Say goodbye to stains and odors and learn the DIY method to clean couch upholstery that works
A couch is one of a home’s most used and abused upholstery pieces. Cleaning the couch upholstery may seem complicated, but it can be done in a few simple steps with the proper technique. This article highlights the correct DIY method to clean your couch upholstery like a pro.
Find The Tag Code
- To help you clean upholstery in the best and safest way possible, manufacturers add a tag on the upholstery. Search the tag under the cushions or couch and follow the cleaning guidelines.
Code W
- This code indicates that the upholstery fabric is safe for cleaning with water-based solvents.
Code S
- The upholstery is suitable for dry cleaning or water-free solvents only. Avoid cleaning the upholstery in areas with open flames, like fireplaces.
Code W-S
- You can use both water-based and solvent-based cleaning solutions to clean the upholstery fabric.
Code X
- These are the most delicate types of fabrics that require additional care. Avoid any cleaning agent when you see code X. This is because home cleaning products can lead to staining and shrinking.
Code X upholstery should only be cleaned by a vacuum or professional. However, if there is no tag on your couch, do a patch test to see how the fabric reacts to the cleaning agent.
Cleaning Supplies And Tools
- While a couch needs daily vacuuming, stain removal and general upholstery cleaning should be done once every three months. We have discussed a three-step method to clean the couch upholstery deeply.
Gather the following supplies before you start cleaning:
- A liquid detergent or dishwasher
- Warm water and baking soda
- Dry cleaning solvent
- Vacuum cleaner
- Microfiber cloth
Step 1: Vacuuming The Couch
- Regardless of the type of couch upholstery and style, cleaning it well once a week can make it look good for as long as possible. Although a hand-held vacuum works well to collect food particles or crumbs, a vacuum with high high-power suction is required for deep cleaning.
Selecting The Right Vacuum Cleaner
- A high-quality vacuum with a HEPA filter is excellent for gathering dust, debris, allergens, and pet dander from deep below the couch’s surface. In addition, vacuum cleaners that feature UV light are perfect for tackling bacteria, dust mites, and bedbugs.
The UV light eliminates these organisms, sucks them away, and keeps them trapped in a dual filtration system. However, if you want to avoid investing in UV light vacuum cleaners, hire a professional upholstery cleaning company to do the job for you.
Vacuuming The Sides
- Once you have chosen the correct type of vacuum cleaner, the next step is to vacuum every inch of the upholstery. Next, clean the lower and back sides of the couch, especially if it is placed against a wall and overlooked during regular cleaning. Dust reaches everywhere, so remember to vacuum the areas that remain out of site.
Vacuuming The Crevices
- One of the essential steps during couch cleaning is to clean deep between the cushions and the couch’s frame. The crevice tool extension of the vacuum works well for this purpose. However, if you are lucky that your couch has removable cushions, remove the cushions and vacuum both sides to improve the cleanliness.
Vacuum The Bottom
- For high-level cleaning, tilt the couch over and vacuum its bottom. In addition, this gives you a chance to clean the flooring beneath the couch. Read part two of this article to find out what to do next.
Removing The Stains
- Once you have thoroughly removed dust and allergens from your couch, tackle any specific stains before moving on to overall cleaning. It is a nightmare to discover stains on your upholstered furniture. Getting them out becomes tedious and lengthy, especially if you don’t know how to do so.
Here are a few effective methods to remove stains from couch upholstery.
Blot The Stain
- As soon as you spill something over your couch, blot it while it’s still liquid and fresh. Use a paper towel to absorb as much moisture as possible. However, if it’s a solid or sticky stain like that of cheese or mayonnaise, scratch it with the help of a knife.
Avoid rubbing the stain, as this will push the stain deeper into the upholstery fabric. For dried and old stains, it is better to loosen the dried matter with a soft bristle brush before cleaning the spot.
Prepare A Home-Made Cleaning Solution
- If the cleaning guidelines allow using a water-based cleaner for cleaning your upholstery, prepare the cleaning solution at home. First, add one-fourth of a cup of dishwashing liquid to one cup of warm water. Next, use an electric mixer to whisk it well and create foam.
Remove The Stain With A Sponge
- Once you have prepared your cleaning solution, it’s time to remove the stain. First, use a sponge dipped in the cleaning solution to rub away the stain. If the stain is stubborn, leave the solution on the stained area for a few minutes. This will help break down the solid stain. In the end, use a microfiber cloth to blot the cleaning solution and the dirt from your couch. This step is crucial and should not be skipped, as the leftover detergent in the fabric can attract more dirt and stains.
Once you have removed all the dirt and stains, allow it to dry completely before exposing your couch to everyday use. Thorough air drying is essential to prevent mold growth. However, if your upholstery requires cleaning with a dry solvent, follow the directions on the product label. If you need help, call a reputable upholstery cleaning company to help you.
Cleaning The Couch Upholstery
If your couch has no stains, go for overall cleaning after vacuuming. Follow the steps mentioned below:
-
- Mix one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid or commercial cleaner in one gallon of warm water to prepare a less concentrated cleaning solution.
- Next, use a microfiber cloth dipped in the cleaning solution to wipe down the surface of the whole couch.
- Avoid using too much water to prevent it from seeping into the upholstery.
- Work in small sections and thoroughly rub every surface.
- Do not use the solution on metal components of the couch, such as buttons, frame legs, and snaps.
- This can cause rust stains and decrease the life of your couch.
- Use a fresh sponge dipped in plain water to rinse off the cleaning solution.
- Finally, use a dry cloth to absorb the moisture. Alternatively, you can use a fan to speed up the drying.
If you are afraid you might damage your upholstery with DIY cleaning, hire our expert cleaners. We at Love Your Carpet are a highly experienced and qualified team of upholstery and carpet cleaners. We can help you remove any stains. We have been serving in Las Vegas since 1996. Call us today at 702-898-6070 for a free quote.