions tag sewn onto your covers and follow accordingly. You will generally find this on the interior side of the cushions near the seam with the closing mechanism. The closure mechanism could be a zipper, button, or Velcro strap.
- If there is no care instruction tag, refer to your RV’s user manual guide for fabric specifications and washing instructions.
- If there is no care instruction tag or user manual, treat your fabric as if it is a delicate fiber.
Related reading: Can You Put Regular Furniture In an RV? All You Need To Know
Step 2: Choose the right cleaning product
- Mild soap or mild laundry detergent
- Vinegar
- Upholstery cleaning solution specifically designed for RVs
Step 3: Choose your method.
Your method will depend on how much time, money, and effort you are willing to put into this project.
- Handwash
- Washing machine
- Dry clean
- Professional clean
We’ll include the following estimates for each method to help guide your decision.
- Recommended Use Case
- Time
- Cost
- Tools
Step 4: Prepare your surface.
For best results, take the following steps to ensure your RV’s cushion covers are ready for washing.
- Vacuum the cushions
- Remove the cushions from the foam
How I Wash Travel Trailer Cushions >> Check out the video below:
Method 1: How to Clean RV Couches and Cushions by Hand
If you choose to take a DIY approach to cleaning your RV cushion covers, you will likely spend more time and effort. However, this method will save you a lot of money and give you an ego boost as you exercise your handiness! Plus, you’re most likely to have the necessary supplies in your home.
Recommended Use Case:
● When light cleaning is necessary,
● When fabrics are made with delicate or vintage materials, or
● When upholstery is damaged
Time: 2 hours / cushion
Cost: ≤ $5 / cushion
Tools:
- Microfiber cloth or soft scrubbing brush
- Spray bottle
- White vinegar
- Mild soap or detergent
- Water
- Essential oil or fabric spray (optional)
Note: This method assumes the cushion covers are neither leather, vinyl, or suede. To clean leather, vinyl, or suede couches, simply apply a leather, vinyl, or suede cleaner, and clean according to the product directions.
For this method, you can make your own cleaning product or buy a solution specific for your RV and the upholstery you have. If you prefer to make your own cleaning solution, take the following steps:
- Mix 1 part soap with 2 parts white vinegar, and 2 parts water in a spray bottle.
- Add 12 – 24 drops of an essential oil of your choice.
To handwash your RV cushion covers:
- Lay the covers flat on a clean surface.
- Spray the covers thoroughly to dampen with your cleaning solution. Let sit for 3 – 5 minutes.
- Gently scrub the covers with a cloth or scrubber in a circular motion for 3 – 5 minutes.
- Rinse the covers with cold water until the water runs clear.
- Roll the covers into a loaf and squeeze to remove excess water.
- Hang the covers in the shade to dry.
- (Optional) Once dry, mist the covers with fabric spray like Febreeze.
Method 2: How to Clean RV Couches and Cushions in a Washing Machine
Recommended Use Case:
· When medium to heavy cleaning is necessary
Time: 2 hours / cushion
Cost: ≤ $5 / cushion
Tools:
● Washing machine
● Laundry detergent
● Fabric Spray
If your RV’s cushion covers have not been washed for a year or longer, this DIY option may be your preferred solution. This method is best when the upholstery is neither delicate nor vintage.
This method uses the permanent press cycle. If your machine does not have a permanent press option, use the delicate cycle.
The permanent press cycle is optimal for synthetic fabrics because it combines the agitation of a normal wash cycle with the slow spin speed of a delicate cycle.
This combination preserves the quality of synthetic fibers by reducing friction while creating enough agitation to draw out stains and smells
To wash your RV cushion covers in the washing machine:
- Turn the covers inside out prior to washing. Be sure to zip or button the covers closed
- Load your washing machine evenly with one or two cushions at a time.
- Select the permanent press cycle.
- Use cold water only. Warm water may cause shrinkage to your upholstery.
- Hang dry your covers in the shade.
- (Optional) Once dry, mist the covers with fabric spray like Febreeze.
Method 3: How to Dry Clean RV Couches and Cushions
Recommended Use Case:
· When time and quality are most important,
· When heavy duty cleaning is necessary,
· When fabric is delicate,
· When there are existing cracks or damage
Time: 1 – 3 days
Cost: ≥ $30 / cushion
Tools: None
If you prefer to save time and energy, you may instead hire a professional cleaner to service your couches and cushions.
Your local dry cleaning professional is an excellent resource for cleaning your covers. They’ll clean your covers carefully and quickly. All you have to do is drop the covers off at your nearby shop!
This can be an expensive route, but if you choose a reputable cleaner, you will receive top-notch results with a service warranty.
To dry clean your RV cushion covers:
- Locate a reputable dry cleaner in your area and bring your covers to their shop.
- Show your cleaner any problematic stain or odor spots and request special attention to those areas.
- Pay your fee and pick up when ready.
Method 4: How to Use a Professional Cleaning Service for Your RV Couches and Cushions
Recommended Use Case:
· When time and quality are most important,
· When covers cannot be removed
Time: 1 day
Cost: ≥ $30 / hour
Tools: None
If you need to outsource the work of cleaning your RV cushions but can’t remove your covers, calling in a professional serviceman is your next best option. Pricing will vary as some professionals charge per item, while others charge per hour. Be sure to receive a price quote before scheduling your cleaning.
To schedule a professional in-home cleaning of your RV cushion covers:
- Call a reputable auto detailer or carpet cleaner and schedule a time for them to come over and clean.
- Show them any problematic stain or odor spots and request special attention to those areas.
- Pay your fees.
How Much Does Dry Cleaning A Couch Cost?
How much does dry cleaning a couch cost? On average you can expect between $70 to $180. The price for dry cleaning a couch depends on the material and the size of your couch. However, you can expect for them to be priced similarly to sofa covers, large comforters, or sleeping bags.
Just know RV cushion covers are a specialized item, and your dry cleaner may quote a price higher than you expect.
If the price is much higher than the similar items listed above, you can always ask to negotiate a lesser price.
Note: you should expect to pay more if you need your cleaning order rushed.
How Often Should I Wash My RV Cushion Covers?
It is recommended to wash your RV couches at least once a year. To make this yearly chore easy, perform the following maintenances throughout the year:
- Vacuum your couches once a month. Mist with fabric spray weekly or bi-weekly to keep the upholstery smelling fresh
- Spot clean with mild soap and water as-needed.
- Treat liquid spills immediately.
If you choose to take the DIY route, we recommend scheduling this chore in the spring or summer when the air is warm enough for air drying (source).
Can You Wash the Foam Under RV Cushion Covers?
You can and should wash the foam under your upholstery covers. We recommend washing them at the same time you wash your covers. To wash your RV foam, follow these simple steps:
- In a wide 3 gallon bucket, mix 1 part vinegar and 1 part soap.
- Fill the bucket with warm water.
- Soak each cushion with the solution.
- Lightly squish the foam to work clean.
- Rinse and squish the foam with cold water until the water runs clear.
- Squeeze any excess water out of the foam.
- Place in the sun to dry. Flip every hour to ensure even drying.
It is important to ensure the foam is completely dry before recovering with your fresh upholstery. To prevent mold and mildew, press your hand deep into squeeze or feel any water.
If you feel even the slightest bit of moisture, allow the foam to sit in the sun longer.
Related: Will A Regular Queen Mattress Fit In A Camper or In An RV?
Ready, Set, Clean the Cushions!
Now that you know the different ways to clean your RV cushion covers, it’s time to find out which method suits you best.
You may find you like the exercise and sunshine that comes with washing them yourself. Or you might find that it’s best to leave it up to the professionals.
Whichever you choose, happy cleaning!
Sources:
https://www.thespruce.com/diy-all-purpose-vinegar-spray-4158625
https://rvworldmi.com/blog/how-to-clean-your-foam-rv-cushionshttps://www.popupportal.com/threads/washing-seat-cushion-covers-will-they-shrink.16480/
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