“WE DON’T KNOW WHO WE ARE UNTIL WE SEE WHAT CAN WE DO.” - MARTHA GRIMES
Suppose you recently bought a new slipcover. You may be wondering when it's time to replace said slipcover. Some obvious signs include wear and tear, stains and spills, and perhaps the not so obvious dust.
Stains, or spills, are bound to happen regardless, which is why using our washable MiracleSofa covers is essential. Over time, dust particles stick into the slipcover's fabric.
This dust and other allergens may cause people with allergies to sneeze and cough more than they usually would, thus bringing more germs into the air. If your slipcover smells, it might be time to replace it.
In this article, we'll cover some of the telltale signs that maybe you should replace your slipcover rather than throwing it into the wash. Let's get started!
4 Telltale Signs That You Should Replace Your Slipcovers
1. Stains
An obvious sign to look for on your old slipcover is stains that don't wash away. Stains are inevitable, but a good quality slipcover can protect sofas and other furniture from this issue. The upkeep and maintenance of your slipcovers are keys to unlock longevity for them.
When you take care of them properly, a slipcover's average lifespan is around 3-5 years or longer. The best way to achieve this is to immediately treat anything that could become a stain and wash the slipcover once a month. By taking care of your slipcovers, you're also protecting your sofa.
Treating spills as soon as they occur lowers the chance of moisture leaking into the furniture's wood, potentially weakening the support beams.
However, it's notable that some stains may never come out of certain fabrics. For instance, a white slipcover will show stains more often than darker fabric colors. Consider this fact when you pick out your new slipcover.
Suppose you have children that are wild or simply accident-prone. In that case, our Guardian line of waterproof slipcovers is the perfect solution for you.
2. Rips and Tears
Rips and tears on your slipcover are also significant signs that you need a new one. Although tears are uncommon for our super-stretch slipcovers, it is still possible that it may happen. If your slipcover becomes torn or damaged, it is best to replace it with another. Even small tears can grow as tension pulls the fabric apart. The slipcover catching something and snagging on it is the leading cause of tearing for a slipcover. Snagging happens, and you may not even notice until it's too late.
How do you prevent snags?
Here are some tips to help you avoid snags:
- Trim your pet's nails
- Look over sharp materials in clothing (i.e., studs, spikes, belt buckles, etc.)
- Make sure you properly tuck in your slipcover.
We've designed our fabrics to last since they're made from strong materials to prevent tears and snags. Still, catches on sharp objects may result in rips and tears.
Preventative maintenance is the best way to prevent snags from occurring. During your monthly maintenance, inspect your furniture all around. Is there anything that your slipcover could latch onto while removing it for cleaning?
When placing the cover back on, run your hand along the slipcover's fabric to find signs where the material might have started to bunch up. If you find anything, check to see if it's fixable by reversing where the snag and fabric meet.
Checking your slipcover first for torn fabric every so often is vital to extend your slipcover's lifespan. It will save you time and money in the long run.
3. Smells
Suppose you begin to detect a slight odor from your sofa's slipcover. In that case, it may be time to replace it, but not always. Smells on your couch and accessories often results from household pets, like dogs and cats. You can usually rely on odor eliminators to get rid of these smells and freshen up the rest of your home or office at the same time. If this does not work, try washing the slipcover and check it after washing to see if the smell persists. If it does, you should replace the slipcover as it may have developed mold.
4. Wear from Age
Your slipcover's age is a definite sign to know it's time to exchange it for a new cover. While the average slipcover will last around five years or more depending on maintenance, the chances of developing any of the problems we mentioned in this article increase as time passes.
Another indication to replace your slipcover is once you no longer find the style trendy. If you need a change to your room's decor, modifying the pattern or color is the recommended action.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Here at Miracle Sofa, we take pride in our product's quality to endure as time progresses. We understand that accidents occur, and your slipcover is not indestructible. Still, following the tips we've covered in this article, we are sure that your slipcovers will last for years to come.
And if they don't, we're here to provide budget-friendly options to protect your furniture, as our slipcovers are inexpensive and easily replaceable.
So if your slipcover becomes damaged, don't fret! Instead, consider that your slipcover took one for the team. After all, it has done its job protecting your furniture, and you can always get a new one for much less than the cost of replacing your sofa.