A fresh, clean Kivik slipcover can instantly bring life back to your sofa — and your whole living room. Whether you're dealing with muddy paw prints, food stains, or everyday dust, learning how to wash and care for your IKEA Kivik sofa cover is essential.
And if your cover is made from stain-proof fabric (like those from Covereo), you're already one step ahead — spilled liquids won’t soak in right away. Just gently press a paper towel onto the surface and the stain should disappear without a trace.
This sofa slipcover guide will help you with vacuuming, stain removal and machine washing — all tailored to the specific needs of a Kivik cover sofa.
Step 1: Start with dry cleaning — vacuum loose dirt
Before you remove the slipcover from your sofa, it's best to clean the surface gently. This will help you avoid rubbing dirt deeper into the fabric during the wash.
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush head to remove dust, pet hair, and dry debris (like crumbs or sand).
- For sticky or muddy spots (like from dog paws), use a soft paper towel or cloth to gently lift the excess — do not rub the fabric. Just press and absorb.
- This pre-cleaning step makes the machine wash more effective and helps your fabric last longer.
Step 2: Remove the slipcover carefully
Once your Kivik slipcover is free of loose dirt, it's time to take it off.
- Unzip all zippers to make the process easier and avoid putting stress on the seams.
- Fold each piece gently and prepare them for washing.
- Close the zippers again before placing them in the washing machine — this protects both the fabric and the zipper during washing.
Proper handling helps your tailored Kivik cover sofa keep its beautiful fit, wash after wash. It’s one of the reasons why many people choose a custom cover over a universal one — especially when they want to protect their furniture without sacrificing looks.
Client's photo
Step 3: Machine wash with care
Covereo’s synthetic fabrics — such as Pecadly, Velvet, Cosy, Tunso, and Omon — are all machine washable, but they require gentle treatment to stay in top shape.
Follow these universal washing instructions for Kivik slipcovers:
- Use a delicate cycle at 30°C
- Wash with similar colours
- Use a mild detergent
- Do not bleach, chlorinate, tumble dry, iron or wring
Not sure how often to wash Kivik cover pieces? It depends on use — homes with kids, pets or allergies may need to wash them monthly, while occasional use allows for less frequent cleaning.
Step 4: Drying — slow and steady wins the race
Here’s where most people make mistakes — drying. Never use a tumble dryer! Instead:
- Hang each piece separately on a drying rack or clothesline
- Make sure airflow can move freely between all pieces (hang every second one on a different level or direction)
- Avoid direct sunlight for long periods
- Do not iron or press the fabric
Hanging your Kivik slipcover this way prevents shrinkage and keeps its tailored shape. Air drying also protects the Stain Proof coating found in most Covereo fabrics.
Bonus: Fabric-specific care from Covereo
Covereo’s fabric range is designed for easy care — here’s a quick look at their most popular options and how they behave during washing:
🟠 Pecadly
- Stain Proof, Fire Retardant, Allergy Free
- 88% polyester / 12% nylon
- Machine washable at 30°C, air dry only
- Ideal for high-traffic households
🟣 Velvet
- Soft, delicate shine; Pet Friendly and Fire Retardant
- 100% polyester
- Wash gently and avoid pressing the fabric
- Looks best when hung without creases
🟤 Cosy
- Thick, ribbed corduroy texture
- Scratch-resistant, cozy, and easy to wash
- Machine washable, hang to dry — retains its texture well
🟡 Tunso & Omon
- Smooth, stain-resistant, allergy certified
- Easy to vacuum and wash
- Natural drying keeps the surface soft and smooth
👉 If you haven’t chosen your ideal fabric yet, check out our full guide on how to choose the perfect Kivik sofa cover.
Tips for maintaining a clean slipcover longer
Want to reduce the number of washes?
- Vacuum once a week to keep dust away
- Spot clean small stains immediately with a damp cloth
- Rotate cushions to avoid uneven wear
A little weekly care can keep your Kivik cover sofa looking fresher, longer.
In Summary: Your fabric deserves love too
Your Kivik slipcover is more than just a decorative layer — it protects your sofa and shapes your space. With the right care steps, you can avoid damage, keep the fabric soft and fresh, and extend the life of your cover.
It’s not complicated — vacuum, wash gently, and let it air dry. Whether you're cleaning IKEA Kivik slipcover pieces after a busy weekend or refreshing your seasonal look, a little care goes a long way.