Are Koala Sofa Bed Covers Machine Washable?

If you are looking at sofa beds and washability is high on your list, the Koala Sofa Bed [4th Gen] outer covers are hand wash only, but the Kloudcell™ topper is machine washable. This guide breaks down exactly what you can and cannot put in the machine, how to wash each part correctly, and how to keep everything looking good day to day.

Key Takeaways

• The outer cover fabrics are hand wash only, not machine washable

• The Kloudcell™ sleep surface topper is machine washable on a cold cycle

• Inner lining fabrics should not be removed and are spot clean only

• All covers are fully removable and zip off easily

• Care can vary slightly between the Classic, Cord and Luxe ranges

What Koala Sofa Bed Covers Can You Machine Wash?

Here is the quick answer by part:

How to Hand Wash the Outer Sofa Bed Covers

The outer covers on the Koala Sofa Bed [4th Gen] zip off quickly and are designed to be removed and washed regularly. They are not machine washable, but hand washing them is straightforward.

Step by step:

1. Unzip and remove the covers

2. Hand wash in warm water with a mild detergent

3. Do not use bleach or chlorine

4. Do not scrub with a stiff brush

5. Gently reshape the fabric while it is still wet

6. Line dry in the shade completely before refitting

7. Do not tumble dry, iron, or dry clean with chlorine-based solvents

If you need a deeper clean, the covers can also be dry cleaned using any solvent. Always check the care label on each cover before washing, as detailed instructions are printed on every label.

Because the covers are fully removable, you can also swap them entirely rather than wash — Koala sells replacement and additional covers and a matching Koala Sofa Bed Ottoman if you want a spare set or to refresh the colour.

How to Wash the Kloudcell™ Topper

The sleep surface topper is the one part you can put in the machine, and it is the part you will probably want to wash most often. It zips off separately from the rest of the sofa bed.

Step by step:

1. Unzip and remove the topper

2. Cold machine wash only

3. Do not bleach, soak, rub, or wring

4. Gently reshape while wet

5. Line dry fully in the shade, then refit

6. Do not tumble dry or iron

This makes keeping the sleeping surface genuinely hygienic much easier than most sofa beds, where the mattress is fixed and can only be spot cleaned. If you are using the sofa bed regularly for guests, being able to machine wash the topper between stays is a real practical advantage — one reason it is a go-to among Koala's sofa beds for overnight guests. The FlipBed™ design also means accessing and removing the topper takes seconds rather than dismantling the whole bed.

The Kloudcell™ topper comes from Australia's most-awarded mattress range and uses Zero Disturbance™ technology, so it behaves like a proper full-size mattress rather than a thin fold-out pad — one reason the sleep surface is worth keeping fresh.

What About the Inner Lining Fabrics?

The inner lining fabrics have zippers, but do not remove them for washing. They are spot clean only.

If you need to clean the inner lining:

• Spot clean with warm water and mild detergent

• Do not scrub with a stiff brush

• Blot out excess liquid with a clean cloth

• Do not wet the filling underneath

• Allow to dry thoroughly before putting the outer cover back on

• Do not bleach, iron, or dry clean

Day-to-Day Care

You will not need to wash the covers that often if you keep on top of regular maintenance. A few simple habits will keep your sofa bed looking good between washes.

• Vacuum weekly using low suction to remove dust and surface debris

• Wipe spills quickly with a clean cloth or paper towel before they soak in

• Keep the sofa out of direct sunlight to prevent fading

• Avoid harsh chemical cleaners on any part of the fabric

• Rotate and plump cushions regularly to maintain their shape

If your covers are in the Classic or Luxe range, the Koala water-resistant treatment will help most spills bead on the surface before they reach the fabric. Koala's fabrics are also PFAS-tested, so you get that water resistance without "forever chemicals" — worth knowing if pets or kids use the sofa daily.

A Note on Pilling

Pilling can occasionally happen on fabric sofas as a result of normal daily wear and is not a fault. If you notice it, fibre pills can be carefully removed with a battery-operated pilling tool, available from most haberdashery stores. Do not try to pull pills off by hand as this can damage the fabric.

Care by Fabric Range

Fabric composition: Luxe is 65% polyester / 35% recycled polyester with elevated textures; Classic is a smooth, hardwearing weave; Cord has a soft, velvety texture but is not water-resistant, so spills need attention quickly. All ranges use increased recycled content and PFAS-tested finishes.

Koala chooses water-resistant, PFAS-tested fabric because it stands up to spills, pets and daily use while staying easy to clean. If you are still weighing up your options, browse the full Koala sofa bed range to compare fabrics and sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I machine wash my Koala Sofa Bed covers?

No — the outer covers are hand wash only. The Kloudcell™ sleep surface topper is the only part that can go in the machine, on a cold wash cycle.

How often should I wash my Koala Sofa Bed covers?

For regular use, vacuuming weekly and spot cleaning spills as they happen will keep things fresh between washes. Wash the topper after guest stays or whenever it needs a proper clean.

Can I buy replacement or spare Koala Sofa Bed covers?

Yes. Because every cover zips off, you can buy additional or replacement covers to keep a spare set, refresh a worn cover, or change the colour of your Koala Sofa Bed without replacing the whole sofa.

Are Koala Sofa Bed covers waterproof?

They are water-resistant, not waterproof. Classic and Luxe fabrics have a PFAS-tested water-resistant finish that helps spills bead on the surface, but Cord (Sandstone, Coastal Moss) is not water-resistant, so blot spills quickly.

What sizes does the Koala Sofa Bed come in?

Two: the 3-Seater, which folds out to a King-size bed, and the 1.5-Seater, which folds out to a Single. The 4th Gen has deeper 60 cm seats — around 11% deeper than the 3rd Gen — so it is roomier to sit on as well as to sleep on. The compact 1.5-Seater is a favourite among sofa beds for small apartments. Both sizes have fully removable covers and a machine-washable Kloudcell™ topper.