How to clean a couch – DIY couch cleaning at home

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The couch is a sweet spot of the home. That’s where mum catches her cat naps, where you watch your favourite late-night shows slurping soft drinks and gorging chips, and where the kids hang around and wipe grubby little fingers on. And there’s Fido - he feels like HE owns the couch.

Couches can be breeding grounds for dust mites, bacteria, mould, mildew, odours, pet hair, and other allergens. This is why it needs some pampering from time to time. You should clean your couch at least once a year. Got messy pets and sticky kids in the house? Cleaning it up to 3-4 times a year won’t hurt.

If you have been googling, "how to clean a couch?" “how to clean sofa,” or “how to clean lounge” then you’ve landed in the right place. Whether you call it a couch, sofa, or lounge - it’s all the same. We’re in the same boat. So, read on!

Couch cleaning can be done at home by yourself. If you’re having doubts, you can always hire a professional for a deep clean couch. Equipped with efficient tools and tons of practice, professionals can do couch cleaning more efficiently. Let’s be honest: A professional cleaning team will be able to remove the toughest stains and get more dirt off the couch than you can by yourself.

However, if you don’t mind rolling up your sleeves and saving some good bucks, then this article is for you. Read on and learn how to clean your couch.

Before you start the scrubbing, there’s some general do’s and don’ts to take care of:

Don’t act immediately

When that milk or coffee spills accidentally, take care of it as soon as possible. The faster you move, the less time it has to soak in and stain the fibres.

Don’t test your products

Using the wrong products will damage and discolour your couch. So, test your product in a less-conspicuous spot.

Do Read The Instructions!

Cleaning solutions often contain warnings that you should be aware of. Also, your furniture probably has instructions on how to clean your couch.

Don’t be violent

You should not scrub or rub your couch vigorously. It will just cause further damage, fading, distortion, or permanent staining.

Don’t Bleach

Bleach and upholstery don’t go well together. It can worsen the stain and you will have to replace the whole thing.

Don’t apply heat

Heat changes the chemical structure of the stain, causing it to stain further in the fabric.

Don’t use strong chemicals

Mild detergents and simple H2O is usually enough to remove a stain, especially when acted quickly. You can also use natural products like rubbing alcohol, vinegar or simple water for organic couch cleaning.

You can hire a professional couch cleaning service

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What Do You Need To Clean A Couch?

One or two of the following products is all you need for DIY couch cleaning:

  • Vacuum Cleaner
  • Dry Brush
  • Dishwashing Liquid
  • Microfiber Cloth
  • Baking Soda
  • Steamer
  • Vinegar
  • Water
  • Fan (to help dry)

Step-By-Step Guide On How To Clean A Couch

First things first. Check the manufacturer's suggestions on cleaning. Get down on your knees and look for a cleaning tag on your couch. Does it contain codes that look like this? W, WS, X, S. Each of these have a separate meaning:

W         –  W is for water. Water is safe to use on the couch.

S           –  Clean with solvent-based cleaner.

W/S    –  Either water or solvent-based products are good to go.

X           –  No water or solvent-based products. Vacuum or dry brush only.

Now that we got the code figured out, it’s time to get that couch cleaning done.

How To Clean A Fabric Couch

  • Vacuum the fabric couch thoroughly.
  • Sprinkle stain with baking soda and leave it for 20 min – 1 hour.
  • Mix 1 tsp. dishwashing liquid, 1 tbsp. vinegar and 1 cup water.
  • Dampen a microfibre cloth with the solution.
  • Gently dab and rub the stained areas with the damp cloth.
  • Dry completely and vacuum again.
Steam Clean For Water-Based Fabrics
  • Vacuum the fabric couch thoroughly.
  • Pre-treat any stains as we discussed above.
  • Spray the entire couch with a soil emulsifier.
  • Steam the cushions first, then the rest of the couch
  • Dry completely and vacuum again.
Deep Clean For Water-Based Fabrics
  • Vacuum the fabric couch thoroughly.
  • Create a solution of 10% vinegar and 90% water.
  • Spray the entire couch with the solution.
  • Dry brush the couch.
  • Dry completely and vacuum again.
Cleaning Dry-Solvent Fabrics
  • Thoroughly vacuum the fabric couch.
  • Follow the instructions on the dry-cleaning solvent.
  • Do a spot test in a hidden area on your couch.
  • Apply the solvent as indicated on your product’s label.
  • Remove the dry-cleaning solvent, also following the label instructions.
  • Dry completely and vacuum again.

How To Clean A Leather Couch

As always, you need to check the couch labels first. Leather upholstery, unlike fabric upholstery, is easier to clean.

  • Wipe down the leather couch with a microfibre cloth.
  • Vacuum the leather couch thoroughly.
  • Work a leather cleaner or a mild soap solution on the couch using a soft damp cloth.
  • Wipe off the solution with a damp microfibre cloth.
  • Buff the leather with a dry cloth.
  • Apply a protectant to condition the leather.

How To Clean A Suede Couch

Suede couches are the most difficult to clean, as the material reacts to liquid. But following the directions below, you can do it.

  • Vacuum the suede couch thoroughly.
  • Create a solution with 4 cups of warm water and 1/4 cup dishwashing liquid.
  • Spread the solution evenly and scrub with a brush.
  • Wipe off the solution with a damp microfibre cloth.
  • Dry completely and vacuum again.

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