How to Clean a Couch, According to Experts

There are plenty of things that you know you should clean around your house, such as the floors and carpets. And then there are those things that you have started to add to your cleaning routine, including the coffee maker, washing machine, mattress and even walls. But what about your couch? This is something that you may think to clean on an “as needed” basis, but it actually should be something that you clean regularly.

Why Is It a Good Idea to Clean a Couch?

The bottom line? Cleaning your couch shouldn’t be done just when there are spills to address. You need to also clean those things that you can’t necessarily spot with the naked eye.

“Cleaning your couch is essential to remove dust, allergens and bacteria that accumulate over time from being such a high-traffic piece of furniture,” notes Ken Doty, Cleaning Expert and Chief Operating Officer at The Maids.

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How Often Should You Clean a Couch?

Doty recommends cleaning your couch at a “surface level” every one to two weeks, which will help prevent stain build-up, extend its lifespan and help maintain a fresh appearance, “and contribute to an odor-free home,” he adds.

Doty also says that you should vacuum your couch weekly to remove surface debris and get those crumbs that are lingering under the cushions.

But how about a deep clean? Doty says that this can be done less frequently, but you should plan on every three to six months.

Things to Keep in Mind

Before setting out to clean your couch, Doty emphasizes the importance of checking the care label that has come with your couch.

“Today’s upholstery is made from fabrics requiring special laundering methods—some are dry-clean and some can’t be wet at all,” he says.

Doty shares a breakdown of the codes that might appear on your couch’s care label:

WS: Wet and solvent: Mild detergent with a steam vacuum or a dry-cleaning detergent.
S: Solvent: Should only be cleaned with a water-free dry cleaning solvent.
X: Vacuum only—no water.
W: Water is safe to clean with.

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How to Clean a Microfiber Couch

Made up of synthetic material, your microfiber couch should have a care label that should be checked before you get cleaning. Doty also shares these general guidelines to clean your microfiber couch:

1. Start by giving the couch a complete vacuuming, and don’t miss those cushions, along with nooks and crannies.

2. Next, you’ll mix a half cup liquid dish soap with two cups of warm water.

3. Pour clean water into a separate container that will be used only for rinsing.

4. Dip a nylon brush into your homemade cleaning solution and carefully scrub your couch, going from the top down.

5. Rinse the nylon brush in the clean water whenever it gets dirty—then reapply the cleaning solution.

6. Is there still some residue or dirt left behind? Then gently wipe the fabric with a damp microfiber cloth.

7. Allow your couch to air dry, then finish by vacuuming it using the brush attachment, which will bring softness to the fabric once again.

How to Clean a Fabric Couch

Perhaps you have a fabric couch that might be made up of cotton or linen. In this case, Doty shares a different set of steps to follow:

1. Start by using a hard dry brush to loosen any dried stains and to remove debris from those nooks and crannies.

2. Use the brush to also brush the couch itself and the cushions, which will help bring any dust and dirt to the surface. But be sure to brush gently so you don’t damage the fabric.

3. Use your vacuum’s brush attachment and crevice tool to really dive deep into those nooks and crannies.

4. Vacuum both sides of each cushion, the front of your couch, the arms, the top and the back as well.

5. Dealing with pet hair? Use your vacuum’s pet hair attachment or get out a lint roller.

6. Sprinkle a little baking soda over your couch and cushions. Allow it to sit for around 20 minutes, which can remove odors and treat stains.

7. Finish by vacuuming up any leftover dust and debris with your vacuum’s brush attachment.

How to Clean a Leather Couch

Water and baking soda should only be used on microfiber and fabric couches. On the flip side, these things shouldn’t be used on a leather couch, which Doty says requires a different set of instructions:

1. Combine equal parts water and distilled white vinegar, which is safe to use on leather.

2. Dampen a microfiber cloth with the solution and rub into the leather.

3. Scrub gently, but not to the point that you change the color or damage the leather.

4. Allow the couch to air dry.

5. Next, mix together one part white vinegar with two parts linseed oil in a spray bottle.

6. Spray this solution onto a dry microfiber cloth and carefully rub the oil and vinegar into the leather.

7. Wait 10 minutes, then buff to a shiny finish using a microfiber cloth.

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How to Clean Fresh Spills and Stains

“For tackling fresh stains and spills, make sure you blot the spill or stain (and avoid rubbing) immediately with a dry cloth,” Doty recommends. “Water-based spills should be attacked with a solution of mild soap and water. Always work from the outside of the stain to the middle. This helps prevent the stain spreading outward as you clean.”

Dealing with Odors

Doty says that lingering odors can be treated with the “age-old” baking soda method, in which you’ll simply sprinkle baking soda over the couch and let it set overnight before vacuuming in the morning. “Persistent pet odors may require an enzymatic cleaner or multiple nights of letting baking soda sit,” Doty adds.

Keeping Your Couch Clean

To clean your couch less often, take preventative measures, something that be accomplished if you dedicate time to the proper habits and tools, as Doty says.

“A ‘no food on the couch’ rule may be unpopular, but it will help eliminate the chance of stains and food remnants getting lost in the couch,” Doty says. “If this doesn’t fly, do your best to address spills or stains as soon as they happen, and use pet covers or keep pets off the furniture entirely.”

When to Turn to a Professional

Let’s say that you’ve done everything you can and your couch still isn’t clean—and you don’t exactly have the budget to buy a new couch. Doty says that it’s time to turn to a professional “when your cleaning methods continuously provide an inadequate clean or you want to take extra precautions regarding a specific upholstery type.”

“Professional cleaning services have specialized cleaning equipment and years of expertise on handling different types of fabric,” he says.

Next up, learn how to properly clean a dryer vent.

Sources

• Ken Doty, Cleaning Expert and Chief Operating Officer at The Maids.