As experts in our field, we at Couch.com want to let you know a little secret: we are all couch owners too. Which means… we all spill stuff (or at least our kids and pets do) and we all have to clean up our (their) messes. Over the years, we’ve learned some of the best ways to clean your sofa. Here’s how:
How do you deep clean a couch?
When it comes to deep cleaning your beloved couch, there are several tried-and-true methods that can bring back to its original glory. Here’s a step-by-step guide, tailored just for you:
First thing’s first: Assess the fabric: Before you don the badge of couch cleaner, you need to know whatcha got. Hence, prior to diving into the cleaning process, it’s essential to identify the type of fabric your couch is made of. Manufacturers usually provide care instructions, so be sure to check the labels or any accompanying documentation that says something like: “Instructions for furniture in living room.”
What are the best ways to clean a couch?
The following are a list of methods of upholstery cleaning that are at the top of our list:
Spot Cleaning
- Spot cleaning: If your couch has surface stains or spills, it’s best to tackle them right away with spot cleaning.
– Gently blot the affected area with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb as much of the liquid as possible. Avoid rubbing too vigorously, as it may spread the stain further.
– You will also want to use an upholstery cleaner product- this is Couch.com’s recommended method. Rather than reinvent the wheel or get too wrapped up in home remedies (and there are plenty) we recommend folks stick to the stain removal script.
Dry Cleaning
- Dry cleaning: Some couches require dry cleaning, especially if they are made of delicate or sensitive fabrics.
– If your sofa has removable cushions covers, it may be worth swinging by the dry cleaners on your way home to see what they might be able to do for you! We’ve seen dry cleaning cushions work wonders for many people.
Machine Washable Cushions
- Machine washable cushions: If your couch has removable and machine washable cushion covers, good for frickin’ you! You can easily freshen them up by following the care instructions and throwing them in the washing machine.
– Remember to use a gentle cycle and mild detergent to preserve their quality. You likely should NOT be drying them in a machine dryer vs. letting them air out to dry.
Steam Cleaning
- Steam cleaning: For a thorough deep clean on your sectional couch or sofa with sleeper, steam cleaning can work wonders. Therefore, rent or purchase a steam cleaner designed for upholstery cleaning, and carefully follow the instructions provided.
– The hot steam will help sanitize the fabric and loosen embedded dirt, leaving your couch looking revitalized. Don’t want to DIY? Call a local upholstery or carpet cleaner company like this one.
Remember, prevention is often the best strategy in maintaining a clean couch. For example, regularly vacuuming and using fabric protectors can help minimize the accumulation of dust, pet hair, and spills.
Want to scare yourself into keeping things nice and tidy? Check our our post on The Number One Hardest Thing To Clean From a Couch!