Play Couch Care & Cleaning Guide

Whatsie is made for real play, which means spills, sticky fingers, snack crumbs and the occasional mystery mark are all part of the job.

Thankfully, keeping your Whatsie looking good is pretty simple. Our covers are removable and machine washable, so when life happens, you can clean them and get straight back to playing.

Here’s everything you need to know about washing, drying and caring for your Whatsie.

Washing your Whatsie covers

When your covers are ready for a proper clean, simply remove them from the foam and pop them in the washing machine.

We recommend:

• Cold machine wash
• Wash with similar colours
• Use a gentle everyday detergent
• Close zippers before washing
• Hang dry
• Avoid bleach
• Avoid tumble drying

Once completely dry, pop the covers back onto the foam and you’re ready to go again.

Cleaning everyday spills and marks

For small marks, start by gently blotting the area with a clean, damp cloth. Avoid aggressively rubbing the fabric, as this can push a spill further into the fibres or change the appearance of the pile.

For anything more stubborn, remove the cover and machine wash it following the care instructions above.

The sooner you get to a spill, the easier it generally is to clean.

Caring for Original Microsuede

Our Original Microsuede is a soft, smooth 100% polyester, 260gsm fabric designed to handle everyday family life.

For small marks, gently blot with a damp cloth. For a deeper clean, remove the cover and cold machine wash.

Because microsuede has a soft surface, the fabric can sometimes look slightly different depending on the direction it has been brushed. Simply smooth it back into place with your hand once dry.

Caring for Corduroy

Our corduroy covers are also 100% polyester and 260gsm, with a beautifully textured furniture-like finish.

The raised cord creates a directional pile, which means the fabric can naturally appear lighter or darker depending on which way the fibres are sitting and how the light hits them.

That’s part of the character of corduroy, rather than a colour difference or fault.

After washing, allow the covers to hang dry and gently smooth the cord with your hand once dry.

You may also notice that the cord runs in different directions across different panels. This is normal with the construction of our corduroy covers and doesn’t affect their use or durability.

What about wrinkles and creases?

Wrinkles can happen after washing, storage or when your Whatsie first arrives vacuum sealed.

Most will relax naturally once the covers are back on the foam and being used.

If you’d like to help things along, you can treat the covers much like clothing. With the covers fitted over the foam, use a steamer, iron or hairdryer on the lowest heat setting, keeping it moving continuously and only passing over each area briefly.

If you use a Waterproof Liner, remove the liner before using any heat.

Always keep the fabric cover between the appliance and the foam, and never apply heat directly to bare foam.

Cleaning your Whatsie foam

Your foam inserts don’t need regular cleaning and should never be placed in the washing machine.

If a spill reaches the foam, remove the cover and gently blot away as much moisture as possible rather than rubbing or soaking the foam.

Allow the foam to dry completely in a well-ventilated area before putting the cover back on.

For a larger spill or anything you’re unsure about, send us a photo at hello@whatsie.com.au and our team can help you work out the best next step.

Waterproof Liners make clean-ups even easier

If your Whatsie lives alongside toddlers, snacks, bottles, pets or toilet training, Waterproof Liners can add an extra layer of protection between the cover and foam.

They sit underneath your regular Whatsie covers, so you still get the same look and feel while helping protect the foam from everyday accidents.

Just remember to remove Waterproof Liners before using a steamer, iron or hairdryer on your covers.

How often should I wash my play couch covers?

There’s no set schedule. Wash them when they need it! 

For most families, regular spot cleaning takes care of everyday marks, with a full machine wash whenever the covers have had a particularly adventurous week.

Frequent unnecessary washing isn’t required to keep your Whatsie looking good.

Putting your covers back on

Make sure your covers are completely dry before putting them back onto the foam.

Take your time, work the cover gradually over each piece and gently guide the corners into place rather than pulling hard on the zipper.

Once everything is sitting where it should, zip it closed and smooth the fabric over the foam with your hands. Then it’s back to forts.

A few simple ways to keep your Whatsie looking its best

Most Whatsie care comes down to a few easy habits: clean spills when they happen, cold wash the covers when they need a deeper clean, hang them to dry and make sure everything is completely dry before reassembling.

And remember, Whatsie is made to be used.

A little evidence of forts, movie nights, cubbies and everyday family life is exactly what we expect.

Play Couch Care & Cleaning FAQs

Can Whatsie covers go in the washing machine?

Yes. Whatsie covers are removable and machine washable. We recommend a cold wash followed by hang drying.

Can Whatsie covers go in the dryer?

We recommend hang drying your covers rather than tumble drying. High dryer heat can melt, weaken, or break down these fibers in your covers, causing permanent wrinkles or a rough texture.

Can I spot clean my Whatsie?

Yes. For small spills and marks, gently blot the fabric with a clean damp cloth. For a deeper clean, remove the cover and machine wash it.

Can I steam Whatsie covers?

Yes. Just like you would with clothing, you can use a steamer on the lowest heat setting to help relax temporary wrinkles. Keep it moving and avoid holding it over one area for too long.

Keep the cover on the foam and remove any Waterproof Liner first.

Can I iron Whatsie covers?

If you’d like to smooth temporary creases, use the lowest heat setting with the cover fitted over the foam. Keep the iron moving and only pass over each area briefly. Never apply heat directly to bare foam or a Waterproof Liner.

Can I wash the foam inside my play couch?

The foam inserts should not be machine washed. If liquid reaches the foam, blot away excess moisture and allow it to dry completely in a well-ventilated area before replacing the cover.

Why does my farbic look lighter in some directions?

Corduroy and microsuede covers have a directional pile, so it naturally reflects light differently depending on which way the fibres are sitting. This can make the same colour appear lighter or darker from different angles.

Why does the corduroy run in different directions on some panels?

This is normal. Individual panels can be cut and sewn with the cord running in different directions and it doesn’t affect the quality or performance of the cover.

What should I do if I’m unsure how to clean something?

Send us a photo at hello@whatsie.com.au. Our Australian team will happily take a look and help you work out the best way to clean it.