What germs are you sitting on when you relax on the sofa?
I’m developing a phobia about couches and hygiene. It all started last year when we replaced our leather couch with an EKTORP sectional from IKEA.
For those of you who haven’t spent small quantities of your life roaming through IKEA with occasional stops for Swedish meatballs, let me explain that the EKTORP line is known for the versatility of its slipcovers. They are inexpensive, machine washable and come in a variety of colors. Our starter slipcover was a beige linen-blend fabric that looked remarkably like an offering from Pottery Barn that was quadruple the price.
The first time I stripped the slipcover off the couch I was stunned to find debris everywhere. Dirt, twigs, popcorn kernels … I had to shake the fabric out before I tossed it in the washing machine so the drain wouldn’t clog.
Sure, I had vacuumed the crevices of our old leather couch on a regular basis and sometimes I wiped it down if there was a spill, but that was it. Where had all the “couch dirt” been going after thirteen years of use?
The more I thought about it, the more grossed out I became, especially when I contemplated typical, upholstered couches with permanent fabric. I tried not to picture how much dander must be hidden within their cushions.
Washing our beige slipcover became my new ritual. Every four weeks I popped the cushions out, yanked off the fabric and dragged the whole heap to the laundry room. It was a lot of work, but when I saw my kids stretched out with a book and afghan I felt pride knowing that they were relaxing on clean furniture. It was almost like putting fresh sheets on their beds, only better.
Slipcovers were also handy when someone got sick. I’d warden off the family room and let the sofa be thoroughly contaminated by snotty tissues. Then upon recovery, I’d wash the slipcover in hot water with a death-to-all-germs dash of bleach.
After a year of EKTORP ownership, I’m the first to admit our sectional isn’t perfect. The way the cushion hangs over the edge of the built-in-chaise bugs me. But it’s hard to be annoyed about a product that is so inexpensive. Besides, if I want a family room makeover all I have to do is replace the slipcover, which is exactly what I did last month.
In a bold move, I opted for white because it looks fresh and inviting for summer. My husband thought I was wackadoodle, but I ignored him. One shopping trip later and our couch was reborn.
Boy did our “new” sectional look beautiful … for a few days. Then my couch/hygiene neurosis ratcheted up a higher level. White slipcovers beg to be washed every other week.
I’m okay with my car being filthy, but gosh darn it, I want my favorite place to nap to be clean.
Jennifer Bardsley is an Edmonds mom of two, and author of the book “Genesis Girl.” Find her online on Instagram @the_ya_gal, Twitter @jennbardsley or at teachingmybabytoread.com.
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