Dry Clean Only. Shall I just wash it?

[thatstoast]

I have an IKEA sofa. All the covers are removable but tagged as dry clean only. If I put them through the wash, what's the worst that can happen?

Please help me out, I'm domestically challenged.

Shrink and never fit back on the sofa? That would be my fear....

what fabric is it?
if cotton it should be fine, however might need some force to put it back on.
I would use a gentle spin and pull into shape before laying flat to dry.
iron when nearly dry.

I have read somewhere that sofa covers are treated with stuff that makes them flame retardent, washing might remove that.

I've just checked and they are 85% cotton 15% polyester.

I'm concerned that the cost of dry cleaning would be disproportionate to the cost of the sofa. Plus faff of taking the whole thing to a cleaner.

We had armchair covers dry cleaned for £25. I wouldn't risk washing. It was hard enough to get them back on even without shrinkage!

We've got an IKEA couch with removable cover as well and I washed them twice (because I dyed them). Was no problem at all. Form what I've found so far IKEA states their covers can be machine washed.

Low temperature wash, or even cold wash and dont tumble dry. Should be fine. Disclaimer: not speaking from experience of Ikea covers, but its usually the heat which shrinks things or alters the finish.

I think I'll go for it. Maybe with the help of Mil's giant washing machine. I won't tumble. If it all goes horribly wrong I can get a cheaper replacement cover which are machine washable. Some are washable but these ones says dry clean only.

I've washed lots of clothes that are dry clean only with great success. Tend to stick to handwash programme and temperature of 30 degrees.

I do buy lots of clothes in the charity shop so not too much of a risk.

I'd do it though! Best of luck.

I m trying to think of a Dry Clean Only item that I ve washed with disastrous consequences. I cant think of one - only successes that made me think Wish I d done that earlier.

I've washed my ikea sofa covers that say dry clean only several times (Ektorp sofa) - I think 30 degrees. Minimal shrinkage, I think I ironed while still slightly damp.