Some parts of our homes get cleaned often, like bed sheets, toilets, and kitchen counters, but others are often overlooked. If your couch is one of them, you might not know where to begin. However, cleaning it regularly is important to keep it looking good and to remove dirt, pet hair, and germs.
It’s important to clean couches often, especially to stop bacteria from spreading. Muddy paws, sticky hands, and food crumbs can make your couch dirty and cause skin irritation.
Cleaning your couch may seem like a big job, but with the right tools and a little patience, you can make it spotless quickly.
How to Prepare Your Couch for Cleaning
To get the best results when cleaning your couch, start with a few simple steps. If your couch has removable cushion covers, you can take them off and wash them in the machine—just check the care tag first. Then, vacuum the entire couch, including between and under the cushions, to get rid of dirt, pet hair, and dust. Finally, pick the right cleaning method for your fabric and test it first.
Read the Cleaning Instructions
Before choosing a cleaning method, check the label on your couch to see which products are safe to use. The cleaning code will tell you the right way to clean it.
- W: Clean with water
- WS: Use mild detergent or dry cleaning and steam vacuum
- X: Vacuum only, no water
- S: Use dry cleaner detergent
Patch Test Your Method
Try your cleaning method on a small, hidden part of your couch first. If the water or product leaves a stain, changes the color, makes the fabric look brighter than the rest, or causes wrinkles, stop immediately. In that case, it’s best to call a professional for cleaning.
How to Clean a Fabric Couch
Don’t let dirt and pet hair build up on your fabric couch—clean it quickly with a homemade cleaner.
Materials Needed
- Baking soda
- Dishwashing liquid
- White vinegar
- Warm Water
- Spray bottle
- Clean cloth
Instructions
Step 1: Apply Baking Soda
After vacuuming, sprinkle baking soda all over the couch and let it sit for 20 minutes to an hour. Then, use a brush attachment to vacuum up the baking soda.
Step 2: Make a DIY Cleaner
While the baking soda is sitting, make an all-purpose cleaner by mixing 1 teaspoon of dish soap, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, and 1 cup of warm water in a spray bottle. Then, add 1 tablespoon of baking soda and quickly close the bottle, as the mixture will bubble up.
Step 3: Wipe Down the Couch
Spray a cloth with the solution and wipe the entire couch for a deep clean. You can also dab it on stains if needed. Let it dry completely, and avoid sitting on the couch for a few hours.
How to Clean a Leather Couch
When cleaning a leather couch, remember that the method depends on the type of leather. These instructions are for protected leather. If your couch is unprotected leather, check the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations.
Materials Needed
- Soft cloths
- Water
- White vinegar
- Small bucket
Instructions
Step 1: Spot-Treat Stains
The good thing about a leather couch is that you can easily wipe up spills. But for older stains, you might need extra help. To blend the stain into the surrounding area, dampen a soft white cloth with water and gently wipe from the center of the stain outward, using drier parts of the cloth as you move outward.
Step 2: Make a DIY Cleaner
After preparing, wipe the whole couch with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Then, mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a small bucket to make a cleaning solution.
Step 3: Wipe Down the Couch
Dampen a microfiber cloth with the cleaning solution (but don’t soak it) and wipe the couch. Rinse the cloth often as you clean. Then, dry the couch with a clean microfiber cloth.
How to Clean a Microfiber Couch
Rubbing alcohol works well for cleaning most microfiber couches. If your couch has an “S” cleaning code, it’s safe to use, but always test a small area first.
Materials Needed
- Rubbing alcohol
- White or light-colored sponge
- Scrub brush
- Distilled water
Instructions
Step 1: Scrub With Rubbing Alcohol
Spray a small section of the couch with rubbing alcohol, then scrub with a white or light-colored sponge to prevent color transfer.
Step 2: Brush in Circles
Your couch will dry quickly since alcohol evaporates fast. Once dry, use a scrub brush in circular motions to fluff the fabric.
Step 3: Remove Water Stains
Rubbing alcohol removes most stains but won’t eliminate water spots. For couches allowing water and solvent cleaning, use distilled water instead: spray, scrub, and brush once dry.
How to Clean Couch Cushions
If your couch has removable cushion covers, wash them in hot water and dry them in the sun. Avoid using high heat in a dryer, as it may shrink the fabric.
If cushions lack removable covers, clean them using the appropriate method for the material.
How to Clean Couch Legs
Since most couch legs are wood, they’re easy to clean. Just wipe them with a sponge and a mix of mild dish soap and water. Use as little water as possible.
To restore shine to couch legs, use a polish suitable for the wood finish. For plastic or polyurethane legs, avoid abrasive scrubbers to prevent scratches. Instead, spray with an all-purpose cleaner and wipe with a damp sponge or cloth.
How to Steam Clean a Couch
For a deeper clean, try steam cleaning.
Durable Fabrics
Using a standing or hand steamer is effective for fabric or microfiber couches to remove odors and debris. Move the steamer over the entire surface, focusing on high-contact areas like the arms.
Delicate Fabrics
For delicate fabrics like silk or velvet, keep the steamer 6–8 inches away to prevent water marks.
How to Remove Lingering Odors
For fabric couches, the baking soda method helps remove odors, but there are other options too. Between deep cleans, you can use a fabric spray to keep your couch smelling fresh.
Spray With Vodka
Another option besides baking soda is vodka. Spray it generously to dampen the fabric, let it dry in the sun, and then vacuum thoroughly.
Infuse Steamer With Vinegar
A steamer can also remove couch odors. Ensure it’s clean beforehand to avoid releasing debris. Fill the reservoir with two capfuls of white vinegar and steam the couch as instructed.