Airflow! Open up all your windows and doors to get a nice level of airflow throughout your home, and in particular the room with the wet furniture. You can further aid this drying process with the use of fans or dehumidifiers, but make sure to avoid any heat or sunlight as this can cause the fabric to shrink and fade.
My technique is to use the dryer on medium heat for only 15-20 minutes until the cover pieces are just damp, but not super wet. This helps remove wrinkles and speeds up the process. While the cover is still damp, place it back on the frame of the couch and continue to allow it to air-dry.
While the cleaning method along with optional protector application determines the drying time, typical dry time ranges from 2-6 hours.
Once you've blotted away as much moisture as possible, allow the couch to air dry in a well-ventilated area, ideally with sunlight exposure. You can also use fans or a dehumidifier to expedite the drying process.
Airflow! Open up all your windows and doors to get a nice level of airflow throughout your home, and in particular the room with the wet furniture. You can further aid this drying process with the use of fans or dehumidifiers, but make sure to avoid any heat or sunlight as this can cause the fabric to shrink and fade.
Cleaning a fabric sofa with water
Rinse thoroughly with a damp sponge, without rubbing the fabric, to avoid staining. Finally, you can dry your sofa by using a hair dryer or by placing a towel on the fabric to absorb excess moisture.
Let the Couch Dry
Use a towel to soak up any excess water remaining on the sofa surface. Let the sofa air dry. If it's humid, you may want to set up a box fan pointed at the sofa for speed drying. Water can cause cushions and fabric to mildew.
Water Leaks and Intrusions: Leaks from windows, roofs, or plumbing can contaminate your furniture. When water infiltrates your couch's material, it creates a consistently moist environment that encourages mold growth.
Enhance Air Flow – Opening windows can improve the drying process by promoting better air circulation, except on very humid days. Utilize Floor Fans – Positioning floor fans in areas with damp furniture will help disperse the moisture created during the cleaning process, expediting the drying.
If possible, dry them in fresh air but protect them from direct sunlight. You can brush your covers with a clothes brush to make the fibers stand up after drying.
Get a dry cloth or towel and place over the area where water was spilt. Firmly push down to blot up any spilt water. Once the towel has soaked through, lift it and repeat using a dry area of the towel. If your sofa can handle heat, you can blow dry the area to prevent mould or mildew growth.
It's best to hang or line dry the sofa covers, rather than using a machine dryer. This is because the heat from the dryer could potentially damage or shrink the fabric. By letting them dry naturally, you will ensure that your sofa slipcovers remain in good condition after washing.
It is also advisable to pressure treat the couch or chair using very hot water as it goes a long way to kill bacteria. After the piece has been hand dried, set up a couple of fans and a dehumidifier around it to make it completely dry. For the next day or two, all of the moisture should leave the furniture.
Air movement will also speed up the drying process, so let clothes dry outside or near an open window. If you're in a real hurry, blast them with a hairdryer, rotating frequently and airing out pockets, sleeves and collars. Yet another easy way to dry clothes fast!
To accelerate the drying process, consider using absorbent materials such as baking soda, cornstarch, or uncooked rice. Sprinkle a generous amount on the wet areas, gently rub it in, and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. These materials help absorb moisture and odors, leaving your couch fresh and dry.
Drying Time – How long will it take my couch to dry? Generally we give a drying window of 3-5 hours for upholstery, however it does depend on the type of fabric and the ventilation. Natural fibres such as wool and cotton usually take a bit longer to dry than synthetics or blends.
Conclusion. Leather sofas are not necessarily ruined if they get wet, but they can be damaged if the proper steps are not taken to address the issue promptly. We recommend acting quickly and using appropriate techniques to dry your sofa.
One way to dry sofa cushions is to take them outside on a sunny day and lay them flat on a surface. This allows the sun and air to naturally dry out the moisture. Another option is to use a fan to circulate air and speed up the drying process.
Upholstery will take 4 - 5 hours to dry on average. Curtains, leather and mattresses can be ready for use almost immediately following the cleaning. Drying times can vary due to soling and staining levels, humidity, ventilation and temperature.
Tap water may stain or discolor the fabric due to its mineral content. Use a hair dryer on the lowest heat setting to evenly dry the fabric and prevent moisture rings.
One way you can use a hair dryer is to get mist out of your windows. With the intense, concentrated heat, you can cut through condensation.
Tip: if you are in a very humid environment, use a fan to speed up the dry time.