Old Wives Tales and Myths Busted! Couch Cleaning Products Explained

How do you clean and deodorize a fabric couch?

For our Couch.com staff, customers have asked us for years, “How do you clean a smelly couch?” To clean and deodorize a fabric couch, you’ll need a touch of cleanliness and a pinch of freshness. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you transform your beloved couch into a squeaky clean oasis of comfort:

  • Vacuum like a Pro: Start by vacuuming your couch thoroughly to remove any loose dirt, crumbs, or pet hair. This is an essential first step to ensure a deep and effective clean.
  • Spot Treatment: You should treat any visible stains or spills on your couch with a fabric cleaner designed specifically for upholstery. We recommend the Bissell SpotClean ProHeat Portable Spot and Stain Carpet Cleaner. Its powerful cleaning formula and built-in heater will help you conquer even the toughest stains.
  • Embrace the Power of Steam: If your fabric couch can handle moisture, steaming is a fantastic option. The McCulloch MC1275 Heavy-Duty Steam Cleaner is a reliable choice for giving your couch a thorough steam clean. This handy tool eliminates dirt, odors, and bacteria without the need for harsh chemicals.
  • Freshen Up with Upholstery Deodorizer: Once you’ve cleaned, it’s time for you to add a touch of freshness. Spritz a fabric-friendly deodorizer like Febreze Fabric Refresher to eliminate odors and leave your couch smelling delightful.

Remember, you should always check the manufacturer’s instructions and perform a patch test in an inconspicuous area before treating your whole couch.

What is the best disinfectant for fabric couch?

When it comes to disinfecting a fabric couch, choosing the right product is crucial. Here are three highly recommended disinfectants that you can use:

  1. Lysol Disinfectant Spray: Lysol is a trusted brand known for its effective disinfectant sprays. Your Lysol Disinfectant Spray can be used on most fabric couches. Just follow the instructions on the can and spray it evenly over the surface of the couch, allowing it to air dry.
  2. Clorox Disinfecting Wipes: Clorox is another well-known name in the world of disinfectants. Your Clorox Disinfecting Wipes are convenient and effective for quick clean-ups and disinfection. Simply wipe down your fabric couch with the disinfecting wipes, making sure to cover all areas.
  3. Microban 24 Sanitizing Spray: If you’re looking for long-lasting protection, consider using Microban 24 Sanitizing Spray. This innovative product provides 24-hour sanitization against bacteria and viruses, including those that may be residing on your fabric couch. Spray the product evenly on the couch and allow it to air dry.

Can I clean my couch with Dawn?

While Dawn dish soap is known for its effectiveness in cleaning a variety of surfaces, using it to clean your fabric couch does actually present some risk even though it is often recommended for couch cleaning. Dawn is designed to cut through grease and grime, and its powerful formula could potentially damage the delicate fibers of your couch. Additionally, using your dish soap may leave behind a soapy residue that is difficult to remove and can attract more dirt over time.

To ensure the longevity and beauty of your fabric couch, it’s best to opt for cleaning products specifically formulated for upholstery. These products are designed to gently and effectively remove stains and dirt without causing any harm to your fabric. So, while Dawn works wonders on your dishes, leave the couch cleaning to the experts and stick to products designed specifically for upholstery care. However, almost anything is worth a fairly risk free experiment so we think it might be worth trying on an inconspicuous area.

Can I use Windex to clean my sofa?

All Natural Cleaning Products

Ah, Windex, the beloved solution to many cleaning of your cleaning woes. While it may work wonders on windows and mirrors, using Windex to clean your sofa is a bit like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. Windex is designed for hard surfaces and may not be suitable for fabric couches. Instead, opt for cleaners specifically formulated for upholstery, like the Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover. This powerful spot remover effortlessly tackles stains on fabric without any risk of damage. Remember, it’s all about using the right tool for the job.

That’s Interesting… so can I use my carpet cleaner on my couch?

Certainly! You can use your carpet cleaner on your couch, but just remember, your couch might find it a bit “carpet-centric.” That’s because, while your carpet cleaner is great for carpets, it may not be specifically designed for your reclining loveseat or pullout couch. Consider using a fabric cleaner specifically formulated for furniture upholstery to ensure optimal results. Give your couch the specialized attention it deserves; after all, it’s not just a floor covering but a comfort sanctuary!

Can I steam clean my fabric sofa?

Of course! Steaming things up with your fabric sofa, eh? While steam cleaning can be a great option for some fabric sofas, it’s important to choose your steam cleaner wisely. You want a match made in heaven, not a steamy disaster.

Here’s the deal: steam cleaning a fabric sofa can work wonders, but not all steam cleaners are created equal. You’ll want a reliable and upholstery-friendly option that won’t leave your couch feeling drenched or damaged.

Great steam cleaning machine- McCulloch MC1275 Heavy-Duty Steam Cleaner. With its powerful steam action, this heavy-duty cleaner can help tackle dirt, odors, and bacteria on your couch whether it’s a Restoration Hardware masterpiece or your typical Ikea Sofa. Just remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and test the steam cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area of your couch before going all-in on the steamy adventure.

So go ahead, give your fabric sofa the spa treatment it deserves with the mighty power of steam. Freshness and cleanliness await, along with a rejuvenated couch that will make your guests say, “Wow, you really steam cleaned your sofa? That’s sofa-king impressive!”

author avatar
Alex Back, CEO of Couch.com CEO
Alex Back is the founder and CEO of Couch.com. Previously, he was the co-founder and COO of the popular furniture brand, Apt2B, which was acquired by a large US retail furniture chain in 2018. He worked to integrate Apt2B, one of the very first online furniture retailers on the Shopify platform, into the operations of the 100 year old larger business entity and was deeply immersed in the business operations of both online and brick and mortar retail for 4 years before leaving in 2023 to start Couch.com. Working in various parts of the furniture industry since 2004, he has 20 years experience in retail sales, e-commerce, marketing, operations, logistics and wholesale manufacturing and distribution. He's worked extensively with partners such as Costco, Bed Bath and Beyond and Amazon and his work has been highlighted in many publications such as Forbes, CNN and HGTV, among others as seen on his Muckrack profile. Alex is delighted to bring his experience and authority on couches and the furniture industry to this platform, along with many of his industry colleagues who are helping him keep the Couch.com audience informed and engaged on a daily basis.

Discover more from Couch.com

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading