How to wash play sofa covers: 30 °C, step by step

Play sofa covers go in the washing machine at 30 °C. Unzip them, take out the foam and wash all the covers together, so the colour changes evenly. Then dry them flat and put them back on. Do not tumble dry or iron the covers.

That's the whole routine for our covers. Below are the steps, what to do about spills and how to look after the fabric between washes.

How do you wash play sofa covers, step by step?

1. Unzip every cover. All our covers come off with a zip.
2. Take out the foam. Each seat module is two cushions in one cover.
3. Put all the covers in together. Wash them in the machine at 30 °C.
4. Dry the covers flat. Lay them out until they're completely dry. Do not tumble dry or iron the covers.
5. Put the covers back on. Wait until they're dry, then zip the foam back in.

Why should you wash all the covers together?

Washing can change the colour of fabric slightly over time. When all the covers go in together, they change evenly and the sofa stays one colour. A cover washed on its own, again and again, may end up a slightly different shade from the rest. So even when one cover took the spill, wash the full set.

What should you do when something spills?

Act straight away.

1. Blot the liquid with a dry cloth at once.
2. Check whether it has reached the foam.
3. If the foam is wet, take the cover off. Leave the foam somewhere airy until it's completely dry.
4. Wash the covers at 30 °C, all together.
5. Put the cover back on once the foam is dry.

Speed matters here. The covers are washable, but liquid can still soak through to the foam. Our 3-year limited warranty covers manufacturing defects in the foam and fabric. It doesn't cover stains or damage from spilled liquids.

How do you look after the covers between washes?

From time to time, go over the covers with a clothes brush or a vacuum cleaner. It picks up crumbs and fluff between washes.

Do all Shappy fabrics wash the same way?

Yes. Our play sofas come in four fabrics: Ultra Plush, Corduroy, Teddy and Waffle. All of them have removable polyester covers that wash at 30 °C.

Corduroy is 100% polyester, scratch-resistant and pet-friendly. It's a sensible pick for a home with a dog or a cat. See the corduroy collection.

What does play sofa care look like at a glance?

Care step	What to do
Washing	Machine wash at 30 °C
How many covers at once	All of them, together
Drying	Flat. Do not tumble dry
Ironing	Do not iron
Between washes	Clothes brush or vacuum cleaner
Spills	Blot at once with a dry cloth
Wet foam	Take the cover off, air the foam until it's completely dry

Wondering how the foam holds up over time? Read does play sofa foam go flat. Waiting for a delivery? Here's how to unpack a vacuum-packed play sofa. Still choosing? Our guide on how to choose a play sofa covers sizes, foam and fabrics.

Looking for a play sofa with covers you can wash?

Every Shappy play sofa has covers that come off and wash at 30 °C. 60,000 families have chosen Shappy, and parents have left more than 700 reviews across our shops. See both sizes in all the fabrics and colours they come in.

See the play sofas

What else do parents ask about washing play sofa covers?

What temperature do you wash play sofa covers at?

Wash them at 30 °C in the washing machine. Wash all the covers together, so the colour changes evenly.

Can you tumble dry play sofa covers?

No. Do not tumble dry or iron the covers. Dry them flat and put them back on once they're dry.

What if a drink soaks through to the foam?

Take the cover off and leave the foam somewhere airy until it's completely dry. Put the cover back on once the foam is dry. In the meantime, wash all the covers together at 30 °C.

Are stains covered by the warranty?

No. Our 3-year limited warranty covers manufacturing defects in the foam and fabric. Stains and damage from spilled liquids aren't covered. Neither is damage from washing or drying that doesn't follow the care instructions, so keep to 30 °C, dry flat, no tumble dryer and no iron.