I Bleached My Denim Couch and This is What Happened!

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Why a White Slipcovered Couch?

White slipcovered sofas are the perfect complement to chippy white furniture and modern farmhouse style. I waaanted one badly! But I didn’t have any money for a new slipcover.

Bleached white denim slipcover couch

I was stuck with a blue denim slipcover. It was pretty enough but wasn’t the look I was after.

Well, I’m not one to let lack of funds keep me from expressing my style. I don’t think you need to let it stop you either!

When there is more creativity than cash around here, the experimenting begins…

P1013863
Before: A big blob of denim scariness!

Working with What I Have.

It all started when I realized that the 1980s layout of my living room would work best with a sectional.

After shopping around, I fell in love with the Pottery Barn slipcovered sectional.Build Your Own - PB Basic Sectional Component Slipcovers

I also like the slipcovered one from Ikea, but the nearest Ikea is 4 hours away. Please do feel sorry for me about this.

I began to save for a PB sectional. However, at the rate I was able to stash cash, it wasn’t looking too promising. The more I thought about it, the more I decided that thousands of dollars for a couch just didn’t jive with our financial goals at this time.

I started searching Craig’s list (for several weeks) and found a denim slipcovered sectional. The price was right, only $400, and it was in really good shape.

Did I Make a Big Mistake?

I didn’t mind the denim slipcover at first. In the house that I bought it from, it was really cute and accessorized all beachy and everything.

I got it home to my “smaller” living room and it looked like the big, fat, why did I buy a sectional, denim mistake.

I wanted to whisk it away to the upholsterer’s for a new slip, but just didn’t have the funds. So, I fretted and rearranged and pointed my finger at it, and threatened to put it right back on Craig’s List.

The only thing that stopped me was that it is VERY comfortable and my whole family loved it. Even my grown kids! I could picture us all comfortably lounging on it for a movie night. If only it were white!

I thought that I would use the old slipcover as a pattern to make the new one. I’ve made slipcovers for chairs before. But this seemed overwhelming.

To have one made defeated the purpose of my bargain find.

Sticker shock, again.

How I Did It.

In desperation one night I snipped a tiny piece of fabric out of the seam on the inside of a cushion cover. I soaked it overnight in bleach mixed with water. The next morning I was so excited to see it completely white. So I kept going…

P1013895

I lined my driveway with every empty tub I could find. I didn’t use any specific proportions, just A LOT of bleach. I used about 10 bottles of bleach. But keep in mind, it was a lot of slipcover. My sectional is like a 3 cushion couch, a loveseat, and a chaise put together.

I moved the fabric around every couple of hours to get an even bleach job. Be patient. My first couple of cushion covers took about 48 hours of soaking in the washer.

It was much faster outside. I haven’t figured out why. Maybe someone could tell me? It was out in the sun. But I used hot water in the washer too. So it’s a mystery to me.

If You Want to Try It.

If you want to attempt this, I definitely recommend testing a small piece of fabric first. I was lucky that my slipcover turned out to be 100% cotton denim. Some fabrics won’t release their dye and you might end up with a blotchy finish.

Also, if your skin is sensitive, be sure to wear rubber gloves. It was hard on my hands and I had to grab my dishwashing gloves near the end.

The End Result.

You guys, I bleached my denim slipcover and it worked. I just love the result. Now I can make some pillows and continue with my living room redo.

I’ve had readers from all over send me their denim slipcover success stories!

If you bleach your couch, PLEASE send me pictures or leave me a comment. Thanks for sharing my fun project.

P1013971
After: A beautiful, white denim slipcovered sofa. Exactly what I wanted!

Update.

Friends, I bleached this slipcover way back in 2010! Eventually we had to replace the sofa. Check out what I opted for here.

But it’s definitely not the end of my furniture makeovers. Here is a painted furniture makeover for you to check out.

Be sure to pin for later and subscribe to get my Free Secrets to Thrifting a Farmhouse Style guide.

Thanks for stopping by. Until next time…

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69 Comments

  1. Be glad that you didn’t order from Pottery Barn. That’s not a slipcover sectional at all. It’s only a sectional slipcover, and it runs at least nine hundred dollars for a section!

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  5. Hi, how much water did you add to the bleach?? I used a whole bottle of bleach to half its jug to water… it definitely worked on the denim slipcover pillows but it started to tear.

    1. Hi Mary,
      Yes I found that the bleach is very hard on fabric. I believe I eventually used about half of a container of bleach to a large tub. (I did it over ten years ago, so don’t remember exact measurements).

      The less you can use and still get the color out, the better!

  6. Hi,
    I am looking to whiten my tan color slipcover but didn’t know how, it’s cotton twill fabric. I will test a swatch of fabric like you suggested but I’m curious what was your ratio of water to bleach? I don’t want to use too much bleach and ruin the fabric.

    Thank you!

  7. Hi! Question, how do you find out if the fabric will release its due. I am new to the diy and just snagged these incredible chairs for free and I want to bleach the velvet like textured fabric on them.

    1. On the sectional I purchased, I found a small snippet of the fabric in the seam (sewing) line. I put that in a solution of bleach and water. Since none of the color remained, I thought there was a good chance that it would bleach the color right out. My cover was also 100% cotton. If your chairs have a tag, see if they have the fabric content. If it has polyester, or a blend, it might not work. Cotton, or linen are your safest bets. But trying a little sample from the seam can help you decide.

      Let me know what happens!

      1. Hi, what was your bleach/water ratio? I just did the slipcovered pillow and it definitely worked but it started to tear.

    2. Read the article. She said she tested a small piece.

  8. I CANNOT BELIEVE I FOUND THIS BLOG POST! I have a blue denim pottery barn sectional and I wanted to bleach it but figured I was the only one to try it but decided to google it anyways! IM SO FREAKING HAPPY TO SEE IT WORKED!!!! Like I’m coming out of my skin excited!

    Good to know outside was faster! Definitely the sun helping. How long did it take outside?

    1. Hi Brittany,
      This was years ago but I believe it took all day. Just use the least amount of bleach that works. It’s pretty hard on the fabric.
      I’ve since used RIT Dye color remover on other fabrics and it works really well too.
      Let me know how it goes!

    2. After reading this I’ve bleached my denim slip cover outside it soaked for 2 days. I now have 3 of the cushion covers in bath tub with bleach rit color remover and rit whitening it still looks tyedye any suggestions? I’m thinking about dying with white chalk paint???

      1. I would probably wash everything and try bleaching it again. It all depends on the fabrics, so unfortunately it’s kind of a roll of the dice.
        I hope it works for you!

  9. Wow! I was just thinking of finding information about doing just this! They look great! So I want to try mine, because it’s been badly sun-damaged on the side… The problem is that I have a small studio and I don’t have outside space. I thought of doing in my bath tub, but I don’t want to be smelling bleach for days. Also, how about after you dry them, do they still smell like bleach for a few weeks, or longer? I think I’ll just find a little piece, like you suggested, and try it. Thank you for the wonderful post!!!

    1. Hi Naomi,
      There is definitely a bleach smell, so I recommend plenty of ventilation. I didn’t find that the bleach smell hung around much after I washed them and put them on. Be sure to add a cup of vinegar into the washer to help to stop the bleaching action. Hope that helps. Let me know how it goes!

  10. Question,
    How is your fabric holding up since the bleach job?
    If so, how long ago did you do this and the long term results on the sofa

    1. Hi. I bleached this denim couch quite a few years ago. I had it for about a year and a half after the bleaching. It held up well for an older sofa cover. However, bleach is tough on fabric and that’s why I recommend that you use the minimum amount to get it to work. Also putting a little vinegar in the rinse after bleaching it is a good idea. Hope that helps.

    2. Hi I’m wondering what your recommendation would be for trying this with a couch that does not have a slipcover. Do you think I could still bleach it?

      1. Hi Andrea. I think it’s great that you’re thinking outside the box! My concern is that you would end up with more of a tie dye effect. I had to soak the slipcover for hours to get the color out. Bleach can also be harsh on fabric, so a thorough rinsing out of the fabric after bleaching, is a good idea.
        I hope that helps.Thanks so much for visiting.

        1. I was also wondering the same thing with my blue jean couch has any one tried a non slip denimn couch??

          1. I haven’t heard from anyone that has tried this. I think the issue would be that the fabric needs to soak for a bit to get all of the color out.
            If anyone has tried it, please chime in!

  11. I did it! I bleached my Rooms To Go Beachside denim couch!It was agonizing, checking the Slipcovers every 2 hours but I was determined! Took a few days and I have a few light blue places here and there but all in all, worth it!
    Now I need to do the two matching love seats! Onward!

    1. Yay! I’m so happy to hear that you had good results with your bleached slipcover. It really changes the look, doesn’t it? Keep me posted about the loves seats!

  12. Wow just found this post, wish I would have googled this earlier…Bleached denim couch cover in washing machine came out tiedyed…Now I'm not sure what to do..Dye it back to blue or ?…I want it to be white

    1. If you want it to be white just bleach it again. Mix your bleach with very warm water. If you have a top load washer, you could let it sit and just agitate it every so often. When it looks like all of the blue is gone, put it through the rinse cycle. Otherwise, just follow my directions to do it in tubs. Good luck and send me pictures of the results!
      Tanya

  13. Hi!
    I was looking on Craigslist at a denim couch as well and was wondering about this! Glad to see that it works. Although, I have a question- after reading this post and looking on Craigslist, I noticed that the picture for the denim couch on the craigslist ad was the same as your before picture and this concerns me. A weird coincidence that I happened upon your page and the ad at the same time but I am wondering if it is a scam?! Or if they are just using the picture because theirs is packed up? Or if you are selling this couch?
    Thank you and hope you can help me!

  14. Hi!
    I was looking on Craigslist at a denim couch as well and was wondering about this! Glad to see that it works. Although, I have a question- after reading this post and looking on Craigslist, I noticed that the picture for the denim couch on the craigslist ad was the same as your before picture and this concerns me. A weird coincidence that I happened upon your page and the ad at the same time but I am wondering if it is a scam?! Or if they are just using the picture because theirs is packed up? Or if you are selling this couch?
    Thank you and hope you can help me!

    1. I doubt it’s a scam they make these everyday! I got a denim slipcover sofa and loveseat just like this on Craigslist then I just got a free sectional just like this too ! They make these in different brands and sofas like just sofa and loveseat and sectional with chaise and without chaise mine just like this is identical but don’t have chaise only sectional but I can say 100 it’s probably not a scam ! Why would someone scam on a sofa ? You pick a sofa up so how would they be scamming you when you would pick it up in person ? Lol sorry sweetie just doesn’t seem you thought this theory out very well … just my thoughts

  15. I just thought about this this morning so I googled it and this is what I found. I was just laid off from my job yesterday so I am glad to see this. I am trying 2 of the cushions tonight and will finish the rest tomorrow. I already know it will bleach cuz the gal that I got my sectional from on Craigslist accidently got bleach on it.. SOOOOO HAPPY I saw this. This is exactly what I want… I do a lot of shabby chic and refinishing of furniture featuring country, barn, distressed, cottage, beachy look. [email protected]

  16. I've been stressing out over how to custom make a white slipcover for our sad denim couch and chair. I'm testing a small patch I cut out from an inconspicuous area! Hopefully this saves me so much time and money…I'll try to let you know how it turns out!

  17. I am working on this while I type. However after soaking for the entire day it seems mine are more neutral/pale yellow. I am guessing "bleach stained" 🙁 Did yours come out bright white?

  18. I am going to try it for sure. You sound like a kindred spirit..my husband calls me "Instant Gratification Liz"..it's true.
    We have a giant denim couch and matching chair…they are great but I would love a lighter, beachier look to go with the rest of the house.The denim is looking a bit worn anyway…just like a pair of your favorite jeans. I'm stocking up on bleach as we speak! Thank you!!

  19. I am going to try it for sure. You sound like a kindred spirit..my husband calls me "Instant Gratification Liz"..it's true.
    We have a giant denim couch and matching chair…they are great but I would love a lighter, beachier look to go with the rest of the house.The denim is looking a bit worn anyway…just like a pair of your favorite jeans. I'm stocking up on bleach as we speak! Thank you!!

  20. I'm so glad I found this post! I too just bought a very comfy couch and oversized chair covered in denim on Craigslist and I want it to be white for a sunroom.

    I am off to Walmart to buy some bleach 🙂

  21. are you serious? i am sooooooo inspired by this…i also have this crazy denim sofa…paid way to much for it…and i LOVE white….thanks woman!

    xoxo lylah

  22. Thank you so much for the encouraging comments. I don't know that I was brave but rather very impatient (desperate) for a white couch!

  23. Thank you so much for the encouraging comments. I don't know that I was brave but rather very impatient (desperate) for a white couch!

  24. Like Debra said – you're brave! I'm glad it turned out so perfect! It really looks fabulous. I have a dark brown slipcover for a chair and I'll give it a try. I was going to make a slip but if this works it would save me a ton of work!

    Manuela

  25. Like Debra said – you're brave! I'm glad it turned out so perfect! It really looks fabulous. I have a dark brown slipcover for a chair and I'll give it a try. I was going to make a slip but if this works it would save me a ton of work!

    Manuela

  26. Like Debra said – you're brave! I'm glad it turned out so perfect! It really looks fabulous. I have a dark brown slipcover for a chair and I'll give it a try. I was going to make a slip but if this works it would save me a ton of work!

    Manuela

  27. Tanya,
    First, let me thank you for visiting with me! Thanks! I do think we have such compassion in our military men and women who showed it so admirably on 9/11….

    You are indeed a sista… just by reading the'blue denim-bleached white' episode I know we think alike. I look forward to visiting again and again.

    I love home and fluffing our nest…as cheaply as possible….I'm a 'thrift-a-nista of the highest order!

    God bless…Betty @ Country Charm

  28. Tanya,
    First, let me thank you for visiting with me! Thanks! I do think we have such compassion in our military men and women who showed it so admirably on 9/11….

    You are indeed a sista… just by reading the'blue denim-bleached white' episode I know we think alike. I look forward to visiting again and again.

    I love home and fluffing our nest…as cheaply as possible….I'm a 'thrift-a-nista of the highest order!

    God bless…Betty @ Country Charm

  29. Wow!
    My daughters and I were just discussing whether or not this would work and you have settled that.

    Great job.

    Laura
    White Spray Paint

  30. Wow!
    My daughters and I were just discussing whether or not this would work and you have settled that.

    Great job.

    Laura
    White Spray Paint

  31. Wow, that came out fabulous!!! I would be doing the happy dance too. Good for you. Now you have a whole new fabulous look:)
    ~Debra
    Capers of the vintage vixens

  32. Wow, that came out fabulous!!! I would be doing the happy dance too. Good for you. Now you have a whole new fabulous look:)
    ~Debra
    Capers of the vintage vixens

  33. Wow, that came out fabulous!!! I would be doing the happy dance too. Good for you. Now you have a whole new fabulous look:)
    ~Debra
    Capers of the vintage vixens

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