Couches bring comfort and style to our living rooms, and they also receive the most activities, from eating dinner in the family room, watching movies, and even sleeping on them, which can lead to them tearing more than you think. Even the best treated fabric will need an occasional clean to keep it in the best condition for your comfort and style. Couches can hold body oils, cooking odours, and airborne dust and dirt that can build up.
Most couches should be deep cleaned once or twice a year, while treating spills and stains as soon as they happen. Include vacuuming once a month to sustain the cleanliness of your living room and couches. Learn what the symbols on your couch indicate before cleaning, and these are the codes generally used on tags:
- W: This indicates water can be used in cleaning.
- WS: A dry cleaning detergent or mild detergent and steam vacuum can be used.
- X: No water, vacuum only.
- S: Clean with dry cleaner detergent.
Couch Cleaning Tips
- Dry Brush: Use a dry brush to loosen up any pieces of fabric, dirt, hair, or debris.
- Vacuum on a low setting: Use your vacuum to remove the items you were able to shake free with your dry brush, along with items that may have deeply sunk or hidden deep inside your couch.
- Switch cushions: Flip the cushions around to lessen the appearance of being worn down. If you have extra cushion covers, this is the perfect time to use them.
- Remove cushion covers (if applicable): If you can remove cushion covers and the tag indicates they are machine washable, this is the easiest way to clean couch cushions. Otherwise, you can loosen dirt and debris by beating the cushions outdoors on a sunny day and letting the sun rays work to disinfect the fabric.
Clean Sofas or Couches by Fabric Type
Fabric Upholstery
Get a spray bottle, mix 1/4 cup vinegar, 3/4 warm water, and 1 tablespoon of dish soap, and put it in a spray bottle. Mist the soiled area. Gently scrub with a soft cloth until the stains start to lift. Use a second cloth moistened with clean water to remove the soap. Dry with a towel.
Leather Upholstery
Start by mixing 1/2 cup olive oil with 1/4 cup vinegar and put it into a spray bottle. Spray the cleaner on the surface of the couch and buff it with a soft cloth for that extra shine.
Synthetic Upholstery
Mix 1/2 cup of vinegar, 1 cup of warm water, and 1/2 tablespoon of liquid dish soap in a spray bottle. Mist the soiled area and scrub with a soft cloth until the stain is gone. This process is similar to the fabric upholstery.