Tips & Tricks

Hi, and welcome to the Tips & Tricks page. It is going to be eclectic and random. Just thoughts as they appear...
• First, whenever you contact us or place an order, please make sure that you enter your correct email address. If incorrect, the reply won't reach you. You may also need to check your spam folder. And please don't worry, we'll only use it to reply. No spam, no reselling.

IMPORTANT
• All payment methods (PayPal, Credit/Debit Card, eCheck) are processed by PayPal, but you do NOT need to have a PayPal account. Please simply follow the PayPal prompts at checkout to choose your preferred method.
• Shipping address: Items can only ship to the shipping address indicated on the PayPal PAYMENT page. If shipping address is different from billing address, please make sure that BOTH Billing AND Shipping addresses are indicated on the PayPal PAYMENT page. If not, your order will ship to the BILLING address.
• Canceling orders: Starting 10-11-19 PayPal no longer refund their fees when merchants refund orders. Because of it, we now have to retain that fee when refunding orders canceled before shipping. Very sorry about it. We used to simply refund in full, but can no longer. Of course, if we ever need to cancel an order because of an error that we made, we will refund in full.
• Orders can ONLY ship within the USA, including Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico, but can NOT ship to APO/FPO nor outside the USA.

Now, let's talk Tips...
1. Box Cushions versus T Cushions Slipcovers
2. Types of furniture that do NOT work with readymade Reclining Slipcovers
3. Types that DO work with readymade Reclining Slipcovers
4. No opening for the reclining buttons, handles or levers
5. Removing wrinkles from slipcover
6. Preventing your slipcover from shifting
7. Installing your slipcover
8. Summer Tip to survive a broken air conditioner

1. Box Cushions versus T Cushions Slipcovers
Some of you have been confused and asking: Why do you keep talking about Box and T Cushion? And what do slipcovers have to do with my cushions? This is sooo annoying!

Well... That's because slipcovers made for T seat cushions are built differently from slipcovers made for Box seat cushions, so the 2 models are not interchangeable.
Here's a picture that shows the difference

If you order the wrong shape for your furniture, it will not fit it properly, you will be disappointed, and very likely will have to return it. Wouldn't you rather spend a few minutes making sure before ordering?

2. Types of furniture that do NOT work with readymade Reclining Slipcovers:
Even if the furniture fits within the 4-step measuring guidelines posted in each description, the Reclining Slipcover WILL NOT WORK with these types of models. These would likely need a custom-made slipcover.




3. Types that DO work with readymade Reclining Slipcovers:
Assuming the furniture fits within the 4-step measuring guidelines posted in each description, the Reclining Slipcover works with these types of models, whether 2 or 3-seat sofa, 1 or 2-seat loveseat, or armchair. Works with fabric and leather furniture.



4. No opening for the reclining buttons, handles or levers
There are no opening for the reclining buttons or handles. That said, several people have reported having no problem "feeling" them through the fabric. Someone said it was a bit awkward at first, but then it quickly became second nature.
These slipcovers are designed to work with a wide variety of models, so it would be impossible to create openings that would fit all because no two models have the buttons or levers at the exact same location.
 
5. Removing wrinkles from slipcover
If your slipcover is wrinkled, throw it for 10-15 minutes in the dryer with a damp cloth on a low setting to remove the wrinkles. Personally, I use a thoroughly wet white pillowcase. My first thought was to use a towel, but it could leave lint on some fabric.
The important thing is to immediately remove the slipcover from the dryer. Actually, installing it while it is still slightly damp will make the wrinkles disappear even better. Simply smooth any wrinkle with your hand as you install the cover.

This trick works well with other things too. A clean shirt got so wrinkled that it needs ironing? Try the 10-minute dryer treatment. You may not have to get the iron out...
In fact, I almost never iron anymore. When doing the laundry (clothing), I throw it in the dryer for a maximum of 15 minutes, then hang every piece of clothing to finish drying. No ironing needed.
Of course, only do this with clean items. The heat of the dryer could "bake" a stain, making it quite impossible to remove.

6. Preventing your slipcover from shifting
If your slipcover is to be used over leather furniture, first place a strip of non-skid rug padding on the seat before installing the cover to prevent it from sliding. Non-skid shelf-liner should also work well. Sometimes, the Dollar Store carries it.
I'd suggest to test it on a hidden place to ensure the material won't damage the leather.

7. Installing your slipcover
• Bribe a friend into helping you, it'll go much faster. Personally, I think ice-cream makes a nice bribe...
• Save your fingers and use a wooden spoon to tuck the excess fabric in the creases of your furniture
• If the furniture pattern is noticeable through the slipcover fabric, place a sheet on the couch before installing the cover. It may also be a good idea when trying to protect furniture from a pet intent on sinking its claws in it, just to add an extra layer
• Locate front and back of slipcover. There's usually a tag that says "center back" at the bottom of the skirt. Also, the arms obviously go in the front

Different models have different instructions, but this picture should provide the basis for all models



Now, after installing your slipcover, push a pool-noodle into the furniture's crevices along the sides and back of the seat to keep the slipcover tucked in. In summer, they can easily be found at the Dollar Store.
Alternatively, you may push in a carton tube. Ask your local fabric store. They often discard long tubes that were used to hold spools of fabric. I'd suggest wrapping it in plastic wrap, just to prevent a spilled water glass from turning into a brown puddle.

Oh, by the way, did I mention it's a lot easier for 2 people to install a slipcover together than for 1 person to do it alone?...

8. Summer Tip to survive a broken air conditioner
Summer weather is here, the sun is beaming, the temperature is soaring way past the comfort zone... and the air conditioning decided to take a vacation.
Don't panic.
First, block all Windows to prevent the sun from visiting. If you have some nice block-out curtains, great. If not, use anything that will do the job. I've even used a broken down cardboard box to prevent the sun from seeping through the blinds. Not pretty, but it worked.
Now, wear as little clothing as possible. Light color and loose fitting. Personally, I recommend the classic birthday suit. (Remember, all the windows are blocked...)
It's now time to get a fan and a spray bottle filled with water. Set yourself in front of the fan... and spray yourself. It's amazing how cooling a few droplets on the skin can be in conjunction with a fan.
Now, you can wait until the A/C is fixed.