Doubtlessly, the living room is the heart of the home, with the couch as its beating core. But did you know that your couch can accumulate 1.5 lbs of dirt every year? It’s not just a place to sit but also a makeshift table for snacks and drinks during family gatherings and movie nights. Doesn’t it? With such frequent use, it inevitably catches dirt, dampness, and stubborn stains, leaving your once-pristine couch in dire need of deep cleaning.

Seeing yours in the same condition and wondering how to deep clean a couch? Take it easy as we’ve designed this step-by-step guide to breathe new life into your living room’s masterpiece. So, let’s get started to transform your couch from drab to fab!

How to Deep Clean a Couch? Step-by-Step Guide

Tried a lot of methods, but all in vain. Follow the steps mentioned below, and we bet you won’t regret it. These steps include,

  1. Prepare the couch for deep cleaning
  2. Kick-off with a vacuuming session
  3. Select a pro cleaning solution
  4. Scrub in patterns to treat stubborn stains
  5. Extract, extract, and extract
  6. Proper drying: A very important step.

Let’s get into the details of each step.

1. Prepare the Couch for Deep Cleaning

Before we answer how to deep clean a couch, you have to prepare it for the whole process using two main steps.

i. Check the Cleaning Code

The cleaning code is mentioned on the manufacturer’s tag, which is mostly tucked down the sides of cushions. These codes only revolve around four groups: W, S, S-W, and X.

Cleaning Code

What to use?

What not to use?

W (Water) Water-based solutions like soaps, carpet cleaners, and washing-up liquidsCleaners with harsh chemicals like rubbing alcohol 
S (Solvent)Water-free solvents like clear alcohol, rubbing alcohol, dry-cleaning solventsWater
WS (Water & Solvent)Dry solvents and wet-cleaning products like gentle detergents, upholstery shampoo, or mild dry-cleaning solventsDon’t saturate the fabric with liquid during the process of deep cleaning the couch 
X (No Cleaning/Vacuum Only)Dry cleaning, vacuuming, and brushing onlyNot conducive to anything 

ii. Remove the Cushions/Cushion Covers

Now, take off all the cushions and covers to wash them separately. This step is applicable if your couch has detachable cushions. Otherwise, skip this step when cleaning furniture.

2. Kick-off with a Vacuuming Session

Start the deep cleaning process by giving your couch a thorough vacuuming session to remove all the surface dirt, dust, and pet hair. Make sure to focus on crevices, corners, and other hard-to-reach areas that have debris and crumbs stuck in them.

And don’t forget the areas under cushions as they have most of the dirt accumulated. For this, a vacuum cleaner with a wand brush attachment can work. If you don’t have it, bring your upholstery brush or even a lint roller out, and both will do wonders.

3. Select and Apply a Pro Cleaning Solution

Here comes the core step that needs your utmost attention regarding how to deep clean a couch. You can’t use a single cleaning solution for all types of couches. Different materials demand a different cleaner tailored to their needs. Are you confused about which one to pick for yours? Here’s the detailed note:

i. Rubbing Alcohol – Best Match for a Microfiber Couch

Rubbing alcohol is one of the best cleaners for microfiber couches. Begin by filling a bottle and spraying it directly on the couch rather than pouring it on a sponge because it evaporates in a flash.

ii. Utilize Your DIY Superpowers for a Cloth Couch!

The answer to how to clean a fabric couch is so simple. Take a large bowl and add 1 tbsp of dishwashing liquid, the same quantity of vinegar, and two cups full of distilled Water. Adding one tsp full of baking soda can enhance the results. Transfer the liquid solution into a spray bottle to spray it on the entire surface.

iii. Suede Couches Need the Simplest Cleaner!

If you have a suede couch, you need a few drops of mild detergent and water. Mix both the ingredients in a bucket, and your sofa cleaning liquid is ready to use.

iv. Velvet Couches? Use Cleaner Made With Just 2 Ingredients

You heard it right. You have to make a foamy liquid by mixing 2 cups of warm water and 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. Dip a piece of microfiber in this mixture and squeeze it properly to prevent any extra liquid from staying in it.

Pro Tip for Oil Stains: Create a layer of talcum powder on the oil stains, let it in for 8 hours, and then vacuum away the powder.

4. Scrub in Patterns to Treat Stubborn Stains

For a microfiber couch, take a light-colored sponge, preferably white (it won’t bleed), and scrub the area with alcohol. Scrubbing will result in disappearing stains along with the dirt stuck on the surface.

(Pro Tip): If there are any water stains still left, spray some distilled water on the stains and scrub them with a clean sponge.

For a fabric and suede couch, don’t scrub or rub the surface, as it can severely damage the fabric. Moisten a small piece of microfiber and dab it on the stained area.

For velvet couches, rub the dampened cloth in a circular motion. Repeat this step until all the stains get transferred to the cloth.

5. Extract, Extract, and Extract!

Once you’re done with scrubbing, it’s time to extract all the sofa washing or cleaning liquid residing on the couch. For this, you can use a spray extraction cleaner, as it will thoroughly remove all the residue and prevent mildew.

6. Proper Drying: A Can’t Miss Step for a Deep Clean Couch

The last step regarding how to deep clean a couch is simple yet unignorable. Not letting your couch dry properly can lead to mold and mildew growth. It can result in serious health problems along with black or green smelly patches that are difficult to remove. So, always allow your couch to dry completely before bringing it to use again. For this, snail fans and ceiling fans are the best options. Otherwise, you can also use open air to let them dry thoroughly.

Give Your Couch a New Life with Mill City Cleaning!

Don’t want to spend hours deep cleaning your couch at home? Mill City Cleaning, a Minneapolis Cleaning Service, is your go-to solution for hassle-free and professional cleaning services.

With over 25 years of experience in cleaning services, we are the epitome of professionalism in twin cities. Whether you want residential or commercial cleaning services, our team ensures that you will receive exceptional results every time. So why not get a quote right now to transform your couch’s appearance from tired to inspired again?

FAQs: How to Deep Clean a Couch

How to clean the sofa at home?

  • Cleaning your sofa at home demands 6 main steps. These include,
  • Preparing your sofa by removing the cushions and covers if any
  • Giving a proper vacuuming session to remove dirt from the surface
  • Selecting the appropriate cleaning solution
  • Scrubbing the stubborn stains
  • Extracting the cleaning liquids
  • Properly drying your sofa to prevent smelly patches

Can we use baking soda to clean couches?

Baking soda is one of the best stain removal for cloth/fabric and other types of couches. Mix it with Water to make a thick paste and apply it to the stains. Scrub and wipe it off with a clean cloth. Moreover, you can also use it as a deodorizer for your couches.

Does vinegar clean couches?

A mixture of vinegar and water with some dishwashing liquid makes the best couch cleaner. Spray it on the couch or pour some on a cloth and dab it gently to remove all the stains. Let it dry, and your couch will be ready to be the centerpiece in your living room.

By Published On: July 30th, 2024Categories: UncategorizedComments Off on How to Deep Clean a Couch: 6 DIY Tried & Tested Steps