How to Clean a Fabric Couch

We all cherish those cozy moments curled up on the couch with a cup of coffee or tea, but there’s nothing worse than sinking into a sofa that’s seen better days. As time passes, crumbs, spilled beverages, pesky pet hair, and the residue from daily life can accumulate on your beloved couch, leaving it looking less than inviting. 

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the essential steps on how to clean a couch so it’s not only spotless but also ready to cradle you during your next binge-watching marathon of your favorite TV show. Say goodbye to the dingy appearance and hello to ultimate sofa comfort!

Why Should You Clean Your Couch?

Learning how to clean a fabric couch is not just about aesthetics; it’s essential for several reasons:

• Health and Hygiene: Over time, your couch can accumulate dust, dirt, and allergens. This can lead to respiratory issues, allergies, or worsen existing health conditions for you and your family. Regular cleaning helps maintain a healthier indoor environment.
• Prolonged Durability: Dirt and grime can wear down the fabric or upholstery of your sofa, leading to faster deterioration. Regular cleaning extends the lifespan of your couch, saving you money in the long run by delaying the need for replacement.
• Odor Prevention: Spills, food crumbs, and pet accidents can create unpleasant odors in your couch. Proper cleaning helps remove these odors and keeps your living space smelling fresh.
• Appearance: A clean couch looks more inviting and visually appealing. It enhances the overall aesthetics of your living space and creates a more pleasant environment for both residents and guests.
• Comfort: A clean sofa is more comfortable to sit on. Removing dirt and debris ensures that you can fully enjoy the softness and coziness of your couch without any discomfort caused by accumulated particles.

In summary, cleaning your couch is crucial for maintaining a healthy, comfortable, and visually pleasing living space while extending the life of your furniture. It contributes to the overall well-being of your household and ensures that your couch remains a welcoming spot for relaxation and enjoyment.

How Often Should You Clean Your Couch?

You don’t need to deep clean your couch very often; typically, once or twice a year is sufficient for most households. In between deep cleanings, performing surface cleanings every 3-4 weeks should help maintain its appearance and hygiene. However, prompt stain removal and regular vacuuming, ideally once a week or every other week, can go a long way in keeping your couch looking and feeling fresh. The frequency of cleaning can vary depending on factors like household habits, the presence of pets or children, and the specific needs of your sofa’s fabric, but generally, following these steps once or twice a year is plenty. Some people make a habit of cleaning their couch and carpets at the same time, ensuring that dust and allergens don’t have the chance to build up. 

How to Clean a Couch?

Before you start, check the manufacturer’s cleaning codes found on a tag beneath the cushions. These codes indicate the recommended cleaning method for your specific fabric. If you’re wondering how to restore and clean a leather couch, click here.

The most common cleaning codes are: 

• W: Water-based cleaning is safe.
• S: Only solvent-based cleaners should be used.
• WS: Both water-based and solvent-based cleaners are safe.
• X: Vacuum cleaning only; no cleaners should be used. 
• D: Dry clean only

Then, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations, follow the steps below to clean your couch. 

Step 1: Vacuum the Couch

Begin by using the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris from the surface and crevices of the couch. Pay extra attention to the areas between cushions and in the corners.

Step 2: Wipe Down Metal or Wood Parts 

If your couch’s legs or the frame is made of a non-fabric material like metal or wood, remove your cushions and wipe down those areas with a microfiber or soft cloth. 

Step 3: Clean the Cushions 

Before you go all in, make sure you know how to clean couch cushions based on the couch material. Testing a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric with your chosen cleaning solution is also a good idea to ensure it doesn’t discolor or damage the upholstery. Wait for the tested area to dry before proceeding.

If you have extra-pesky stains, you’ll also want to spot-test couch stain remover before starting. 

Here’s how to clean a fabric couch and how to get stains out of a couch based on couch material: 

For a Fabric Couch: If your fabric is labeled with a “W” or “WS” code, mix a solution of mild dish soap or upholstery cleaner with warm water in a bucket. Use about 1-2 tablespoons of soap for every quart of water. Stir to create a soapy mixture. 

Dip a white microfiber or soft cloth into the cleaning solution, wring it out so it’s damp but not soaking wet, and gently blot or dab the stained or soiled areas. Avoid rubbing vigorously, as this can damage the fabric. Work in small sections, then follow up with a damp cloth moistened with water to remove the soap. 

For a Suede Couch: Mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and distilled water in a small bowl. This solution is gentle enough not to damage suede while effectively removing stains and dirt. Dip a soft, clean cloth or a soft-bristle brush (like a toothbrush) into the vinegar and water solution. Gently blot or dab the stained areas, working in small sections. Avoid scrubbing vigorously, as this can damage the suede.

To prevent future stains and damage, consider applying a suede protector spray according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This can help repel liquids and keep your suede couch looking cleaner for longer.

For a Velvet Couch: If your velvet couch doesn’t have a specific care label with cleaning instructions, you can make a gentle cleaning solution. In a spray bottle, mix a solution of 1 part mild dish soap or specialized upholstery cleaner and 3 parts distilled water. Alternatively, you can use a solution of equal parts white vinegar and distilled water.

Spray a small amount of the cleaning solution onto a clean, soft cloth or directly onto the stained or soiled area of the couch. Do not oversaturate the fabric. Gently blot or dab the area, working in small sections. Avoid rubbing vigorously, as this can crush the velvet fibers.

If you still see stains after applying your cleaning solution, here’s how to get stains out of a couch. After your standard cleaning solution, add a fabric-safe, manufacturer-approved couch stain remover to stains. Follow the instructions on the bottle, then dry and fluff as directed. 

Step 4: Let It Dry

Allow your couch to air dry completely, avoiding using hair dryers or heat, which can damage certain fabric types like suede. Open windows or use fans to help with ventilation to accelerate the process. Once the fabric is dry, fluff and brush it gently to restore its texture and appearance! Avoid sitting on the couch until it’s fully dry and you can fluff and brush it. 

Need Help Cleaning Your Couch?

It generally takes a couple of hours to clean a couch, which is time many people find better spent finishing other tasks or spending time relaxing with family and friends. 

Outsourcing your couch cleaning to a Tasker can give you back this time and eliminate the headache of figuring out how to clean cushions for your specific couch. Save yourself time and energy by outsourcing this task once or twice a year to a Cleaning Tasker—and then rest easier when you plop down on the couch knowing that it’s clean.