Couch Covers

[Snout Girl]

Hi all

I am at my wits end trying to find a couch cover that actually works and doesnt cost an arm and a leg

People have suggested old sheets but I want something that is not completely unattractive if unexpected guests pop by.

I have purchased some from Big W but the dirt just goes right through onto the couch, which just cost me $200 to have cleaned

I have found a company called Barka Parka that makes covers that sound good and made to stop dog hair and dirt getting on to the couch

check it out http://www.barkaparka.com.au/index_files/Accessories.htm#1

has anyone used them? or any others that are good? I dont want to ban the dogs from the couches completely but am so fed up trying to keep them clean!

Edited April 25, 2010 by bertandsally

[Dame Aussie]

Watching this thread with anticipation.....We have the same problem. At the moment we're using two nice big throws, but the ends fall down and they're just not covering the whole couch properly

[Gretel]

Yes I'm another one watching.... I've just bought a new lounge and have a comforter over it at the moment.

[Clyde]

Get an IKEA couch

You can get covers custom made too. Those loose ones always end up looking messy.

[Red Fox]

I'd say get a leather couch But as that's not always viable...

What about putting something between the lounge and the cover to catch the dirt? Like a single bed mattress protector or similar? (Tuck it right into the folds of the chairs so that it's nice and secure and you can't feel or see it, then pop the cover over the top). Or pick up an old cheapie 2nd hand couch and make that the "dog couch" and the other can be your (dog free) couch.

[t-time]

Beat me to it SK.

Tuck in a mattress protector or make a couch cover out of mattress protectors.

Then put your regular covers over the top of that. :D

You still have to wash the top layer but the underneath can be left for a while until it gets REALLY grubby!

Alternatively, you can fork out for full Scotchgard - I have a couple of lovely old chairs with velvet covers - they are Scotchgarded and the dogs can even eat their bones on them and I just wipe the seat.

[VJB]

I have a Barka Parka bed for Heidi. No hair can ever penetrate the material that it is made of. Any hair or dirt just falls on top of the bed and I shake off. This also leaves no dog odour on her bed, as it is the hair and dirt that penetrates furniture that leaves a smell.

I have looked at the couch covers recently. The company is very good to deal with, and from memory the owner will happily make anything of any size that you want. I had lengthy conversations on the phone with them at some point trying to choose colours for Heidi's bed.

Also wanted to add how quickly this material dries. Very easy to wash, not at all bulky. It is made of twill. There is some sort of 7 way stitching style that crosses each way, ?? therefore preventing any dirt particles to enter. It's the same stuff that they make army clothes out of (I think).

Edited April 26, 2010 by VJB

[Bluefairy]

I had a lounge cover, useless thing. Then I tried a sheet, but it kept coming untucked and the dirt that it collects is atrocious....plus Zoe keeps trying to pull on it if its untucked......I give up.

BF

[VJB]

I had a lounge cover, useless thing. Then I tried a sheet, but it kept coming untucked and the dirt that it collects is atrocious....plus Zoe keeps trying to pull on it if its untucked......I give up.

BF

I would think that the lounge cover would slip off pretty easily, unless you have a really tiny dog. Its really necessary to have some 'weight' in the cover to hold it in place better, like a heavy comforter or something. Maybe you could attach the Barka Parka cover onto a doona cover somehow (with buttons or something) ..... I'm definitely not a sewing girl, so someone else might have some other idea's on how to get covers to stay on.

[bedazzledx2]

Was it a Barka lounge cover that kept slipping Bluefairy?

I had a lounge cover, useless thing. Then I tried a sheet, but it kept coming untucked and the dirt that it collects is atrocious....plus Zoe keeps trying to pull on it if its untucked......I give up.

BF

[Bluefairy]

No it was a lounge cover that you throw over and tie it around the back. The only thing I liked about it was the colour, it matched the lounge. I have a corduroy fabric lounge....one day I will update it, but until the cat and dog stop clawing it or biting it, it stays. Not even sure what lounge material to get, leather sounds so easy to wipe down.....

But I love the Barka throws, and their pet beds.....I might have to invest some spending money

BF

[Skruffy n Flea]

we have two 3-seater dark fabric lounges and i use reasonably heavy weave king-size doona covers as throws ... i cut the back of the cover away and then i lay it over the back of the couch, straighten and then tuck in the edges down the side of the seat to secure them in place. i then push it down the back of the seat and make sure the length to the floor is even. it does need straightening occasionally but i found that with all of them anyway so no biggy

it works for us and because of the range of doona covers i've been able to match them each time to my decore!

[Earthdog]

My dog had her own little couch. A bananas in pyjamas one. Never had the need to cover our lounge.