Yes, you can dry Nugget covers, but air drying is recommended to prevent shrinkage and maintain color.
Can You Dry Nugget Covers?
Yep, you definitely can dry Nugget covers! These cozy microsuede covers are super durable and designed for easy care. But hold on—while you can dry them, the best way is to air dry them. Let’s explore why that is and how it’s done.
Why Air Drying Is Best
Air drying works wonders for several reasons:
- Prevents shrinkage: Nugget covers are made to fit snugly over the foam pieces, and heat can cause them to shrink, creating a too-tight fit. Air drying avoids this and helps your covers last longer.
- Maintains vibrant color: High heat settings in a dryer can fade the beautiful colors of your Nugget covers. Air drying keeps them looking their best.
- Energy-efficient: Air drying is an eco-friendly way to save energy compared to running a dryer for your covers.
How to Air Dry Nugget Covers
Air drying is a breeze! Here’s how to do it right:
- Wash those covers: Toss your Nugget covers into the washing machine on a cold cycle and tumble dry on low or air dry (more on washing instructions later!)
- Choose your spot: Find a place to hang your covers. A clothesline is perfect, but a drying rack works just as well.
- Patience is key: Give the covers time to air dry thoroughly. It could take a full day, so make sure to build that into your Nugget cleaning routine.
Can You Ever Put Nugget Covers in the Dryer?
Okay, if you’re short on time, you can tumble dry Nugget covers on a low heat setting. Keep in mind there’s still a risk of slight shrinkage and color fading. So, if possible, sticking to air drying is the safest bet.
Table 1: Air Drying vs. Machine Drying
Feature | Air Drying | Machine Drying |
Shrinkage Risk | Minimal | Possible |
Color Preservation | Excellent | Some fading may occur |
Energy Efficiency | High | Low |
How to Wash Nugget Covers
Now that you know how to dry your Nugget covers, let’s cover the washing basics:
- Unzip and zip: Remove the covers from the foam and zip them closed. This keeps them from snagging in the wash.
- Cold water only: Wash your covers on the coldest setting.
- Delicate cycle: Use a gentle or delicate cycle to protect the fabric.
- Color safe detergent: Choose a mild, color-safe detergent to preserve those vibrant colors.
- Toss ’em alone: Wash only Nugget covers together to avoid color bleeding and protect the fabric.
Table 2: Washing Dos and Don’ts
Do | Don’t |
Wash on cold | Use hot water |
Zip covers before washing | Wash with other items |
Use color-safe detergent | Use bleach or fabric softeners |
What About Stains?
Spills and messes happen! If you’re dealing with a stain, here’s what to do:
- Act fast: The sooner you tackle the stain, the better.
- Spot-clean first: Blot the spills immediately with a damp cloth for best results
- Upholstery cleaner: For tougher stains, a mild upholstery cleaner can help
Table 3: Common Stains and Solutions
Stain | Solution |
Food or drink spills | Mild detergent and water |
Crayon or marker | Upholstery cleaner |
Mud or dirt | Spot clean with damp cloth, then wash normally |
Tips for Faster Air Drying
Waiting for things to dry isn’t much fun, so here are some tips to speed up the process:
- Wring it out: After washing, gently wring out excess water from your Nugget covers before hanging them up. Be careful not to wring too hard as that can stretch the fabric.
- Good air circulation: Hang indoors with a fan nearby for better air circulation, or choose a breezy spot outdoors.
- Flip them over: Once one side of the covers feels dry, flip them over to help the other side dry out more quickly.
What if I Accidentally Shrunk My Nugget Covers?
Don’t panic! While some shrinkage is possible, especially if you’ve used a dryer, all is not lost. Here’s what you can try:
- Stretch them gently: When the covers are still slightly damp, carefully stretch them out with your hands.
- Put them back on the foam: Sometimes, the foam can help stretch the covers back to their original size.
Additional Tips for Nugget Cover Care
Here are some more pro tips to make your covers last and stay fabulous:
- Rotate your covers: If you have multiple sets, switch them out regularly. This helps distribute wear and tear evenly and extends the lifespan of your covers.
- Avoid direct sunlight: While air drying outside is okay, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, as it can fade the colors of your covers over time.
- Don’t iron: Ironing can damage the microsuede fabric of your Nugget covers. Air drying naturally prevents wrinkles, which means ironing is unnecessary.
Special Considerations for Outdoor Nugget Covers
Outdoor Nugget covers are designed with tougher, weather-resistant fabric, but they still need some TLC. Here’s the scoop:
- Spot cleaning only: Outdoor Nugget covers are not machine washable, so stick to spot cleaning them with a damp cloth or mild upholstery cleaner as needed.
- Air dry always: Follow the same air drying rules as you would for regular Nugget covers.
- Store when not in use: To keep your Outdoor Nugget covers looking their best, store them indoors in a dry place when not in use. This will protect them from harsh sunlight and weather conditions.
Table 4: Indoor vs. Outdoor Nugget Covers
Feature | Indoor Covers | Outdoor Covers |
Material | Microsuede | Weather-resistant fabric |
Washing | Machine washable (cold) | Spot clean only |
Drying | Air dry or tumble dry (low heat) | Air dry only |
Conclusion- Can You Dry Nugget Covers?
So, can you dry Nugget covers? Of course! However, air drying is definitely the best way to keep your Nugget covers looking fantastic and ensure they last for all those epic fort-building adventures. With proper care, you’ll enjoy the soft, luxurious feel of these covers for years to come.