Microfiber couches are popular because they resist stains well. Whether you have kids, pets, or just everyday wear and tear, your couch can get dirty. Common culprits include hair products, skin oils, dirt, and dust that build up on areas like headrests, armrests, and ottomans. Keeping your furniture clean is key to a tidy home.
Microfiber is synthetic, which means it’s less likely to stain compared to cotton. Its tight weave helps prevent deep stains and makes cleaning easier.
Here’s how to clean your microfiber couch:
1. Spot Cleaning: This is for targeted stain removal. It helps prevent water rings on the fabric.
2. Deep Cleaning: This is for overall dirt and oil removal. It’s best if you’re cleaning the entire sofa to avoid leaving discolored spots.
3. Check the Manufacturer’s Recommendations: Always start by checking what the manufacturer suggests for cleaning your specific couch.
How Often to Clean a Microfiber Couch
To keep your microfiber couch looking great and smelling fresh, regular cleaning is key. Here’s what you should do:
– Weekly Vacuuming: Vacuum your couch weekly to get rid of surface dust and dirt. This is especially important if you have pets who may leave fur or dander behind. Vacuuming prevents dirt from getting stuck in the fibers and makes cleaning spills easier.
– Quickly Treat Spills and Stains: Whenever spills or stains happen, it’s best to tackle them right away. This makes them easier to remove and prevents them from setting into the fabric.
– Thorough Cleaning: Aim to give your couch a thorough cleaning at least once a season. If your couch gets a lot of use, especially from pets and kids, consider cleaning it monthly. This deep clean helps remove any built-up dirt and keeps your couch looking its best.
What You’ll Need to Clean a Microfiber Couch
Tools and Equipment
- Vacuum cleaner with crevice and upholstery attachments
- Spray bottle
- Soft-bristled brush or sponge
- Two buckets or large bowls
- Microfiber cleaning cloth
- Optional: Upholstery brush
- Optional: Whisk
Materials
- Liquid dishwashing soap
- Water
- Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol
- Optional: Baking soda
- Optional: Upholstery or carpet cleaner
Instructions
Before you start cleaning, check the tag on your couch for cleaning instructions. Here’s what the codes mean:
- Code W: Clean with water-based cleaners.
- Code S: Requires dry cleaning or water-free solvents. Use these in a well-ventilated area away from open flames.
- Code W-S: Can be cleaned with water-based or solvent-based products.
- Code X: Do not use any cleaning agents. Only vacuum or get it cleaned by a professional to avoid staining or shrinking.
How to Clean a Microfiber Couch with Soap and Water
If your couch has a tag that says W or W-S, you can safely clean it with soap and water.
1. Vacuum the Couch
Start by using a vacuum on every part of the couch, including under the cushions. Pay extra attention to seams and corners where dirt can gather.
2. Mix the Cleaning Solution
In a big bowl or bucket, mix four cups of warm water with one-fourth cup of liquid dish soap. Whisk it until you have lots of soapy bubbles. Fill another bucket with plain water.
Dip and Scrub with Soap Bubbles
Dip your scrubbing brush or sponge into the soapy bubbles (not the plain water). Start at the top of a cushion, couch back, or arms.
Spread the suds evenly and scrub well. Begin at the top and work your way down to avoid dirty suds dripping onto cleaned parts.
Rinse the brush or sponge in clean water often and shake off excess water before applying fresh suds.
Rinse and Fluff
After cleaning an area, use a slightly damp microfiber cloth to wipe it down with plain water. Let the fabric air-dry completely. To restore the fabric’s texture, use a vacuum or upholstery brush to fluff up any flattened fibers.
How to Clean a Microfiber Couch with Rubbing Alcohol
If your couch has an “S” on the care tag, you should clean it with a solvent like rubbing alcohol or a solvent-based cleaner.
1. Vacuum First
Start by vacuuming the entire couch to remove any loose dirt or debris. [Blue microfiber couch being vacuumed with hose and attachment]
2. Apply the Cleaning Solution
Pour rubbing alcohol into a spray bottle. Lightly spray the fabric, beginning at the top of a cushion or section. If you’re using a commercial cleaner, follow the instructions on the label.
[Rubbing alcohol being sprayed on blue microfiber couch from a brown spray bottle]
3. Scrub Away Soil
While the fabric is still damp from the rubbing alcohol, use a sponge, soft brush, or white cloth to scrub away any dirt. Rinse the sponge or cloth in plain water to remove dirt and squeeze out excess moisture before continuing to clean.
Dry and Fluff
Let the upholstery air-dry completely. After it’s dry, use a vacuum or upholstery brush to fluff up any flattened fibers.
How to Handle Tough Stains and Odors
Grease Stains
Sprinkle cornstarch over grease stains and gently scrub it in with an old toothbrush. Let it sit for at least an hour, then vacuum it up. Repeat if necessary.
Cornstarch helps absorb the oil. You can then spot clean with either the soap and water or rubbing alcohol method.
Chewing Gum
Place ice cubes in a plastic bag and place them on the gum to make it hard. Once hardened, carefully scrape off the gum with a dull knife or your fingernail.
Take your time and reapply the ice if needed. For any leftover stain, use the soap and water or rubbing alcohol method to clean it.
Odors
Sprinkle baking soda over the entire couch before going to bed. Gently brush it in with a soft-bristled brush. The next day, vacuum up the baking soda along with the odors.
Cleaning a Microfiber Couch with Rubbing Alcohol
If your couch has an “S” on the care tag, it means you can’t clean it with soap and water. Rubbing alcohol is a great, affordable option for cleaning these types of microfiber couches. Make sure you use rubbing alcohol, not isopropyl alcohol, as they’re different.
Pro tip: This method is best for spot-cleaning small areas. For a full couch clean, consider hiring a professional.
Supplies:
– Vacuum with upholstery attachment
– Spray bottle
– Rubbing alcohol (70% or 91% concentration)
– Cotton cloth
Instructions:
1. Vacuum your couch well, lifting cushions and reaching into creases.
2. Pour rubbing alcohol into a spray bottle, without diluting it. Lightly spray stained areas and let it sit for a few minutes.
3. Gently blot the stain with a cotton cloth. Apply more rubbing alcohol if needed.
4. Let the spot dry. If the stain remains, repeat steps 2 and 3.
5. Once dry, vacuum the couch again to lift fibers and restore the texture.
How to Keep Your Microfiber Couch Looking New
After cleaning your microfiber couch, apply a fabric protector like Scotchguard to help prevent stains and keep it looking clean longer. The protection duration can vary depending on usage and care, so follow the product’s instructions when applying.
If your couch feels stiff after cleaning, it might be due to tangled fibers. To soften it, gently comb the surface with a fine-tooth comb or use a dry sponge.
FAQs
How do you clean microfiber furniture without leaving water spots?
Make sure your microfiber can be cleaned with water. To remove water spots, often caused by spills or previous cleaning attempts, use baby wipes or rubbing alcohol.
Can you clean a microfiber couch with vinegar?
Yes, you can. For heavily stained microfiber couches labeled S/W, mix water, a capful of vinegar, and a teaspoon of baking soda in a spray bottle. Blot the stains with a clean, white cloth soaked in this solution and let it dry.
