How to Clean a Nugget Couch: Machine Washing & Spot Cleaning

Co-authored by Devin McSween

Last Updated: October 25, 2022 References

As your kids play and create endless configurations with the Nugget couch, there inevitably comes messy spills and stains. If you’re worried about being able to bring your Nugget back to its former glory, don’t be! The Nugget is made with durable microsuede fabric that you can throw in the washer to make cleanup a breeze. We’ve laid out steps on how to wash your Nugget to leave it looking fresh and ready for new playtime creations.

Things You Should Know

Vacuum up loose dirt and hair from the covers before washing and spot cleaning.
Machine wash covers of the same color using your machine’s coldest setting.
Spot clean stains on the covers and foam with an upholstery cleaner.
Air dry the covers and foam completely before reassembling the Nugget.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Machine Washing the Covers

1
Remove the covers from the foam inserts. Do not wash the covers with the foam still inserted. Unzip the fabric covers from the pillows, cushion, and base and take out each foam piece. Place the foam in an area away from children and pets to prevent any damage.^{[1]
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2
Wash the covers on your washing machine’s coldest setting. Zip the covers up and place them in the washing machine. Use the coldest setting to help preserve the covers' color. Only wash Nugget covers together if they are the same color to prevent color bleeding.^{[2]
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- Do not wash the Outdoor Nugget covers or the embroidered pillow covers. These are spot clean only.^{[3]
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- Nugget recommends using a clear detergent, such as All’s Free Clear.
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3
Set the covers out to dry. Remove the covers from the washing machine and put them on a clothing line or rack to dry overnight. Do not place the covers in a dryer, as it can cause shrinking. Use a fan to speed up drying.^{[4]
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- You can dry the covers outside, but do not leave them out for long. Direct sunlight will cause the fabric to fade.^{[5]
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4
Put the couch back together once the covers are dry. Unzip the dried pillow covers, cushion, and base and insert the corresponding foam pieces. Zip the covers back up to start creating fun, new configurations!^{[6]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Spot Cleaning the Covers

1
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any loose dirt. Clean up crumbs and pet hair on your Nugget beforehand so that debris isn't embedded into the pillows or cushions. Vacuum with a brush attachment or use a lint roller.^{[7]
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2
Unzip the covers and take out the foam. Spot cleaning the covers while the foam is inside can transfer the stain to the foam. Remove the fabric covers from the pillows, cushion, and base. Set aside the foam in a safe place while you clean.^{[8]
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3
Spray set-in stains with an upholstery cleaner. Find stains on your pillows, cushion, and base and spray them directly with an upholstery cleaner. Spray enough cleaner to dampen each spot and loosen the stain, but not so much that the area is soaked.^{[9]
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- Nugget recommends using cleaners such as Folex, Oxiclean, Woolite, and Dawn dish soap for stains like chocolate, condiments, fruit, and grease. Use rubbing alcohol for crayons, markers, and glue and acetone for nail polish.^{[10]
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4
Rub the cleaner into the stains with a moist towel. Use a soft, white towel or washcloth to prevent color from transferring to the covers. Dampen your towel. In circular motions, gently rub and dab your towel into the areas where you sprayed the cleaner.^{[11]
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Machine wash the covers on the coldest setting. Zip up each cover and put them in the washing machine. Keep your covers bright by using your machine’s coldest setting. Prevent any color bleeding by only washing Nugget covers of the same color.^{[12]
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Let the covers dry before assembling your Nugget. Place the covers on a clothing rack to air dry overnight. Once the covers are dry, unzip them and add back in the foam. Assemble the couch into your favorite creation and enjoy!

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Spot Cleaning the Foam

1
Remove the foam from the fabric covers. To clean up any spills that have leaked into the fabric and set into the foam, you need to clean the foam directly. Unzip the pillow, cushion, and base covers and take out each foam piece. Place the covers in a safe place where they won’t get dirty.^{[13]
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2
Spray any stains on the foam with an upholstery cleaner. Dispense the cleaner directly onto any stains you find on the foam pillows, cushion, and base. Help the spots dry faster by only dampening the stains with cleaner.^{[14]
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- The Nugget couch isn’t waterproof, so be careful with the amount of cleaner you use.
- Nugget recommends using Folex on the foam for the best clean.
3
Wipe the cleaner into the stains using a damp towel. Dab a dampened towel or washcloth into the spots where you sprayed the cleaner. Let the spots sit for 30 minutes, then wipe them again with a moist towel.^{[15]
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4
Dry the foam out before putting the Nugget together. Completely air dry the foam to prevent any mildew from forming. Add the foam back into the covers once the foam is fully dry.^{[16]
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- Place the foam pieces by an open window or in front of a fan to help them dry faster.^{[17]
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