How to Clean a Funsquare Play Couch
The short answer: simply zip off the fabric cover, machine wash it on a cold, gentle cycle with a mild detergent, and hang it in the shade to dry. Funsquare play couches are purpose-built for messy, real-life family play, so our fabrics are designed to bounce back beautifully wash after wash.
This complete guide walks through every step in detail: how to wash the outer covers (both microsuede and corduroy), what to do with the optional inner liner, how to safely spot-clean the foam without damaging it, a stain-by-stain removal guide, and routine care to keep things fresh between washes.
The 5 Golden Rules of Play Couch Care
- Wash Cold & Gentle: Always machine wash cold on a gentle cycle using a mild detergent.
- Keep It Natural: Strictly no bleach, no fabric softener, and no tumble drying.
- Protect the Foam: The foam inserts are never machine-washed or soaked. Spot-clean only.
- Blot, Don't Rub: When tackling wet spills, always blot the stain gently and treat it as quickly as possible.
- Backups Are Always Available: If a stubborn stain ever wins the battle, we sell replacement covers in all 23 colours so you can refresh your couch without replacing the foam.
The 30-Second Summary
If you only read one section of this page, this is it. The five rules below cover almost every cleaning situation your Funsquare Play Couch will ever face.
- Outer Covers: Zip them off the foam. Machine wash on a cold, gentle cycle with mild detergent. Hang dry. Never tumble dry.
- Optional Inner Liners: Wash the exact same way as the outer cover. These usually need washing much less often because they live protected between the outer fabric and the foam.
- The Foam Itself: Never wash. Never submerge in water. Spot clean only with a barely-damp cloth, and let it air dry completely before zipping the cover back on.
- Stains & Spills: Treat them promptly. Always blot, do not rub. Start with cold water first, then move to a mild detergent if needed.
- Pet Hair & Dust: A soft brush, a sticky lint roller, or a quick vacuum keeps things perfectly tidy between deep washes.
The full step-by-step for each of these sits in the sections below. If you are after stain-specific guidance right now, jump straight down to our Stain Removal Guide.
Outer Covers: Machine Wash, Step by Step
Funsquare outer covers are designed to come off completely. That is the whole point of our modular design: the inner foam stays bone-dry, while the fabric covers go straight into the washing machine.
- 1. Unzip to remove (then zip back up): Our zips are heavy-duty and built for real family life, so do not be shy when taking them off. Crucial tip: once the foam is out, zip the empty covers back up before tossing them in the washing machine. This protects the zipper teeth and prevents the fabric from snagging or tangling in the wash.
- 2. Pre-treat visible marks: Use a damp cloth and a small amount of mild detergent on stubborn spots. Always blot, never rub. Rubbing only pushes stains deeper into the fabric weave.
- 3. Wash on a cold, gentle cycle: Cold water is essential to protect both the vibrant colours and the structural integrity of the fabric.
- 4. Use mild detergent only: Skip the bleach (which damages colour and weakens the fabric) and skip the fabric softener (which leaves a residue that flattens the texture, particularly on corduroy).
- 5. Hang dry only: A clothes airer indoors, a shaded clothesline outside, or the back of a dining chair all work perfectly. Avoid long exposure to direct, hot sun, which can fade brighter colours over time. Never tumble dry.
Microsuede vs. Corduroy: What to Expect
Both of our premium fabrics follow the exact same five steps above. The differences are small, but worth knowing:
- Microsuede: Dries incredibly fast (often under 24 hours when hung indoors on a sunny day). It is also highly forgiving for quick spot-cleaning between full washes, as the smooth surface wipes clean easily.
- Corduroy: Takes a little longer to dry because the classic ribbed weave naturally holds slightly more moisture. Once it is completely dry, simply give it a quick brush down with your hand or a soft fabric brush to lift the plush texture back up.
Inner Liners: The Optional Spill Guard
The Funsquare Waterproof Liner is an optional second cover that sits snugly between your outer fabric and the inner foam. Its entire job is to handle the heavy-duty messes that get past the outer cover: toilet-training accidents, stomach bugs, heavy spills, and anything wet that you would rather not deal with twice.
How to clean the inner liner. Because the inner liner features a specialised waterproof backing, heat is its absolute worst enemy. Heat will melt or degrade the waterproof layer.
- For small spills: You often do not even need to machine wash it. Simply wipe it down with a damp cloth and mild soap, then let it air dry.
- For big messes (machine washing): Zip it off the foam insert. Machine wash on a strictly cold, gentle cycle using a mild detergent (never use warm or hot water). Hang dry in the shade and air dry completely. Never tumble dry, never iron, and keep it away from direct heat sources.
Because the liner stays protected inside the couch and can often just be wiped clean, it usually needs a full machine wash far less often than the outer covers.
A quick tip for families: If you do not already have a waterproof liner, it is easily the single most useful add-on for households with toddlers or pets. The peace-of-mind value is incredibly high relative to the price.
The Foam: Never Wash, Always Spot Clean
The foam inside every Funsquare piece is premium, high-density polyurethane. It is GECA-certified, proudly made right here in Melbourne, and designed to hold its shape for years of heavy play.
However, what it does not do well is dry quickly. Submerging the foam in water, putting it in a washing machine, or saturating it during cleaning will ruin it. If a spill manages to get through the cover and onto the foam itself, here is the exact step-by-step approach to fix it:
- 1. Blot immediately: Grab a clean, dry towel and blot up as much liquid as possible. Press firmly, but do not rub. The goal is to lift the moisture out, not push it deeper into the foam core.
- 2. Spot clean gently: Treat the affected area with a barely-damp cloth and a tiny amount of mild detergent. The cloth should feel just slightly wet, never soaking.
- 3. Air dry completely: Leave the foam piece in a well-ventilated room to air out. This can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours depending on how much moisture got in. Pro tip for faster drying: you can speed this up using a hair dryer, but it must be on the COOL setting only. Keep the dryer moving and hold it a safe distance from the foam. Never use heat, as hot air will melt or burn the polyurethane foam.
- 4. Reassemble: Once the foam is 100% completely dry to the touch, you can safely zip the cover back on. Resist the temptation to put the cover back on early, as trapping residual moisture under the fabric is exactly how lingering smells start.
What if it's a major spill?
If something major happens, like a full liquid soak, a lingering smell that just will not lift, or heavy accidental damage, do not panic. Send our team an email at hello@funsquare.com.au. While accidental spills and heavy wear-and-tear are not covered under our 3-year manufacturing warranty, we can usually talk you through a specialised fix. If the foam is truly beyond saving, we sell replacement foam pieces directly, so you can refresh your setup without ever having to buy a whole new play couch.
The Funsquare Stain Removal Guide
The golden rule for any stain: cold water first, always blot (never rub), and treat the mark sooner rather than later. Microsuede, in particular, forgives almost everything if you treat it quickly. Here is exactly what works best for common playroom spills:
- Food (yogurt, sauce, fruit, milk): Gently scrape off any solids using the edge of a spoon. Blot the area with cold water, then pre-treat by gently working in a small amount of mild detergent. If the mark persists, machine wash on a cold, gentle cycle. Important: sugar-based food stains set permanently with heat, so strictly use cold water.
- Drinks (juice, tea, coffee, cordial): Blot immediately with a dry towel to lift as much liquid as possible. Follow up with cold water and a mild detergent. Avoid hot water entirely, especially for sugar-based drinks like juice. Coffee and tea are usually fine to wash out completely if treated within the first hour.
- Art and craft (markers, paint, glue, slime): Speed is key. Water-based markers usually wash out easily with cold water and mild detergent. For slime, scrape off as much as possible, then soak the cover in cold water and mild detergent before machine washing. Note: permanent markers and oil-based paints are incredibly tough and may require professional spot cleaning.
- Toilet-training accidents: Immediately remove the cover from the foam piece. Rinse it under cold, running water from the back side of the fabric to flush the mess outward. Pre-soak the cover in cold water with mild detergent for about 30 minutes, then machine wash on cold gentle. (If you have our Inner Waterproof Liner, your foam will have stayed completely dry.)
- Vomit and illness: Follow the same approach as toilet-training accidents: remove the cover, rinse from the back under cold water, pre-soak briefly, and machine wash. Sprinkling a small amount of bicarb soda (baking soda) on the area before washing can help neutralise any lingering odours.
- Pet stains: Blot up the liquid quickly, then rinse the cover from the back with cold water before machine washing. Enzyme-based, pet-safe cleaners work incredibly well for set-in pet stains or lingering smells, and they are generally gentle on our fabrics.
- Outdoor dirt and grass: Patience is required here, let the mud dry completely first. Once dry, brush off the dirt with a soft brush. Blot any remaining stubborn marks with cold water and mild detergent, then wash normally.
A Quick Note on Stain Removers
When faced with a tough spill, it can be tempting to reach for heavy-duty stain removers or strong pre-wash sprays. However, it is always best to avoid strong solvents, as these can sometimes lift the beautiful colour right out of the fabric along with the stain. Trust the process: a simple mild detergent and cold water will handle almost everything your Funsquare covers will see in real family life.
Routine Maintenance Between Washes
Most families only need to machine wash their covers every few weeks, or whenever a major spill happens. Between those deep cleans, a quick and simple maintenance routine will keep your play couch looking and smelling perfectly fresh.
- As needed: Spot clean any small marks the exact same day they appear. Microsuede, in particular, is incredibly forgiving when a mark is fresh, often lifting out completely with just a quick wipe from a damp cloth.
- Weekly: Vacuum the covers using a soft brush attachment. This easily lifts crumbs, dust, and pet hair before they can get ground into the fabric weave. This is the single highest-impact habit for keeping your couch looking brand new.
- Monthly: Unzip the covers, take them completely off, and let the foam air out in a well-ventilated room for an afternoon. This simple step prevents any natural humidity build-up and keeps the foam smelling completely neutral.
- Quarterly: Mix up your builds. Rotate your configurations or swap which pieces sit where. This spreads the daily wear-and-tear evenly across the entire set and prevents any single cushion from getting overused.
Pet Hair, Dust & General Freshening
Pet hair is easily one of the most common questions we get from dog and cat families. The great news is that Funsquare fabrics are much friendlier to pet households than traditional couch fabrics, though the best approach differs slightly depending on which material you chose:
- For Microsuede: A soft brush or a sticky lint roller handles most pet hair in a few minutes. Because the smooth surface does not trap fur the way traditional woven fabrics do, the hair lifts off cleanly.
- For Corduroy: The classic ribbed weave can catch a bit more hair. For this fabric, a sticky lint roller, a dedicated pet-hair removal tool, or even a rubber pet-hair grooming glove works much better than a standard brush to pull the fur out of the ridges.
Quick Tips for an Instant Refresh
- Between-wash freshening: If you just want to freshen up the fabric without doing a full wash, a light misting of an unscented fabric refresher spray works beautifully on both materials. We recommend skipping heavily scented products, as those strong artificial fragrances can transfer to the foam underneath and linger much longer than you would like.
- Tackling general dust: As a golden rule, a weekly vacuum with the soft brush attachment is the single best habit you can form. It easily catches everyday dust and stray snack crumbs before they have a chance to work their way deep into the fabric weave.
When to Replace, Repair, or Reorder
Funsquare covers are made to last for years of heavy play, but we know that real life happens. Here are three common situations and exactly what to do for each:
- A stain that just will not budge: Sometimes a stubborn stain sets permanently despite your absolute best efforts. The good news? You do not need to replace the foam piece underneath. Replacement covers are sold separately in all 23 of our signature colours, available in both microsuede and corduroy. You can replace just the single affected cover, which also happens to be a great excuse to refresh the colour palette of your playroom.
- Heavier wear on a high-use piece: If one piece of your set sees a lot more action than the others (for example, the Thin Base being used as a permanent slide), you can order a single replacement cover just for that specific piece. You get the same exact colours, same premium fabrics, and the same perfect fit.
- Damage covered by warranty: We stand firmly by our quality. Our 3-year warranty covers the structural integrity of the polyurethane foam and our heavy-duty zips. If a major component fails due to a manufacturing defect rather than everyday cosmetic wear and tear, simply email our team at hello@funsquare.com.au with some photos, and we will sort it out for you.
What Funsquare Families Are Saying
Across more than 1,000 verified reviews, Funsquare families consistently call out how beautifully our covers wash up after everyday, messy family life.
"The Mini Play Couch is the perfect size for the kids' room. My kids play and chill on it every single day. The foam is supportive and comfy, and the covers feel really durable and easy to keep clean. It's honestly the one play item I'd buy again in a heartbeat."
— Jessica O., Melbourne (Verified Review, November 2025)
Still Have Questions? We're Here to Help!
Whether you are dealing with a highly specific, stubborn stain, planning your first deep clean, or thinking about grabbing a fresh replacement cover, we are always happy to help out. A real person on our Melbourne team answers every single message, usually within one business day.
Email Us: hello@funsquare.com.au
Give Us a Call: 0468 018 005
Cleaning FAQs
How do I wash a Funsquare Play Couch cover?
Washing your covers is simple. Both our microsuede and corduroy fabrics follow the exact same process:
- Unzip: Remove the cover completely from the foam piece.
- Machine wash: Run on a cold, gentle cycle using a mild detergent.
- Keep it natural: Strictly no bleach and no fabric softener.
- Hang dry only: Air dry in the shade. Never tumble dry.
Can I put my play couch covers in the dryer?
No. Hang dry only. Tumble drying is strictly not recommended because the heat will shrink the cover, damage the fabric weave, and significantly shorten the lifespan of the material. Instead, hang the covers to air dry indoors on a clothes airer or outside on a clothesline:
- Microsuede: Dries incredibly fast, often in under 24 hours on a sunny day.
- Corduroy: Takes a little longer to dry because the plush, ribbed weave naturally holds slightly more moisture.
What is the difference in cleaning corduroy vs. microsuede covers?
Both fabrics follow the exact same washing rules: cold water, gentle cycle, mild detergent, and hang dry. The differences in day-to-day care are very small:
- Microsuede: Dries faster and is incredibly forgiving for quick spot cleaning between washes, as the smooth surface wipes clean easily.
- Corduroy: Takes slightly longer to dry. Once completely dry, it benefits from a quick brush down with your hand or a soft fabric brush to lift the ribbed texture back up. For pet hair, a sticky lint roller works much better on corduroy than a standard brush.
Can the foam itself be washed?
Never. The foam inside your Funsquare is premium, GECA-certified high-density polyurethane designed to hold its shape for years of play. However, it does not dry quickly, meaning submerging it in water or putting it in a washing machine will ruin it. If a spill manages to get through the cover and onto the foam, here is what to do:
- Blot: Instantly blot up the moisture with a dry towel (do not rub).
- Spot clean: Gently wipe the area with a barely-damp cloth and a tiny amount of mild detergent.
- Air dry: Let the foam air dry completely in a well-ventilated room (usually 24 to 48 hours) before zipping the cover back on.
How do I get a specific stain out, like food, drink, art, or a toilet-training accident?
The golden rule for any stain on your Funsquare cover is simple: always blot (never rub), use cold water first, and then apply a mild detergent.
For heavy messes (toilet-training accidents or vomit): remove the cover immediately. Rinse it under cold running water from the back side of the fabric to flush the mess outward, then pre-soak it briefly before throwing it in the washing machine.
A quick note on microsuede: this fabric is incredibly forgiving and will release almost any stain if you treat it quickly. For a complete, step-by-step breakdown, check out our full Stain Removal Guide further up this page. It covers exact solutions for food, drinks, arts and crafts, pet stains, outdoor dirt, and more.
What is the best way to handle pet hair on a play couch?
Managing pet hair is quick and easy, but the best tool depends slightly on which fabric you chose:
- For Microsuede: A soft brush or a sticky lint roller handles most pet hair in just a few minutes. Because this fabric is smooth, it does not trap fur the way traditional woven couches do, allowing the hair to lift right off.
- For Corduroy: The classic ribbed weave naturally catches a bit more hair. For this fabric, a sticky lint roller or a rubber pet-hair grooming glove works much better than a standard brush.
Pro tip: Regardless of the fabric, a quick weekly vacuum using the soft brush attachment is the single best way to keep pet hair and dust build-up to an absolute minimum.
Do you sell replacement covers if a stain is permanent?
Yes. If a stubborn stain just will not budge or a highly-used piece needs a refresh, you do not need to buy a whole new play couch.
- Buy individual pieces: You can order a replacement cover for just a single piece (like the Thin Base) and use the perfectly good foam you already have.
- Exact matches: Replacement covers are sold separately in all 23 of our signature colours, and are available in both our premium microsuede and corduroy fabrics.
Browse our full range of replacement covers here.
How do I keep my play couch smelling fresh between washes?
Keeping your play couch fresh between deep cleans is easy with these three quick routines:
- Weekly vacuuming: Go over the covers once a week using a soft brush attachment. This lifts away everyday dust and crumbs before they can settle into the fabric.
- Monthly airing out: Unzip and remove the covers, then leave the bare foam in a well-ventilated room for an afternoon. This allows the foam to breathe and naturally release any trapped humidity.
- Unscented fabric spray: For a quick refresh between washes, apply a light mist of an unscented fabric refresher spray directly onto the covers.
Pro tip: Always avoid heavily scented sprays. Strong artificial fragrances can easily transfer through the fabric and into the polyurethane foam underneath, where the scent will linger for much longer than you might want.