The REAL Truth About Keeping Your Couch Clean

Keeping a couch pristine can be a challenge. We've all heard those promises from manufacturers and retailers about how their sofas are "easy to clean." But let's get real - life happens. Kids spill juice, pets have accidents, and sometimes, we have those clumsy moments ourselves. So, the big question for homeowners is, "How to clean a couch?"

As someone who's been in the furniture business for years, I've seen firsthand how quickly a couch can go from showroom-ready to, well, let's say "lived-in". That's why I'm here to share some real-world couch cleaning tips to help you keep your sofa looking and feeling its best.

In this guide, we'll tackle those tough couch cleaning questions and share some tried-and-true tricks to conquer even the most stubborn stains and odors. So, let's roll up our sleeves and get ready to transform your sofa from drab to fab!

How to Clean a Couch: 3 Key Takeaways for a Spotless Sofa

• Know Your Fabric: Understanding your couch's fabric type is crucial for proper cleaning. Polyester-based fabrics are generally easy to clean, while linen might require professional attention.

• Act Fast on Spills: The quicker you address spills, the better your chances of preventing stains. Blotting and using appropriate cleaners are key, especially for leather.

• Regular Maintenance is Key: Regular vacuuming, cushion rotation, and airing out futons can significantly extend the life and freshness of your couch.

Couch.com's Couch Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Whether your sofa has fabric or leather upholstery, accidents happen. Knowing how to tackle those spills and stains is the key to keeping your couch looking its best. In this section, we'll share our tried-and-true couch cleaning tips, from dealing with everyday messes to tackling tougher challenges like pet accidents. We'll even explore some eco-friendly options for the environmentally-conscious couch owner. So, grab your cleaning supplies and get ready to learn how to clean a couch like a pro!

Best Methods for Cleaning Fabric Seats

Most modern fabric couches are polyester-based, making them cleanable using different methods and solvents. From homemade remedies to store-bought products, there are plenty of options. However, it’s crucial to check the type of fabric on your couch. For example, linen may require dry cleaning instead of water-based solvents.

In my experience, most fabric couches are made with polyester-based materials, which are generally easy to clean. But there are a few tricks to the trade. Always start with a simple solution of water and mild dish soap – this is often super effective for stains like chocolate pudding or pen marks. If water doesn’t work, fabric upholstery cleaning products are the next step, and these are readily available online for quick delivery.

How to clean a couch? Some Practical DIY Couch Solutions

If you're into DIY methods, a few simple home remedies can work wonders on your upholstery cleaning routine:

• Vinegar and Water Mixture: Mix one part vinegar with one part water. This DIY couch cleaner works well for removing light stains from fabric couch seats and maintaining freshness.

• Hydrogen Peroxide for Tough Stains: For persistent stains, try a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution. Apply sparingly, as it can cause fabric discoloration if not used carefully.

Always test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of your couch first to avoid damage. These couch cleaning tips are especially useful for those who want to avoid chemical-based cleaners.

Easiest to Clean Couch Fabrics

When it comes to the easiest fabrics to clean, polyester-based materials like velvet and microfiber top the list. These synthetic materials are designed for easy maintenance, making them a popular choice in modern couches. Performance fabrics, also polyester-based, offer additional durability and ease of cleaning, making them a practical option.

If you're worried about spills and stains, I always recommend opting for a performance fabric or microfiber. These materials are designed to resist stains and spills, making them a great choice for busy households or anyone with kids or pets.

Understanding Different Couch Fabrics

When choosing the right couch, understanding the fabric makes a huge difference in cleaning upholstery. Here’s a quick breakdown of popular cleanable couch fabrics:

• Polyester Couch: The most common fabric, polyester is highly durable and easy to clean. It’s resistant to stains and can handle most cleaning products.

• Velvet: Though it looks luxurious, velvet is surprisingly easy to maintain. Use a soft brush to clean the pile and a gentle fabric couch cleaner to treat stains.

• Performance Fabrics: These are specifically engineered for heavy use and stain resistance. Look for performance brands if you want a low-maintenance option. However, these come with a higher price tag.

By knowing what materials you're working with, you'll be better equipped to remove stains from couch fabrics like velvet or clean polyester couch upholstery.

Airing Out Couch and Futon Cushions

Futons and couches are high-traffic pieces in your home, so they can get a little grimy! A simple trick to keep cushions fresh that I learned back in my furniture store days is to air out the cushions in the sunlight. Sunlight has a natural antibacterial effect on a fabric couch, helping to cleanse and refresh the cushions. Although direct sunlight isn’t typically recommended for long periods, short exposure can be beneficial.

• Timing: Limit exposure to about 2-4 hours to avoid fading the fabric sofa.

• Optimal Conditions: Aim for mid-morning or late afternoon sun when the air is drier. This prevents mold and mildew from forming on your futon cushions.

Cleaning Leather Couches After Pet Accidents

I've had my fair share of pet-related couch mishaps over the years. If your furry friend has an accident on your leather couch, the key is to act fast. Leather is porous, so it absorbs liquids quickly. Blot the area immediately with a clean cloth and then use a leather-safe cleaner to remove any lingering stains or odors. Checking labels is essential because leather and fabric sofa cleaners differ! After cleaning, don't forget to condition the leather to keep it soft and supple.

*Full video transcript at the end*

Eco-Friendly Couch Cleaning Methods

Caring for your couch doesn’t have to be harsh on the environment. Sustainable couch cleaning methods are safe for your sofa and better for the planet. Here are some eco-friendly fabric upholstery cleaning products to consider:

• Plant-Based Cleaners: Many companies now offer upholstery cleaning solutions made from natural ingredients, like Method and ECOS.

• Microfiber Cloths: These reusable cloths are great for daily maintenance and don’t require chemical cleaners. Just a bit of water can do the trick for wiping down your polyester couch.

Let’s talk solutions: How you can keep your cushions clean

• To reduce and remove odors: Sprinkle baking soda liberally on your cushions. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then use your to suck those odors away.

• To clean small stains: Create a gentle cleaning solution by mixing warm water with a small amount of dish soap. Gently blot the stain using a microfiber cloth. The stubborn stain should vanish!

• For couches with washable cushion covers: Remove covers and toss them into the washing machine.

• Daily maintenance: Regularly vacuum your fabric seats to keep them free from debris.

How do you clean common couch stains?

Accidents happen, but that doesn’t mean your couch is doomed. Here’s how to handle common spills:

• Red Wine: Blot immediately with a dry cloth, then apply a mixture of dish soap and water. For upholstery cleaning, finish with a commercial stain remover suitable for your fabric.

• Coffee: These can be tricky, but warm water and mild detergent can usually do the trick.

• Pet Hair: Use a lint roller or vacuum with an upholstery attachment to remove fur from fabric seats and cushions.

How do you clean upholstery quickly?

Don’t have time for a professional couch steam cleaning? Here are the secrets to swiftly clean your upholstery so that it’s dry in time for you to invite your guests to sit down without the dreaded “wet butt”:

• Look for dry cleaning solvents: A Dry cleaning solvent can work wonders in a pinch. Look for one that is safe for your specific fabric sofa type.

• Keep baking soda on hand: Baking soda is great for removing odors and treating small stains. 

How can you prevent couch stains?

Prevention is the best cure when it comes to couch cleaning. Here are a few ways to avoid messes before they even happen:

• Stain-Resistant Treatments: Many performance fabrics come pre-treated with stain-repellent coatings, but you can also apply a fabric protector yourself.

• Furniture Covers: For homes with kids or pets, consider investing in machine-washable furniture covers. They provide an extra layer of protection against spills and dirt.

• Regular Cushion Rotation: Rotate and flip cushions regularly to prevent uneven wear and tear. 

Is Your Couch Pet-Ready?

Wondering if your couch is up for the challenge of pets, kids, and everyday life? Take our quick quiz, and based on your answers, we’ll offer customized tips for keeping your couch in top shape!

1. Does your couch have performance fabric or easy-to-clean upholstery?

• Yes: You’re off to a great start! Performance fabrics, like those made of polyester or microfiber, are designed to handle life’s little messes.For extra protection, consider applying a fabric protector that repels spills and stains. Routine vacuuming is your friend here—regular maintenance ensures your couch stays fresh for years.

• No: Don’t worry! You can still protect your couch with washable slipcovers or apply a stain-resistant spray. Velvet or linen fabrics may need gentler cleaning methods, so stock up on fabric-specific cleaners to ensure they last. Quick action on spills is key!

2. Do you have upholstery cleaning products on hand for spills?

• Yes: You’re well-prepared! Be sure to choose the best upholstery cleaner for your fabric type—whether it’s leather, fabric, or performance materials. For quick touch-ups, keep a mix of water and dish soap ready. Having a handheld vacuum nearby can also help with daily maintenance.

• No: It’s time to stock up! Look for fabric upholstery cleaning products that match your couch fabric (e.g., fabric-safe or leather-safe cleaners). Having a basic cleaning kit—baking soda, microfiber cloths, and a gentle fabric cleaner—will make cleaning spills a breeze before they become permanent stains.

3. Are your couch cushions removable or washable?

• Yes: You’ve got a low-maintenance win! Washable cushions make cleaning simple. Set a schedule to wash the covers every few months to prevent buildup of dirt and pet dander. For non-washable cushions, regular vacuuming will help keep them free of debris.

• No: Don’t worry! If your cushions aren’t washable, consider investing in washable slipcovers to shield them from daily wear. Rotate your cushions regularly to avoid uneven fading and wear, and vacuum them frequently to stay on top of pet hair and crumbs.

So, is your couch truly pet-ready? Here's a quick summary of potential scenarios for couch owners like you.

Want to know what the number one hardest thing to clean from a couch is? Check out our recent post!

The Full Transcript: The Truth About Cleaning Your Couch

0:00
Hey, couch cadets! It’s Alex with Couch.com. Today we are going to talk about couch cleaning. Cleaning your couch is essential, it’s important, and it’s something that creates a lot of anxiety with people. How am I going to clean my couch? What’s the best thing to clean my couch? Am I going to ruin my couch? You’re not going to ruin your couch. Everybody has to deal with this, and there are some great remedies and ways to do it.

0:24
What’s the best thing to clean fabric seats? Most fabric couches these days are polyester-based, which means they are cleanable in various ways using various different solvents. You can use stuff that is made at home, like a home remedy, and you can use things that are bought in a store. There are plenty of fabric upholstery cleaning products out there, but check the type of fabric that you have. If you have linen, for instance, you may not be able to put any sort of water-based solvent on it whatsoever and you may need to go a different route, like dry cleaning. It really does depend on the type of fabric that you have on your couch. That being said, when it comes to the law of averages, most people have a polyester-based couch, and most polyester-based couches are very simple to clean. First, you want to try a little bit of water—a little dab’ll do ya—just to see if whatever you spilled on it, like chocolate pudding or pen marks, will come out. If the water doesn’t work, then you need to bring out the big guns. Here, we would go to a typical fabric upholstery cleaning product. A lot of these moonlight as rug upholstery cleaning products or rug cleaning products. You want to check the labels and make sure that it’s good for your type of fabric, but there are so many products out there, and today with Amazon and things of that nature, you can have something at your door that night, the next day, or two days later to be able to clean your couch.

1:50
What is the easiest to clean couch fabric? Generally speaking, couches today are made predominantly with polyester-based materials. That’s simply because they are easy to clean. Polyester fabrics include things like velvet and microfiber. These are both different words for polyester or different types of polyester. There are other synthetic materials, like performance fabrics and things of that nature, that are actually polyester-based.

2:20
How often should you air out a futon? Futons are couches that you have in your home that can convert into beds—generally places for you, your buddies, or your family members to fall asleep on and crash. That means that they are prone to getting a little bit dirtier if people are spending more of their time or their life on it. Outside of cleaning the fabric, one great tip that we have for you is to air out your cushions outside of the house, preferably in sunlight or sunshine. The sun has been found to have this sort of magical antibacterial effect on fabric cushions. So if you have cushions, generally you feel like you shouldn’t be putting them in direct sunlight; however, for short periods of time, it can have a very positive effect, be cleansing, and have an antibacterial effect as well on the cushion fabric.

3:16
How do you clean your leather couch after your cat has peed on it? Very quickly, if your cat peed on your sofa, there’s one hard and fast rule: you gotta act fast. When it comes to cat pee on couch cushions, you want to move as quickly as possible. Time is of the essence. Leather, even though it is extremely easy to clean, is a porous material, which means that things will seep into it. It’s a fabric, it’s a skin—nobody wants to think about that, but it’s true. Use paper towel, wet paper towel—whether you have cleaning products ready or not, you want to get to it quickly. Then we want to use any sort of upholstery cleaning products that are safe for leather, and those can be different than those that are safe for fabric or upholstered cushions because the genetic makeup, literally and figuratively, is quite different. So you want to check the labels. And finally, we recommend finishing it off—always, anytime you clean leather with any sort of liquid solvent or cleaning product—you want to finish it off with some nice leather conditioner product. So if you have a leather couch, you might as well spend $10-$15 on a very nice leather conditioning product because that’s going to keep it nice and smooth and sort of give you a reset anytime you need to clean it.