Latest news with #home
Yahoo
30 minutes ago
- General
- Yahoo
Moving in with my mom and older sister showed me it's OK if my kids go to someone else for advice
Ever since I became a mom, I wanted to be their primary mentor. We recently moved in with my mom and older sister, and the kids have started asking them for advice. I'm learning that it doesn't have to be me they go to — it can be someone else who loves them. I'm not sure if it's mom guilt or my pride, but ever since I became a mother 14 years ago, I wanted to be my kids' go-to mentor. If one of my daughters was sad, I wanted to be the one who held her until she calmed down. If my child had a rough day at school, I wanted to be the person who bent down to meet her eyes and ask her about it. When one of my girls had a preteen tiff with friends, I wanted to be the one who offered guidance. I'm their mother. I wanted it to be me — if not all of the time, at least most of the time. Even though my kids have a wonderful father who is also there for them, as a mom of two daughters, I wanted to make sure that I was the woman who dried their tears, listened to their dilemmas, and offered sound advice. I wasn't wrong to feel this way; that's my job, and being there for those moments showed my daughters how much I love them. I wanted them to know they can always count on my presence and support. Recently, though, I've learned that I don't have to be the only woman on whom they rely for these things. Sometimes, another woman who loves them might even be a better choice. Three months ago, we moved in with my mom and older sister while we renovate our home. We're there every day — when my kids are in good moods and bad moods, when they don't want to do homework, when they're fighting with friends. I've done what I always do, offering my ear and my guidance. But I've learned that it's OK to allow others who love my kids to help out. My mother found my younger daughter lying on her bed, feeling sad, and she sat down beside her. She listened while she rubbed my daughter's back and then, she shared advice. Other times, when my younger daughter was moody and resistant to homework or bedtime, my sister stepped in and found a way to convince her, making her laugh with a joke or slipping in some fun. They're doing the job I thought had to be only mine, and they're doing it well. This is even more true when I think about my older daughter, who is now a teenager. Sometimes, she just doesn't want to talk to me simply because I'm her mother. She gets tired of hearing my input, but she will go to her aunt to discuss her troubles — she will even listen to her advice. Occasionally, she might also talk to her grandmother about something before she talks to me about it. And that's OK, because at least I know she's getting the guidance she needs. It's not easy to accept; I still want to be her top choice. Occasionally, I still am, and I hope when we get through all this teenage angst, she'll come to me even more often. But for now, I have to admit that these other women who love her are just the better option sometimes. I have to remind myself how blessed I am that I have plenty of women around us who I trust to comfort my kids, listen to their troubles, and give them advice. At the end of the day, my job is to do what's best for my children. If, now and then, that best thing is not me, so be it. None of this will change how much they love me. And no matter who they choose as a mentor, I know they'll always know how very much I love them. Read the original article on Business Insider
BBC News
14 hours ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Mitchell wants 'no regrets' from England at World Cup
England will approach this summer's home World Cup with "no regrets" says Red Roses head coach John women have been in their Rugby World Cup training camp since the start of June as they aim to win the trophy for the first time in 11 years on home faced two tournament final defeats at the hands of New Zealand in 2017 and 2022, Mitchell is not shying away from the challenge ahead."How do we get done what we haven't had for a long time?" the 61-year-old said. "We mustn't have been doing something right."I guess that's the powerful opportunity while this tournament is under our watch, it's an opportunity to have no regrets."So far, England's pre-season has seen the players put into teams to compete in "strong women" challenges, but New Zealander Mitchell has also introduced an "NBA draft system".He explained the draft allows players to "strategically let somebody go because you know what your group's strengths are. To me, there's a little bit of strategy in it as well. It just helps the girls connect". Players asked to double up The group is currently made up of 42 players that Mitchell will have to reduce to 32 for the World Cup with him choosing 18 forwards and 14 limitations on numbers mean that Mitchell is looking for "versatility" in his players with Exeter wing Claudia McDonald once again being looked to cover scrum-half like she did in wing Mia Venner is also being looked at in three positions, adding both nine and full-back to her repertoire which she has covered at club is aware that the need for players to double up will impact others: "It'll be hard on some players in the sense that some specialists might miss out as a result of the versatility that's needed." Getting tough in Treviso The last Red Roses camp before the Rugby World Cup squad is named will be in Treviso, Italy in is the first foreign camp England's women have been taken on, but despite the excitement the head coach is promising it will be one the toughest and hottest they have experienced."The heat will in itself create its own duress" said Mitchell, with temperatures in the region averaging around 30C in the summer."I think our tournament might be hot, so I think we'll benefit from that. It will probably be our most uncomfortable training camp of all of them because it will be hot and you'll get bothered."After England lost the last Rugby World Cup final after an early red card for wing Lydia Thompson, the coaches are keen to ensure no stone will be left unturned to prepare the side for all eventualities."The amount that we've layered on our game will put them under a lot of questions through scenarios," said Mitchell. "The unfairness that comes in the games through the cards, those sorts of things. The play-to-rest ratios will be probably a little bit lower as well. We can create a really quite niggly camp if you like."We want to be ready for any form of unfairness and it will come at some point. Look at the way cards and HIA's (Head Injury Assessments) have advanced the game in that area."We've definitely got to do it because it's going to come in the tournament. I'd rather be ready for every eventuality and even then, we probably won't be ready for every eventuality."If we don't create that exposure, then we're probably going to let ourselves down like the last World Cup." Rivals As England prepare, so do their rivals and Mitchell is putting plans in place for warm-up games with Spain and France, followed by their opening pool games with USA and a scare against France in their final Six Nations match in May when Les Bleus came back to within a point by the final whistle, Mitchell says they have learned from it."The French match has been a big influence on how we learn and evolve our game," he said. "We look at that separately from the other matches, because they're able to threaten us in different ways."He pinpoints the change in defence coach in the last campaign with Sarah Hunter being off on maternity leave and Nathan Catt taking on her duties as contributing to them losing "a little bit of our system" and since her return "we're obviously definitely refreshing that and bringing that back".However, any talk deeper into the tournament is quickly will not be drawn on commenting on either Canada or world champions New are considered the Red Roses biggest rivals for the main prize with Mitchell saying any matches with them are "too far down, we've got to earn that right".
CTV News
16 hours ago
- Health
- CTV News
How To Choose A Dehumidifier
If your home's air is exceptionally moist during summer and you want an easy, efficient method of drying the air, a dehumidifier is the best way to go. Musty air feels gross on our skin, and high humidity levels can cause issues for people with asthma and other respiratory conditions, especially if it leads to mildew and mould growth in your home. No matter your square footage, desired humidity levels, and budget, there is a perfect dehumidifier out there for you. If you think about all of the features and considerations below, you'll be working with the best dehumidifier in no time. What Is a Dehumidifier? A dehumidifier is a portable appliance that removes excess moisture from the air. While some models work with your air conditioner, most are portable dehumidifiers that you can move around your home as you see fit. They work by using refrigerated coils to rapidly cool air that is sucked into the machine. The cold creates condensation that is collected in a basin at the base of the machine or hosed directly outside, depending on your model. Then, the drier, cooler air is released back into your home. Some humidifiers use speed settings to control the process, while others have something called a humidistat that allows users to set a specific humidity setting, such as 50%, and the machine will automatically maintain that setting. Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Dehumidifier How Large is My Room? Humidifiers are not a one-size-fits-all appliance. Each one has a different square footage rating, meaning they can only cover a room up to a certain size. You'll need to measure your room to obtain the total square feet of the area before choosing a dehumidifier to make sure it can handle your room size. How Much Do I Want To Spend? A key consideration when making this type of purchase is how much you're willing to spend. While the cost of the actual dehumidifier is the biggest concern, you should also consider the cost of running the machine. Some energy-efficient models boast a higher energy efficiency rating than standard dehumidifiers, but they are most likely a little more expensive upfront. If cost isn't as much of a concern, you could also consider a whole-house dehumidifier that is installed with your HVAC system. How Many People Live in The Home? Choosing a dehumidifier is not only about the size of the home, but also the capacity of the home. A house with just one person will tend to be less humid than a home with a family of six since fewer people are sweating, breathing, and heating the space. Larger families may need a larger size dehumidifier than an individual or couple, since the average humidity will be higher. Features to Consider When Purchasing a Dehumidifier Before you make your purchase decision, there are a few things that you must consider. Dehumidifiers have many different features and characteristics that may make them the wrong choice for your unique circumstances. When shopping for dehumidifiers, make sure to consider all of the following features carefully to avoid bringing home a dehumidifier that isn't right for you. Type of Dehumidifier There are two types of dehumidifiers that you can consider for your home: desiccant and refrigerant. Compressor Dehumidifier/Refrigerant Dehumidifier This is the standard type of dehumidifier. This type of dehumidifier uses a compressor to draw in air from your space and pull it over the refrigerated coils to create condensation. These models are efficient and can handle high levels of humidity. One flaw of these dehumidifiers is their noise level. They average between 50 and 60 decibels when running. Compressor dehumidifiers are also best used in warmer climates. The coils could freeze if the room temperature is below about 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Desiccant Dehumidifier Desiccant dehumidifiers are the ideal choice if you're in a colder climate since they can be used at any temperature above freezing. They are also more energy efficient since they don't need to cool down the air. Instead, the air is pulled through the desiccant, which acts like a sponge to remove excess moisture from the air. These models are also much quieter to operate than a compressor-based model, so they can be used in work environments and bedrooms without disturbing anyone. However, desiccant dehumidifiers expel air that is roughly 10-15 degrees warmer than the ambient air temperature, so this may be an issue for some people who like to keep their home at a low temperature. These humidifiers can handle the same relative humidity levels as a compressor, but they can cost a bit more to run in warmer temperatures. These models are effectively used in areas like crawl spaces and basements that may be cooler, wetter spaces. Fan Settings Most dehumidifiers have a low speed and a high-speed setting that enable a bit of extra control over how the machine operates. A high setting can be used for quickly drying out the air in a space, while a low setting can keep the noise disturbance to a minimum while maintaining proper humidity levels. Some models will also have a middle setting, but not all do. Most dehumidifiers will also offer a fan-only setting, which can help encourage airflow without affecting moisture levels. Energy Efficiency Though dehumidifiers don't cost more than a few cents per hour to operate, choosing an Energy Star-rated model is the best for your budget and the environment because it works more efficiently and operates at a lower cost. An energy-efficient dehumidifier will more quickly achieve the desired level of dehumidification you need, stopping musty odours, water damage, and allergens in their tracks. Built-In Hygrometer/Humidistat A built-in humidistat is the most convenient feature available on a dehumidifier. Rather than set a speed setting and walk away, you can set a precise humidity level that the machine should maintain. Not only does this feature enable energy savings since the machine only runs when the humidity rises above your desired setting, but you also won't have to manually turn on or shut off the dehumidifier. Since dry air can also be bad for your health, this feature can be a lifesaver if you forget to turn off the dehumidifier. Basin Pint Capacity The pint capacity of your dehumidifier is a key factor to consider since your room size and characteristics will influence the moisture level of your air. If your room houses your washer and dryer, has multiple windows and doors, or your home is in a more humid climate, you'll need a dehumidifier that can handle more pints of water per hour since there is a larger amount of water in your air. If your machine doesn't have the right pint capacity, your air quality will suffer. Aside from the efficiency of the appliance, you should also consider the reservoir's capacity since this will control how often you'll need to empty the reservoir. Most models only need to be emptied once or twice a day, but a smaller tank will require more frequent emptying or a hose connection. Room Coverage People buying a dehumidifier do need to double-check that their room size is within the appliance's capacity. To purchase the right size dehumidifier for your space, you'll first need to calculate the room's square footage. The larger it is, the higher capacity your dehumidifier will need to have. The general rule is that a small dehumidifier collects less than 20 pints of moisture per day, medium dehumidifiers collect between 30 and 40 pints per day, and large dehumidifiers collect more than 40 pints per day. Drainage Type There are two choices you have when draining the water from your reservoir. The first is manually emptying the bin. This is usually a simple, quick process, but it can become tedious if you need to empty the tank two or more times per day, especially if you work full time or want to go away for a weekend and keep your home's humidity in check. Though some models only need to be emptied once a day if they aren't being used in rooms with excessively humid air, this is still a less convenient option. If you have a small dehumidifier capacity for dehumidifier water or have a large amount of moisture in your air, a drain hose is the way to go. A hose can drain directly into a floor drain and can handle any number of pints of moisture per hour or day that you need. If you don't have a floor drain, a dehumidifier with a pump can be used to send the water up to a higher-level drainage spot like a sink. Our Top Picks:
CNET
16 hours ago
- Health
- CNET
5 Cleaning Hacks to Keep Your Fridge Fresh and Tidy This Summer
Your refrigerator is one of the most important appliances in your kitchen, but cleaning the fridge is an often-overlooked chore. After you wipe down your counters and clean up your kitchen floors, be sure to give your fridge some attention too. Like most areas of your house, the refrigerator is easier to keep fresh and tidy if you dedicate a little bit of time to it every day or week rather than letting dirt and clutter pile up. It's vital to keep your fridge clean, on the inside and out, as it houses most of what you'll eat. Safely handling your food and beverages will rid your fridge of germs and bacteria that may linger. For a more sustainable way to keep your fridge clean and tidy throughout not only the warmer months but also the entire year, read on. Read next: Want That Organized TikTok Fridge Look? Here's What You'll Need to Buy 5 steps to keep your refrigerator clean ✅ Daily task: Wipe down handles and controls Using a food-safe, antibacterial wipe, take the time to wipe down the handles of your refrigerator each day. You should wipe down the buttons or controls for water dispensers and ice makers daily, too. s-cphoto/Getty Images ✅ Weekly task: Trash expired and old food At the start of each week, go through the food in your refrigerator. Toss old leftovers and expired food. Spoiled food can encourage bacteria growth and leave mold spores in your refrigerator, so it's important to sift through your fridge regularly. Not sure what's expired? Check each bottle and label for an expiration date. If you can't find an expiration date, play it safe and toss anything that you aren't sure is fresh. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends not only throwing out old or recalled foods, but also any foods that are stored next to them or touching them. Read more: Fresh or Foul? Expert Reveals Egg Shelf Life in Your Fridge Sort through your fridge each week to throw out any expired food or drinks. The Container Store ✅ Quarterly task: Give your fridge a deep clean Do a deep cleaning of your refrigerator every three to four months. To keep things simple, you may choose to do a deep clean of your fridge at the start of each season. To deep clean your refrigerator, you'll need to completely clear out all the food and put it in a cooler for safekeeping. Many people choose to try to finish most of the big food items in their fridge just before a deep cleaning, so they don't have to remove and replace a lot of food. Be sure to read your refrigerator's manual so that you know the best way to clean your appliance. In most cases, you will unplug the fridge or turn it off first. Then remove and thoroughly clean all the shelves and drawers in hot, soapy water or other cleaner, then replace them. Clean the walls of the fridge and every surface well. Don't forget to also clean the door and the interior top of the refrigerator. Read More: An Electrician's Plea: Don't Plug Space Heaters or These Other 6 Devices Into Extension Cords Every so often, take everything out of your fridge and give it a deep clean. Getty Images/EyeEm ✅ Biannually task: Clean your icemaker and water dispenser Many refrigerators come with ice makers and water dispensers. If yours does, it's important to keep them clean so that you continue to enjoy germ-free ice or water. The ice maker or water dispenser likely comes with a water filter that you'll need to change regularly. Most need to be changed every six months or so, according to Consumer Reports, but be sure to read your refrigerator's manual for the manufacturer's recommendations. Read more: Ice Maker on the Rocks? Here's How to Fix It ✅ Occasional task: Immediately clean spills When a mess happens in the fridge, clean it immediately. It's important to not let spills and messes get out of hand, otherwise your fridge can easily become a hotbed for germs and bacteria. If you have a spill, take a few minutes to wipe it down and make sure that it didn't spill on and potentially contaminate other food or beverages. Also, try to prevent accidents by storing your food in airtight, spill-proof containers. A good rule of thumb is that you should spot clean your refrigerator any time a spill happens or you see remnants of food and drink. Want more kitchen cleaning hacks? Check out the best way to clean your blender and how to clean a cast-iron skillet.
Forbes
21 hours ago
- General
- Forbes
The Best Couch Covers That Offer Style And Protection
Once you've invested in a high-quality couch, it's natural to be apprehensive of pets, kids or even less-careful family members lounging on it. Stain anxieties are all too real—but a great way to alleviate them is with a reliable couch cover that protects your furniture from spills and scratches. Our team of editors, product experts and researchers spent months evaluating the best couch covers on the market that are not only reliably protective, but are also good-looking enough to contribute to the aesthetic of your space—not ruin it. In 2025, our top pick is the Easy-Going Stretch Soft Couch Cover, which is easy to install and designed to fit a variety of different sofas. The best couch covers from brands like Easy-Going and Nolan Interior offer protective and aesthetic ... More properties. ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS 'Couch covers are well worth the cost of preserving your sofa,' says interior designer and founder of Iapicco Design Studio Michele Iapicco. 'It will protect from food and beverage stains, dirt from pets jumping on it, sweat, gum, markers and pens, everyday wear and tear and anything else that could stain something you've invested a lot of money into.' After months of research and expert consultation with Iapicco and others, we've determined that the options ahead are the best covers for most living spaces. Material: Polyester and spandex | Sizes: Small, Medium, Medium X-L, Large, X-Large | Colors: 28 What you'll love: Stretchy elastic fabric is easy to install Available in sizes suited for chairs, loveseats and sofas Comes in 28 color options Machine washable Keep in mind: This cover has a simple design and comes in a variety of colors, making it a versatile choice for almost any space. It's made from a polyester-spandex blend, which makes it both stretchy (all the better for a seamless installation) and resistant to stains. It's also available in several sizes, accommodating everything from armchairs to full-sized sofas. Installation is straightforward: Remove the cushions, stretch the main cover over the frame and arms, then slip the included pieces over the cushions and place them back. The finished look is impressively polished—more like a full furniture refresh than a quick cover-up. The material here is not waterproof; however, the pieces are machine washable, so it's easy enough to keep up with spills. Material: Jacquard polyester and spandex | Sizes: Seat, back, chaise, pillow | Colors: 11 What you'll love: Stylish cross-hatch pattern Anti-slip design Machine washable Spill-repellant Keep in mind: Not fully waterproof Sizes may run small Nolan Interior is known for its furniture covers that are designed to combine form and function. The Magic Sofa Cover is a great example, with an attractive cross-hatch pattern available in nearly a dozen colors to suit any space. Beyond looks, this cover is crafted with protection in mind. It's made of stretchy jacquard fabric designed for full coverage of each back, seat, chaise and even pillow cushion, to make sure no spot goes unprotected. They all feature an anti-slip material, and the fabric is thick, making it resistant to snags and tearing from rough or sharp objects. Additionally, these covers are repellent to minor spills, so you don't have to worry about enjoying a cocktail or cup of tea on the couch. That said, they're not totally waterproof, which means you may still have to practice some caution and keep up with spills as they happen to prevent stains. Luckily, the cover is machine washable for easy upkeep. Material: Polyester and spandex with waterproof coating | Sizes: 2-piece, 3 piece, medium back cover, large back cover, chaise cover, XL chaise cover | Colors: 11 What you'll love: Totally waterproof Oeko-Tex certified Non-slip straps included Keep in mind: If you want to enjoy beverages on your couch without worrying about messes, a waterproof couch cover is a must. This one features a TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) membrane backing and a waterproof coating, both of which work to repel liquids before they have a chance to soak into the fabric. An elastic bottom makes the pieces easy to install over couch cushions, while an included strap helps keep everything securely in place without slipping. There are several sizes available, including options for seat, back, and chaise cushions. Just keep in mind that some reviewers have noted the sizing can run large. (Fortunately, the brand offers free 30-day returns in case the covers don't quite fit your couch.) This product is also OEKO-Tex certified, meaning it's made from high-quality, sustainable materials that meet strict standards for both human and environmental health. Material: Polyester and spandex | Sizes: Small, medium and large seat cover and back cover; Medium and large chaise cover | Colors: 12 What you'll love: Stretchy material is easy to install Machine washable Wrinkle-resistant Keep in mind: Finding the right couch material for pets that withstands sharp claws and occasional accidents can be daunting. That's why Nolan Interior offers the Miracle Sofa Cover, which is designed with fur babies in mind. It's made from a thick chenille fabric that's designed to combine plush comfort with durable protection, even from paws and spills. Although this couch cover is water resistant, it's not totally waterproof, which means users should try to wipe spills as soon as they happen in order to avoid them getting absorbed into the fabric. Luckily, this set is machine washable, so removing stains is painless if you don't absorb them quickly enough. This couch cover comes in a variety of stylish colors, and they feature anti-slip backing and elastic edges to keep them in place. Material: Polyester | Sizes: 6 sizes | Colors: 5 What you'll love: Eye-catching, double-sided design Fur-repellant and scratch-resistant Easy to remove, wash and reuse as needed Keep in mind: Not waterproof Prone to shifting If you're looking for a couch cover that's less permanent and easier to slip on and off, this boho chenille slipcover is an eye-catching choice recommended by Iapicco. 'I love an oversized slipcover that you can simply toss over the couch and throw in the wash when needed," she says. "One of my current favorites is this boho chenille style—soft, stylish and easy to care for.' This slipcover is made from a soft chenille material that's resistant to stains and machine washable, so it's easy to refresh as needed. It's also fur-repellant and scratch-resistant, making it a great surface for fur babies to rest on. The boho design is available in a few colorways, and each cover is double-sided, so you can switch up the design regularly to refresh your space. But keep in mind that slipcovers like this are more prone to shifting around couches without staying in place. The home team at Forbes Vetted is comprised of product experts who have evaluated countless products to help you make the best of your home, from sofas to rug pads. Monica Petrucci is a commerce writer at Forbes Vetted and the author of this article. She has been testing and researching home products for several years, including everything from fake plants to outdoor dinnerware. In order to gain expert insight for this piece, we interviewed Dr. Elizabeth Easter, a professor of textile science at the University of Kentucky. She offered expertise about the best fabrics to look for when shopping for durable couch covers, as well as how to care for them. We also received insight from interior designer Michele Iapicco, who offered expertise about the style and functionality components of couch covers and how they can be beneficial in the home. She also provided product recommendations based on firsthand experience. The Forbes Vetted team prioritizes producing content that is consistently relevant and up to date in order to best suit our readers. This piece was last updated in June 2025. We evaluated several retailers and products in order to find the best couch covers that suit several stylistic, functional and budgetary needs. We took into account the recommendations provided by textile expert Dr. Easter in order to prioritize the best quality couch cover fabrics. We included recommendations offered by Iapicco in order to provide expert-backed products with proven real world performance. We prioritized several features that consumers look for, including waterproof and scratch-resistant fabrics, as well as couch covers that stay in place and are machine washable. We scoured through consumer reviews in order to collect firsthand accounts of how these products perform in real world settings, exclusively including products with a 4-star rating or higher. There are a few key factors to consider when shopping for high-quality couch covers. According to Dr. Easter, 'Couch covers should protect the furniture from dust, soil, dirt and stains,' she says. 'They also protect the color of the couch and reduce or prevent wear.' Easter adds that the best couch covers are easy to put on and remove, they stay in place without shifting and they're machine washable for easy maintenance. In order to ensure they meet most or all of those standards, here are a few key features to look for. Material Iapicco says there are a few common materials used for couch covers due to their inherent qualities. 'Various versions of cotton, polyester, polyester blend, velvet and microfiber work best for sofa cushions due to their flexible fabric, washable and often water-resistant properties,' she says. Dr. Easter advises keeping an eye out for whether a couch cover is made from natural or synthetic fibers, as each has its own respective pros and cons. 'Natural fibers, such as cotton, will absorb liquid and particulate soils, but can be treated with a finish to protect against both,' she says. 'Synthetic fibers, such as polyester, nylon and olefins, are more repellent to liquid stains but attract oil-based soils,' she says. 'However, they can be treated with a finish to provide resistance to oily stains.' Keep an eye on product descriptions to see whether the fabric has been appropriately treated to protect your sofa. Size Most couch covers are available in a wide variety of different size options. Fitted couch covers are available in sizes suited to specific cushions (seat, back or pillow), while throw covers offer different size dimensions to suit varying sofa types. The key is to make sure you accurately measure your couch and/or cushions before making your purchase, in order to find the best fit for your sofa. Usage Iapicco recommends keeping in mind how often you'd like to use your couch covers before making a purchase decision. 'If it's occasional use, then a waterproof throw might be a good option,' she says. Those are easy to toss on and off the sofa when you need extra protection, like hosting friends or pets. 'If you planning on using the covers every day, then I'd suggest choosing waterproof fitted ones you leave on.' Care One of the biggest benefits of couch covers it the ability to remove and wash them regularly. But not all upkeep is simple; before investing in a couch cover, be sure to look into its cleaning instructions. 'Washable covers are preferred over dry cleaning-only based on the function of the couch cover,' Dr. Easter says. If the cover is machine washable, that doesn't necessarily mean it can be tossed in the washer and dryer on a regular cycle. Read the care instructions carefully to ensure you're taking care to support the longevity of the fabric without damaging it. When it comes to stains or spills—especially on a cover that's not waterproof—speed is key. 'Spot clean a spill or stain as soon as possible to extend the useful life a cover and reduce the number of wash and dry cycles,' Dr. Easter says. What Fabric Is Best For A Sofa Cover? It's best to opt for a fabric that has—or has been treated with—stain-repellant or stain-resistant qualities. This makes it much easier to care for the cover without worrying about spills and stains. Waterproof couch covers take these benefits even further, repelling liquid and protecting the couch underneath from damage. How Do I Know If A Couch Cover Will Fit My Couch? Most couch covers are available in multiple sizes, with included size dimensions to help you make your decision. It's important to measure each cushion on your couch, as well as the couch itself, in order to ensure you're finding the best fit. Can You Put A Couch Cover On Any Couch? This is dependent on the shape of your couch and the type of couch cover you're looking for. For a single-piece throw, it's easy to find a size and shape that drapes over most couches. But for more thorough coverage over each cushion, it may be hard to find appropriate sizing for uniquely shaped couches and sofas. Be sure to check dimensions thoroughly before making a purchase.
