The living room couch is a favorite spot in any home. Whether for watching movies, relaxing with a book, or hosting friends, it gets a lot of use. With all that use, your couch collects pet hair, crumbs, dust, and dirt. This can make it less clean and uncomfortable. If you're unsure how to clean your couch or how often to do it, we'll guide you through the process. This will help keep your home tidy and fresh throughout the year.
How Frequently Should You Be Cleaning Your Couch?
How often you clean your couch is just as important as how you do it. To keep it in good condition, deep-clean it once or twice a year. You don't need to wash the cushions or deep-clean them too often unless you're sensitive to allergens. Quick surface cleanings every 3-4 weeks will help maintain freshness between deeper cleans.
The frequency of cleaning depends on how much the couch is used and who uses it. Pets and children usually make it messier faster. Light-colored sofas need more upkeep than darker ones. If you have pets, you'll also want to learn how to remove dog odours from your couch.
How Do You Prepare to Clean Your Couch?
Read the Cleaning Instructions
Before choosing a cleaning method, check your couch's label to see what products are safe to use.
- W: Use water for cleaning
- WS: Use dry cleaning, mild detergent, or steam
- X: No water, vacuum only
- S: Use dry cleaner detergent
These codes will help you clean your couch the right way and avoid damage.
Gather All the Necessary Cleaning Tools
Before you begin, collect the tools you'll need. Basic tools include a vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachments, a natural bridal brush, and a mild fabric cleaner or baking soda for odour removal. For deeper cleaning, you may also need a steam cleaner or a dry-cleaning solution, depending on your couch's fabric.
Vacuum the Couch to Remove Loose Dirt
It doesn't matter what type of couch you have; start by removing the cushions and vacuum cleaning to clear away crumbs, pet hair, and dust hiding between or beneath them. Use a dry, natural duster brush to gently lift dirt and dust from the fabric. For added freshness, sprinkle a bit of baking soda on the couch before vacuuming—it helps absorb lingering odours and keeps your couch smelling clean.
How to Clean a Leather Couch?
Simple Leather Cleaner for Leather Furniture
To clean a leather couch, start by dusting it with a soft cloth. Mix equal parts vinegar and water. Dip a microfiber cloth in this mix. Wring out any excess liquid. Wipe the leather in small circles to lift dirt from its fibres. Rinse and re-wet the cloth as needed. Change the solution if it gets too dirty. Avoid soaking the leather. Use the damp cloth only to loosen and remove dirt.
Removing Stains From Leather Couch
- Dark Stains: Mix equal parts lemon juice and cream of tartar to make a paste. Apply it to the stain and leave for 10 minutes. Rub in another layer and remove it with a damp sponge.
- Oil Stains: Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the spot. Rub gently and let sit overnight. Wipe off with a soft cloth.
- Ink Stains: Use rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab to blot the stain. Dry with a blow dryer. If the stain remains, apply non-gel cuticle remover overnight, then wipe with a damp cloth.
- Mold: Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and water. Wipe the mouldy area with the solution and clean it with a damp cloth.
Conditioning the Leather Couch
To keep leather soft and protected, you can make a simple conditioner at home. Mix 2 cups of warm water, one tablespoon of natural baby soap, and a splash of vinegar. Dip a microfiber cloth into the solution and gently rub it on the leather. Avoid soaking the surface. The baby soap's oils will clean and moisturize the leather. Leave the conditioner to absorb into the leather for best results. This method is easy and affordable.
Cleaning the White Leather Couch
Here are two ways to clean a white leather couch:
Oil + Vinegar: Mix 1/2 cup olive oil and 1/4 cup vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray it on the stain. Let it sit for five minutes, then wipe it clean. Avoid bleach or ammonia-based cleaners as they can harm the leather.
Toothpaste: Dampen the stained area with a cloth. Apply non-gel toothpaste and scrub with a soft toothbrush. Wipe with a clean cloth and dry. This also removes scuffs.
What Not to Do During Leather Couch Cleaning
When cleaning a leather couch, avoid using harsh chemicals. Products containing bleach or ammonia can damage the leather. Instead, opt for mild soap or specialized leather cleaners. Do not soak the leather with water. Excess moisture can lead to stains and mould. Avoid scrubbing vigorously; this can cause scratches. Always test any cleaner on a hidden area first. Do not use paper towels for drying, as they can scratch the surface. Instead, use a soft, lint-free cloth. Lastly, avoid placing your leather couch in direct sunlight, as it can fade colour and dry out the material.
How to Clean a Fabric Couch?
Don't let dirt and dander linger on your fabric-covered couch. A clean couch not only looks better but also contributes to a healthier home environment. Instead of using harsh chemicals, use a quick and effective DIY cleaning method for your fabric couch.
Refresh with Baking Soda
To eliminate loose dirt, dust, and hair, extra vaccuming is what fabric couches they need. Fibers easily trap dust, dirt, and allergens from the air and daily use. After vacuuming, you should sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda on the surface of the couch. You can use baking soda to neutralize a smell, as it will also help to eliminate bad odours.
Let the baking soda sit for at least 20 minutes. However, if you have time, you should leave it to rest for up to an hour for even better outcomes. Some of my fabric liners still have lingering odours after washing, and the baking soda helps to eliminate odours that may be lurking in the fabric through this waiting period. After this, you can vacuum off the baking soda with the brush part of the vacuum cleaner. This will help your couch to look as clean as new after the process is over.
Create Your Own All-Purpose Cleaner
While the baking soda is doing its magic, you can make a perfect homemade cleaner. Gather the following ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of dishwashing soap
- 1 tablespoon of white vinegar
- 1 cup of warm water
Mix these ingredients together in a small spray bottle. After the dry ingredients have been mixed, stir in 1 tablespoon baking soda. Be careful because when you mix baking soda with vinegar, a lot of foam will be produced. Tightly screw the top of the bottle in order to prevent it from spilling over. It is a general cleaner that can be used in cleaning your upholstery by removing dirt and stains.
Give Your Couch a Deep Clean
When your cleaner is prepared, it is now time to deep clean the couch. Dampen a clean cloth with your homemade solution and only give it a quick mist. Wipe the whole couch with this cloth. Such a cleaning process will help to wash off accumulated dirt and other sorts of grime.
What is more, if you see specific stains or marks, you can apply the cleaner right on those spots. It also means that difficult stains are given the special attention they require. Finally, after washing, let the fabric dry.
How to Clean a Microfiber Couch?
Rubbing alcohol is an excellent choice for cleaning most microfiber couches. If your couch has a cleaning code of "S," it indicates that solvent cleaning is safe. However, it's always a good idea to perform a patch test first to ensure there are no adverse effects on the fabric.
Cleaning Your Couch with Alcohol
If you want to clean your couch, rubbing alcohol is one of the best ways to do it. Begin with small areas to make the process easier. Take a rubbing alcohol and lightly spray it on a particular portion of the couch. It is also essential because it helps in dissolving most of the dirt and stains. Rub the area with a white or light-coloured sponge. The fact that the sponge is white in colour means that no dye transfer is possible to your couch. This way you can clean your clothes without having to worry about fading of colors.
Brushing in a Circular Motion
After washing, your couch should not take long to dry. Rubbing alcohol dries quickly, so you don't have to wait around for the solution to work. Afterwards, when the couch is dry, use a dry scrub brush. Brush the fabric in a circular motion using the brush. This technique is useful in plumping up the fabric to give it a new look. Fluffing not only makes your upholstery more attractive but also helps in avoiding matting hence adding to the durability.
Dealing with Water Stains
Though rubbing alcohol is capable of removing most stains, it cannot remove water spots. If your couch fabric has a label that can be washed with water and solvent, then you can deal with such persistent stains. For this purpose, distilled water must be used whenever possible. First of all, to treat the infected area, use the same distilled water that was used for the preparation of the solution; just spray it on the area gently. After that, wash the area with a sponge, just as it was done with the rubbing alcohol. Rinse the fabric after washing, allow it to dry and then beat the fabric in a circular motion. It can also assist in removing the water stains and bring back the new look of your couch.
How to Get Rid of Stubborn Smells?
To keep your couch smelling fresh, clean it regularly, especially if it develops an unpleasant odour. This can happen due to greasy food, pets, or messy kids. A simple solution is to sprinkle baking soda over the sofa. Baking soda does more than just cover up bad smells; it removes them completely. This method is effective and safe compared to some air fresheners that only mask odours without eliminating them.
A Look into Trusted Cleaning Products For Your Family
Take your living room cleaning to the next level with Yocada! The cleaning tools we offer allow for easy maintenance of your living room and its appearance. From cleaning the dust to dealing with the accidental spillage, Yocada has all that you need to make your space clean and comfortable, use the most convenient cleaning tools to keep your living room cozy and inviting for all, and provide clean space for everyone in your family.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining a clean couch doesn't have to be a daunting task. By following these simple, step-by-step methods, you can easily refresh your sofa and extend its lifespan. Regular cleaning not only enhances your living space but also contributes to a healthier home environment. Make couch cleaning a routine part of your household chores for lasting freshness.
