This post is all about why I learned that a slipcovered sofa is the best option for people with kids and pets– includes all the reasons why, several examples of popular bloggers who have them and love them, and also what cleaning products I use to get them bright white every time.
Stop! I know what you are thinking! I used to think the same thing too…
For the first 8 years of our marriage I was convinced that the best type of sofa to have when you have small children would be one that could hide dirt, and one that I could scrub clean if I needed to. We had a tan microfiber couch for years (didn’t everyone?) and it was fine. Only problem was when it got dirty, which with little ones, was all the time. If I tried to scrub a spot out, it left a water or “clean” mark. We had the entire thing cleaned a few times, but it was expensive and a pain in the butt.
So, I found out about some decent twill PB slipcovers, which I decided to try out in a bluish-gray color. They were definitely a step up, because I could remove them and wash them whenever I wanted. Only problem they got ‘untucked’ every time someone sat on them and I seemed to be the only one that knew how to tuck them in properly to look nice. Which only lasted until the next time someone sat on them or the kids jumped on them.
So I started noticing my favorite design blogs and the sofas they had. Almost all of them had white slipcovered sofas! I still told myself they were impractical with small children, but I couldn’t deny how seamlessly they looked with so many different design tastes. Then, the more I paid attention, I found that these white slipcovered sofas were owned by actual families with children and/or pets! Were they couch nazis? How could they keep them clean?!? I asked a friend with small children, who owned a slipcovered white sofa, how she kept them clean and she told me she could get pretty much anything out of them. Her 3 boys had spilled or ‘stained’ those slipcovers with nearly everything you can imagine, and she was able to get almost everything out. And if they started looked dingy after several years, she would just buy new slipcovers (with Ikea couches, slipcovers only cost $50).
So, that was it. I was convinced, if she could do it, I could do it. I knew I wanted the Ikea Ektorp sofa and love seat because of the price. Because we don’t live near an Ikea we were fortunate enough to buy them from a friend of mine, moving out of state, so we just bought new slipcovers when we visited an Ikea store on our family vacation.
We have had them for nearly a year and I LOVE them. I’d recommend them to ANYONE!
So here are 3 big reasons why you need a white slipcovered sofa:
1- More Hygienic
Think about all the dirt, grime, bacteria (anyone been sick and sat or lay on your couch?), dead skin, and natural oils from your skin and hair you (and whoever else sits on your couch) leave behind when spending any amount of time on sitting on your couch…. now think of all that compounding over days, weeks, months… maybe even years! YUCK! The only way to get rid of that is to have it professionally cleaned to to try to do it yourself! Which brings me to reason number…
2- Less Expensive
On a regular upholstered couch, you’d have to call a professional to come clean it, to get out stains and all the aforementioned grime. Which would cost you AT LEAST $100 (and usually around $150 or more) to come work on it. And if they didn’t get it clean the first time, they would charge you AGAIN to come clean it again or just simply tell you the stain(s) won’t come out. Oh, and if you had a home steam-cleaner (which aren’t cheap machines), those soak your cushions and take MUCH longer to dry than slipcovers do, which can potentially cause mildew if moisture traps in the foam too long! If you have kids or pets, plan on that professional cleaning every 3 months to keep it hygienic. You’d be spending at around $600 per year JUST to have it cleaned. With slipcovers, you can throw them in the wash for the cost of detergent and stain removers. Speaking of throwing them in the wash…
Tips to Keeping White Slipcovers WHITE:
1. Remove and wash at least once a month
The longer the dirt sits in there, the harder it is to get completely white again. If you don’t have the rule of ‘no eating on the couch’ or you have several pets, expect to wash them once a week. We don’t allow eating in the living room, so we wash them once a month. Either way, removing them to wash is really no big deal, since they are pretty easy to remove. They aren’t supposed to be dried in the dryer (can shrink and get super wrinkly), but as a time-saver you can dry them about half-way and and let them air-dry the rest of the way, or just put them on slightly damp. I’ve done both ways and they dry pretty fast, with no wrinkles.
2. Remove cover as soon as you notice a worrisome spot
Some stains, once set or really dried, actually dye the material, making it more difficult to remove. I always will dilute a spot with water as soon as I see it, and dab with a washcloth, to remove as much as possible ahead of time, and to prevent the spot from drying. My family owned a carpet and upholstery cleaning business for 15+ years, so I grew up giving customer’s advice on how to treat and prevent stains. I always told people to dilute with water, whenever possible!
3. Pretreat stains
I use the Clorox 2 Stain Remover & Color Booster to pretreat (that is seriously my secret weapon), but I will also use OxiClean or Shout and have had good results with all three.
4. Use good laundry detergent with add-in stain remover
I actually prefer Tide with bleach alternative, but regular Tide works good too and always add in the Clorox 2 Stain Remover AND the OxiClean White Revive. Don’t worry, I’m not compensated to say any of this… these are honestly products I use and have paid for! 🙂
4. Soak/Wash in HOT water, twice if necessary
The hot water allows the cotton fibers to relax and release the dirt better, allowing stains to wash out better, and it also is more sanitary, since hot water kills bacteria. I allow my slips to soak in the hot soapy water for a bit before resuming the cycle, but if you have front-loading washers, then just run the cycle a couple of times.
5. Use sun bleaching or a little liquid bleach for extra stubborn stains
I’ve only had to use liquid bleach once for a permanent marker stain, which faded out out after a few washes. I also know people that swear but sun bleaching, which is a great non-toxic solution, especially if you live in a sunny area!
I’ve gotten out pen, marker, crayon, chocolate, blood (small amount), juice, and of course regular dirt.
Now, lastly, the third reason, and maybe the most convincing!
3- Stylish
Here are some of my friends, who also happen to be brilliant designers, who all have have and LOVE white slipcovers!
NOTE: PLEASE PIN BELOW IMAGES FROM THEIR ORIGINAL SOURCES!
Lucy with Craftberry Bush
Lucy has 3 kids and a dog, Brody, pictured here:
Jen with City Farmhouse
Jen has 2 little boys and actually did a post about her tips for white slipcovers.
Jennifer with Town and Country Living
Jennifer has grandkids over and has a couple of cute cats, and wrote about these new ruffled slipcovers recently.
Danielle with Finding Silver Pennies
Danielle has 2 boys and a dog, Poppy.
Jennifer with Dear Lillie
Jennifer is has two little girls, but also has extra kids over a lot since her husband is a basketball coach.
Liz with Liz Marie Blog
Liz has 2 little pups, Bella & Bear.
Kelly with View Along the Way
Kelly has a couple of cute little kiddos, and did a post about her review of white slipcovers!
Bre with rooms FOR rent
Bre has two little kids, a boy and a girl.
Kristen with Ella Claire Blog
Kristen has ALSO has two little kiddos!
So, ya see? All these girls have their own unique style and their white slipcovered sofas or chairs work beautifully in each space. So think twice before you splurge on a big fancy upholstered sofa or loveseat… Maybe a white slipcovered option is better (and more hygienic) for your family!
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I love the paint colour on the walls. I’ve been looking for something similar. Can you tell me the make and shade? I’m in Scotland so might not be able to source it but will try! X
Hi Anne! I only know the color of the walls in my room (pics with Shades of Blue watermark), which is a warm gray, called Valspar Redstone Dakota Sandstone. Thanks for stopping by! Xo
Hi, I was wondering how you got past the tucking and untucking?
Thanks Linda
Hi Linda! The tucking untucking that I was talking about in the beginning is only an issue when you buy those general slipcovers not custom fit and can be used for any sofa. The slipcovered sofas/loveseats I’m talking about, you buy WITH the slipcover and each cushion has it’s own cover, as well as a separate cover for the frame of the sofa, so it never gets untucked! It’s basically a custom cover and the ikea one is only $50 for a new white one!
I know it’s been awhile since you posted on this but from my research with ikea, the only “extra” slipcovers or covers to get when yours is in need of replacement is $140 or so for loveseat alone. where did u ever purchase one from ikea for $50? Thankya
Kayla, last year IKEA made the decision to source their cotton sustainably which made their cotton twill slip covers more expensive. The same cover that used to cost $50 is now $140.
This is such a great post! I love my slipcovered chair and think the Ikea slipcovered couches and chairs are such a great buy. x
We were just at IKEA and I was admiring the Ektorp line. Unfortunately, we live 5 hours away from a store. But, you have convinced me to try them out! They do look so lovely in every bloggers home. And, at those prices at IKEA, how could you not? Plus, they are very comfortable. Thank you for all the tips!! Cheers to white slipcovered sofas! Bring it on kids and pets.
What a wonderful article. Thanks so much!
Warmly, Michelle
You have me convinced! I follow DreamyWhitesLifestyle on IG, and she has 5 kids and a white-everything house and it is just lovely.
Thanks for including my sectional, Rachel. I first read about white slipcovered furniture in Country Living magazine about 15 years ago. The homeowner had 3 active boys and she loved throwing her slipcovers into the wash for an easy cleaning. I honestly think white is the easiest to keep clean.
I totally agree, the white Ecktorp furniture with white slipcovers are the way to go! I have 4 cats and a messy diesel mechanic/waste water treatment operator boyfriend and I wash mine frequently and have never had a stain not come out – and how reassuring to know your furniture is always fresh and clean! In the summer I lay mine on the sunny lawn to dry and naturally bleach.
I figure if they ever get stained and I cannot get it entirely out, I will fill a kids swimming pool with fabric dye and hot water and turn them light to medium blueberry blue!
A friend of mine used to be a Ralph Lauren stylist and she said they kept display fabrics clean by coating them with Niagara heavy duty spray starch – 3 coats does the trick! That’s how I also keep my white linen damask tablecloths clean. It repels stains like scotch guard, but without dangerous cancer-causing chemicals.
My only hesitation in buying IKEA furniture was the support underneath so we flipped them over and screwed additional supports in the stapled support thingies and so far, none have popped loose. lol
Another easy-to-clean addition is a Dash and Albert outdoor rug! They are so soft and pliable, like nice cotton rugs, and you’d never know they were Woven Polypropylene! And they are also nearly impossible to stain – just take them outside to hose off or scrub on with some household cleaner!
Hi, hope you are well. Lucy (craftberry) referred me to you. I am repainting my gram’s old hutch and I need help on which paint. I hear chalk paint is nice I also hear advance ben moore paint is great too. any ideas? I am looking to put in din room. cottage look no distress just cottage white. the doors have etching on them so I will need to take them off and paint the edges but will leave the etching. it is partially sanded and still pink. looking to replace handle nobs. maybe modern. any ideas? I love the combo thing like cottage with mod. anyway. thank you for reading this. your site is amazing. Lucy speaks highly of you. and btw I have ALWAYS wanted to slip cover my ehtan allen sofa that is gold just for the summer for a shabby chic look brining light gray’s or white in the room. can I use an ikea slip cover even though it’s not an ikea couch? I have a pb couch slipcovered too and love it. but pb slip covers are very expensive. I love your living room. thanks again. susan
Thanks for such a great blog about style and the white slipcovered sofas in particular.
I love the look and am wondering if anyone with tall, not light, people in the house, could comment on which sofas would be best?
I love the Ikea sofa’s look and price, but am concerned about the sturdiness.
Thanks so much,
Deb
We don’t have kids, but do have pets. I swear by white/off white furniture.
We purchased an Ethan Allen sofa years back, and I do mean years (over 15), and it still looks fabulous to this day.
I was just on the IKEA website to buy a new slipcover for my Ektorp sofa and the $49 white sofa cover is gone! The $49 sofa cover is now beige! The lowest price white one is $149!!!!!
It was THIS blog that convinced me to buy the Ektorp in white. I’ve had mine for almost one year and I LOVE it. I have to admit that I was a bit nervous in the beginning but after the first couple of washes, I don’t know how I ever lived without this sofa. I’m looking to buy another Ektorp sofa and a matching chair. Thanks so much for writing this blog!
Great post! I’m surprised I didn’t find it when searching about white slipcovers before buying ours (noticed it on insta today). We actually purchased the IKEA erktop sectional for our vacation rental property sunroom that is open to the outdoor living and pool. I knew it was the right choice because of style/color, and as you pointed out–sanitary purposes which is the same reason white towels & bedding are important to guests.
I was definitely worried about keeping it clean since guests obviously aren’t as careful as we would be in our own home. It gets sat on with wet bathing suits, kids lounge and eat while adults hangout on the back deck and poolside, and they just generally have regular rough & tumble family vacations on it. We purchased an additional slipcover and it’s been a lifesaver during turnovers between guests! I have also had no problems getting any stains out but it’s a weekly hassle with the rest of the laundry needing done as well…I was toying with the idea of getting denim slipcovered sofas but after reading this I remembered why I love it so much and realized it’s staying right where it is! Thanks for reminding me of its awesomeness 🙂
Hi! Thanks for the great post. I have been contemplating white sofas but was unsure because of my 3 boys. Wondering how most people lay their slipcovers out to dry when you can’t so it outside? Is it a pain to wrangle them off and on? Or, have they made them easier now? Appreciate any feedback.
I hang mine on a hanger in my laundry room– just zip it closed around the hanger! They aren’t a pain to pull off and on in my opinion, but the made body slipcover is a bit easier when it is slightly damp– more stretch!
What a timely post! I’m in the market for a new sofa right now. And I must admit that I’m a Pottery Barn girl, too. Thx for sharing…I will be so happy to use this info. Have a nice weekend. :-). Suz
I have a Lazy Boy sofa with 2 cushions on the bottom and 2 large pillows on the back. I’d love to put a white slipcover on it. I searched for the Ektorp at Ikea and didnt find it. Any other suggestions?
I am DYING to know if anyone has ever tried to bleach the Ikea light beige covers to make them white?! I have the Ektorp sectional with two white covers. It makes cleaning easy because I can out a clean cover on while I take the time to wash and dry the dirty one. Plus, less wear and tear when I’m rotating. But now the white has become more popular (+$70 difference) from being. I’m considering adding two Ektorp armchairs, but that’s a $140 difference. And if I buy an extra cover for each…another $140 difference. Thinking that it might be worth a try to buy beige and give everything one thorough bleach to turn them white for the first use. Any thoughts???
Silly question, but do you put the tide detergent, the pre-stain clorox and the oxiclean in the detergent dispenser at the same time?
The tide and pre-stain can be mixed in the dispenser but i usually pre-treat the pre-stain Clorox on the actual fabric before washing. Then I put the oxiclean powder in the actual drum with the clothes.