How to Clean a Couch without Ruining It

Cleaning a couch requires various steps based on the material. However, regardless of the fabric type, you can clean a couch in under an hour.

Couches are highly utilized pieces of furniture. Crumbs, spills, and extended periods of lounging can make your formerly pristine sofa appear dirty. Follow these steps to clean a couch and restore its appearance.

Step 1: Prepare your couch for cleaning.

Remove any cushions or detachable covers and check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.

Step 2: Vacuum the couch.

Use a handheld vacuum or the brush attachment on your regular vacuum to remove loose dirt and debris. Pay close attention to the crevices and corners.

Step 3: Treat stains and spills.

Refer to the cleaning instructions provided by the couch manufacturer or use a mild upholstery cleaner specifically designed for your type of fabric. Gently blot the stain with a clean cloth or sponge.

Step 4: Clean the entire couch.

Use a mild upholstery cleaner or a mixture of warm water and dish soap. Dampen a clean cloth or sponge in the cleaning solution, wring it out well, and gently scrub the entire couch in circular motions.

Step 5: Remove excess moisture.

Use a clean, dry cloth to absorb any excess moisture from the couch. Allow the couch to air dry thoroughly before replacing any cushions or covers.

Step 6: Refresh the fabric.

If desired, use a fabric freshener spray or sprinkle baking soda over the couch, let it sit for a few hours, and then vacuum it off.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean your couch without causing any damage to its appearance. Remember to always check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions and test any cleaning solutions on a small, inconspicuous area of the couch first.

Before cleaning your couch, check the manufacturer’s label for care instructions, which you can find on the sofa’s tag. The tag will have a symbol that indicates how to clean it.

These are the furniture fabric care symbols and what they mean:

– “W” indicates water and water-based cleaners. These sofas are the easiest to clean. You can use mild water-based detergents, upholstery shampooers, and upholstery steamers.

– “S” indicates that you can only use dry cleaning solvents. These sofas are harder to clean.

– “W/S” indicates that you can use a combination of dry cleaning solvents or water-based cleaners. These fabrics are not as durable as those marked with “W,” so you should spot-test water-based detergents before applying them to the entire sofa.

X – Vacuum only. Don’t use water-based cleaners or dry cleaning solvents.

Step 1: Vacuum Your Couch

No matter the upholstery code on your couch, start by vacuuming. If your couch cushions are removable, take them off and sweep underneath. Next, run your vacuum hose attachment over the entire sofa, paying attention to crevices.

Step 2: Clean Non-Fabric Pieces (Legs, Arms, Etc.)

If your sofa has non-fabric pieces like metal or wood legs and arms, wipe them down using a gentle all-purpose cleaner and a microfiber cloth.

Step 3: Treat Stains (Cloth and Microfiber)

For cloth or microfiber couches, it’s best to spot-treat stains to avoid oversaturating and the risk of mold and mildew.

To clean a cloth couch with a “W” or “W/S,” mix one tablespoon Dawn dish soap, ¼ cup white distilled vinegar, and ¾ cup water in a spray bottle. Spot test the solution before applying it to the stain. If there is no staining or water spots, proceed with treatment.

Spray the mixture lightly onto the stain and use a soft microfiber towel in circular motions to remove the stain. Use a fresh towel to blot the area dry.

For a microfiber couch with a “W/S” or “S,” use rubbing alcohol to treat stains. Spray a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto the stain and dab the area with a white towel or sponge. Brush the area with a fabric brush to fluff up the microfiber before it dries.

Step 4: Let the Couch Dry

After removing the stains, let the couch dry before using it again.

How to Clean a Leather Couch

Cleaning a leather couch is different from cleaning a cloth couch – and easier.

• Step 1: Vacuum the sofa to remove loose dirt and dust.
• Step 2: Use a solution of half water and half white distilled vinegar to wipe down the couch. Work in small sections and use a separate cloth to dry as you go.
• Step 3: Apply a leather conditioner to keep your couch soft and prevent cracking.

To make cleaning a leather couch easier, you can use a 2-n-1 cleaning and conditioning product.

How to Clean a Smelly Couch

If you have a smelly couch, start by vacuuming it well. Check the care tag; if it’s marked “S” or “W/S,” use an enzymatic cleaner to remove the foul odors. Enzymatic cleaners eat bad bacteria, eliminating the smell at its source.

A couple of enzymatic cleaners worth trying are:

– Rocco and Roxie Stain and Odor Eliminator

– Angry Orange Stain and Odor Eliminator

Use baking soda for gentler odor removal on your couch. Baking soda is cost-effective, easy to find, and can absorb odors. Sprinkle baking soda all over the sofa, let it sit for 12 hours, and then vacuum it off.