Cleaning a couch requires time and patience, but it can be well worth it. Kids, pets and clumsy adults can leave behind marks that need a deeper clean than the usual vacuuming.
Start by reading the care label for your couch fabric. If your cushion covers zip off, Peterson recommends tossing them in the washer (with a W code, if your couch is water-resistant). Vacuum between and around non-removable cushions.
Clean the Cushions
Whether your couch cushions have removable covers or not, you can still vacuum them to remove pet hair and other debris. Before you vacuum, put on rubber household gloves to help keep the dirt from your hands as you work. Next, use the upholstery attachment to go over each cushion, including the back, arms and skirt. If the couch has a crevice nozzle, change to this attachment and vacuum the seams and under the cushions as well.
If there are stains on the cushions, attack them as soon as they occur to prevent them from staining the rest of the sofa. If the fabric is washable, use water-based cleaners, following the care instructions on the couch's label. (Avoid colored detergents, as the dye could transfer onto the upholstery.) If the fabric is WS or W/S, you can also clean it with a solvent-based cleaner, but make sure the couch is dry before replacing the cushions.
For fabric or microfiber couches without removable covers, attack the stains on a small area at a time to avoid over-saturating it. Dilute a mild detergent in warm water, and dip a cloth into it to create suds. Apply the soapy solution to the affected areas, and rub gently with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse the cloth frequently to avoid over-saturating the fabric, and blot with a dry towel to remove as much of the cleaning solution as possible.
If the couch has no removable covers, it's best to have a professional launder the cushion covers for you. They may be able to steam clean it, or at least get rid of some of the dirt and odors. Before having the cushions professionally cleaned, check for a care label with a code, which should indicate what kind of cleaners can be used. The codes are W for water-based cleaners, S for solvent-based cleaners, WS for either type of cleaner, or X, which can only be cleaned with a vacuum or dry cleaning solvent.
For those who don't have a professional launderer on hand, try spot-cleaning the couch yourself. To do this, place a few paper towels over the stained or soiled area to absorb as much of the liquid as possible. Then, spray the area with a mixture of 1/4 teaspoon dishwashing liquid and 1 cup of lukewarm water, and blot it with a clean cloth to avoid over-saturating the upholstery.
Steam Clean the Fabric
The fabric of your couch can be cleaned using a steam cleaner. Always test any cleaning solution on a hidden area of your sofa to make sure that it does not damage the fabric. Steaming removes lingering dirt and odors, killing surface bacteria and germs. If you don’t have a steamer, use a wet vacuum or spray the upholstery with a mild cleaner, such as white vinegar and water. Allow the couch to air dry before putting it back in use.
Check the furniture tag for a cleaning code to determine what type of cleaner you should use. Couches that have a W code can be laundered in the washing machine, while couches with a WS or S code can be steam cleaned with hot water or a gentle cleaner. If you have a X code couch, it must be vacuumed only or cleaned with a solvent-based cleaner.
Vacuum the couch with an upholstery attachment weekly to remove dust and dander. Be sure to work in the crevices of the arms and the backrest. Rotate the seat and back cushions every few weeks to prevent uneven wear and tear.
If your couch has a light or moderate stain, spot clean it by applying a mild solution of 1 part vinegar and 2 parts water to the affected area with a damp cloth. Blot the stained area until no moisture remains, then dry it with a microfiber cloth. If the stains persist, treat them with a commercial fabric spot remover.
When you are ready to steam clean the couch, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to set up the device and heat it to the proper temperature for your fabric. Work quickly and in a predictable pattern to ensure that all areas of the couch are treated. If your couch is especially dirty, repeat the steaming process several times until it is clean.
If you have a seriously soiled couch that you cannot launder, sprinkle it with baking soda. This natural deodorizer absorbs odors and loosens them so that they can be easily removed with the vacuum cleaner brush attachment. Let the baking soda sit for 20 minutes to eliminate minor odors, or longer for more severe odors.
Remove Pet Hair
A fur remover tool that works on upholstery, such as a furniture brush or a sticky roller, is a quick way to clear your couch of loose pet hair. Another inexpensive option is a latex rubber glove. You can find these at any supermarket or hardware store. The rubber attracts the hair, so it balls it up into a wad that you can easily pick up. If you're worried about the latex gloves contaminating your couch, you can purchase vinyl gloves as well that work just as effectively.
If your couch has removable cushions, launder the covers and vacuum the inside of the couch and its cushion edges, paying special attention to nooks and crannies where dirt can accumulate. Vacuum each pillow, as well. If your fabric sofa is a pre-loved item from a previous owner, consider spraying it with a pest control product to help get rid of any insects or germs that may have inhabited the upholstery.
You can use an upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner, or you can manually vacuum the couch by removing the cushions and running a vacuum brush over each one, including any nooks and crannies where crumbs or pet hair can hide. The vacuum's hose attachment can also be used to reach under the pillows and other upholstered areas that are hard to clean with a brush.
If you spot any stains, use an absorbent cloth to blot the spot rather than rub it. This will reduce the chance that the stain can be "rubbed in," which causes internal damage to your fabric upholstery. If your couch has a water-resistant fabric, treat food or pet stains with an enzyme-containing formula like Bissell Professional Pet Stain & Odor Remover, following the directions on the label. For fabric upholstery that isn't water-resistant, you can create mild-solution cleaners using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen or pantry.
For example, you can make a cleaning solution by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water in a bucket. Dip a microfiber cloth into the solution and wipe the sofa, rinsing and wiping the cloth regularly as you go. You can also spot-treat stains on fabric upholstery with rubbing alcohol. If your couch has a cleaning code of W or WS, this is safe to do; if it's marked S or X, you'll need to take more drastic measures.
Apply Baking Soda
Baking soda is like a Swiss Army knife for the home, able to address a wide range of cleaning issues with ease. Its mild abrasive properties help lift and remove dirt, while its deodorizing capabilities leave fabric fresh and clean. It's also a natural and non-toxic option, making it safe for use in homes with children and pets. To keep your couch looking and smelling its best, use this simple yet effective cleaning method regularly.
Begin by vacuuming your couch with a vacuum cleaner attachment, paying particular attention to seams and crevices where dirt and dust can collect. Vacuuming removes loose dirt, which helps prevent it from working deeper into the fabric and causing stains. For a more thorough clean, consider using a store-bought upholstery cleaner designed for your couch's specific fabric type. If your couch is upholstered with microfiber fabric, follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper care and cleaning.
If your sofa has stains or discolorations, blot them as soon as they happen with an absorbent cloth to prevent the liquid from soaking into the fabric and becoming a stubborn stain. If you notice a particularly stubborn stain, mix baking soda and water into a thick paste and apply it to the fabric. Allow the paste to sit for 15 minutes, which gives the baking soda a chance to work its magic. After a few minutes, wipe the area with a clean cloth, being careful not to rub or scrub.
After a few hours, use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to thoroughly remove the baking soda. This step ensures that all the odor-absorbing power of the powder has been completely removed from the upholstery fabric. Vacuum again if necessary to remove all of the baking soda from the fabric, leaving your couch feeling and smelling clean.
Once the couch has dried, apply a fresh coat of fabric protectant to keep it looking and smelling its best. If your couch has removable covers, apply the protector after each time you clean it to keep it protected from future stains and spills.
FAQs
1. How to clean a cloth couch?
Vacuum your couch and its cushions regularly to remove dirt, crumbs and dust mites. Fluff and rotate pillows to prevent sagging and uneven wear.
If your couch has removable cushion covers, zip them open and wash them according to the care tag instructions (check for W for water or S for solvent). Spot clean stains and food spills.
2. How to clean leather couch?
Vacuum your leather couch regularly with soft bristle attachments to remove germs and dirt from corner crevices. This can also help prevent snags and scratches.
Remove ink stains by blotting (don’t rub) them with a cotton ball or sponge dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Use cornstarch to absorb grease and oil stains, and try toothpaste for tougher ones.
3. How to get pee smell out of couch?
Whether your couch is W or WS, urine stains and smells can be removed quickly with common household ingredients. Begin by blotting the stain with paper towels (not rubbing, which may push the odor deeper into the fibers).
Blot until dry. Mix a 1:1 solution of vinegar and water in a container.
4. How to clean suede couch?
Regardless of whether your couch is natural or faux suede, routine brushing with a soft-bristle suede brush will help loosen up visible dirt and keep it looking fresh. A spray protectant can be helpful, but be sure to test a protector spray on a hidden area first to make sure it won’t damage the material.
5. How to dispose of a couch?
Many communities have recycling programs that accept large furniture items like couches. Check with your local waste management center or recycling site to learn more about their policies.
If your couch is in good condition, consider selling it online or at a garage sale. Alternatively, donate it to a thrift store or animal shelter.