Kitchen Cabinets

How to Clean Couch Upholstery

Keeping your couch upholstery clean is important for maintaining its appearance and extending its life. With regular cleaning and care, you can keep your couch looking fresh and new for years to come. This comprehensive guide will provide tips and step-by-step instructions to clean all types of couch upholstery fabrics, remove stains and smells, and perform deep cleaning maintenance.

Introduction

Couch upholstery can accumulate dirt, grime, stains, and odors over time with regular use. Cleaning it regularly removes these buildups and helps refresh the look and scent of your couch. It also helps extend the life of the upholstery by preventing deep stains from setting in.

Cleaning your couch upholstery does not have to be a dreaded chore. With some simple cleaning solutions and tools on hand, it can be an easy routine maintenance task. The key is knowing what methods and products to use for your particular couch fabric.

This guide will cover how to clean the most common couch upholstery fabrics:

  • Leather
  • Polyester and microfiber
  • Cotton and cotton blends
  • Velvet
  • Linen
  • Suede

We will go over pre-treatment methods, quick cleaning between deeper cleans, stain removal, deodorizing, and deep cleaning processes. With the right techniques for your couch material, you can keep How to Clean Couch Upholstery looking pristine and last for many years of use.

Benefits of Regular Upholstery Cleaning

Cleaning your couch upholstery regularly provides many benefits beyond just improving appearance:

  • Extends life of fabric: Regular cleaning keeps fabrics from becoming overly soiled, which can weaken fibers over time and shorten lifespan.
  • Prevents stains: Getting to spills and stains quickly prevents them from setting and becoming permanent.
  • Healthier environment: Removing dirt, allergens, and odors creates a cleaner environment for you and your family.
  • Maintains value: Keeping upholstery clean upholds your couch’s value should you ever want to sell it.
  • Improves appearance: Make your couch look new again by deep cleaning faded or dirty upholstery.

Dedicate some time to routinely clean your couch upholstery to enjoy these benefits for years before having to consider reupholstering due to damage and wear.

Supplies Needed

Gathering the right cleaning supplies ahead of time will make cleaning couch upholstery much easier. Here are some recommended supplies to have on hand:

  • Vacuum: Use one with an upholstery attachment.
  • Soft bristle brush: For working in fabric cleaner.
  • Microfiber cloths: Great for blotting and wiping fabric.
  • Leather cleaner: Special cleaner formulated for leather.
  • Fabric/upholstery shampoo: Gentler cleaners made for upholstery.
  • Stain remover: Look for one formulated for your fabric.
  • Baking soda: Helps deodorize.
  • Vinegar: Mixed with water helps remove soap residue.
  • Terry cloth towels: Old towels to blot excess moisture.
  • Protective gloves: Avoid stains and irritation on hands.
  • Spray bottles: For applying cleaners and vinegar solutions.
  • Enzyme-based odor eliminator: Removes odors at the source.

Gathering these supplies ahead of time ensures you have what you need ready for a thorough couch cleaning session.

Preparing Couch for Cleaning

Before diving into cleaning your couch upholstery, follow these tips to prepare it for the process:

  • Vacuum the entire surface using an upholstery attachment. This removes loose dirt and debris.
  • Check manufacturer’s tag for any specific cleaning instructions. Some fabrics require special care.
  • Test cleaners on a small, hidden area first to check for discoloration or damage.
  • Remove any cushions or detachable pieces like throw pillows.
  • Sprinkle baking soda over upholstery and let sit 15-30 minutes before vacuuming up. Helps absorb odors.
  • Mix a vinegar cleaning solution of 1 cup vinegar per 1 cup water for removing soap residue after cleaning.

Proper preparation before cleaning ensures the process goes smoothly without risk of harming the upholstery.

How to Clean Leather Couch Upholstery

Leather requires gentle care and specialty cleaning products to maintain its supple, quality look. Follow these methods to clean leather couch upholstery:

Supplies Needed

  • Leather cleaner
  • Leather conditioner
  • Soft clean cloths
  • Small soft bristle brush

Regular Cleaning

For light surface cleaning between deeper cleans:

  • Vacuum the leather with an upholstery attachment.
  • Mix leather cleaner according to directions. Apply a small amount to a clean cloth, not directly on the leather.
  • Gently wipe down all leather surfaces.
  • Let cleaner soak in for 2-3 minutes.
  • Buff dry with a fresh clean cloth.
  • Once a month, apply leather conditioner according to directions. Rub gently into leather.
  • Buff conditioner once dry.

Removing Stains and Scuffs

For oil-based stains like grease:

  • Apply a small amount of saddle soap, rubbing alcohol, or leather degreaser to a cloth.
  • Lightly rub on stain using gentle, circular motions. Avoid over-rubbing.
  • Rinse area with clean damp cloth then dry immediately with a towel.

For water-based stains:

  • Blot excess liquid immediately with an absorbent cloth. Avoid rubbing.
  • Apply leather cleaner to a new cloth. Gently dab onto the stain.
  • Allow cleaner to absorb for 2-3 minutes.
  • Blot area dry with a fresh clean cloth.

For scuffs and superficial scratches:

  • Rub a leather conditioner into scuffed areas using small circular motions.
  • Allow conditioner to soak in for 10-15 minutes.
  • Buff with clean cloth until conditioned is worked evenly into leather.

Deep Cleaning

Every 6-12 months:

  • Vacuum entire surface thoroughly. Make sure to get into crevices and tufts.
  • Mix a leather cleaning solution according to directions. Apply to clean cloth or soft brush.
  • Working in sections, massage cleaner into leather using gentle circular motions. Avoid over-saturating.
  • Let solution dwell for 5 minutes before wiping away all residue with a clean, dry cloth.
  • Allow leather to air dry completely before using. About 1-2 hours.
  • Once fully dry, apply leather conditioner.

With proper care and regular cleaning, leather upholstery will maintain its supple feel and extend the life of your leather couch.

How to Clean Polyester and Microfiber Couch Upholstery

Polyester and microfiber couch fabrics clean up nicely with just warm water and mild soap. Follow these methods:

Supplies Needed

  • Upholstery shampoo or mild soap
  • Soft cleaning cloth, sponge or soft bristle brush
  • Terry cloth towels
  • Vacuum with upholstery attachment

Regular Cleaning

To freshen in between deep cleans:

  • Vacuum entire couch to remove loose debris using upholstery attachment. Get into crevices.
  • Mix a mild, gentle soap and warm water according to directions.
  • Dampen a soft cloth or sponge in the solution, wringing out excess liquid.
  • Wipe fabric in a gentle, circular motion to lift dirt. Avoid scrubbing aggressively.
  • Rinse with a cloth dampened in clean water.
  • Pat dry with a terry cloth towel. Allow to fully air dry.

Removing Stains

  • If stain is fresh, blot immediately with a dry towel. Avoid rubbing.
  • Mix warm water and small amount of upholstery shampoo.
  • Dip clean sponge in solution and gently dab onto stain.
  • Rinse area thoroughly with clean damp sponge.
  • Blot dry with towel.

For tougher set-in stains:

  • Spot clean stained area with an enzyme-based stain remover. Allow to soak in per directions.
  • Rinse and blot dry.

Deep Cleaning

Every 6-12 months:

  • Vacuum entire surface thoroughly.
  • Mix upholstery cleaner or mild soap and warm water according to directions.
  • Working in sections, use sponge or soft brush to massage cleaner into fabric.
  • Let solution soak in for 5-10 minutes. Do not let dry.
  • Rinse section thoroughly with a clean water-dampened sponge.
  • Blot excess moisture with dry terry cloth towels.
  • Let couch fully air dry before using, up to 12 hours.

Proper cleaning keeps polyester and microfiber upholstery looking fresh, extends life, and prevents permanent stains.

How to Clean Cotton and Cotton Blend Couch Upholstery

From sturdy canvas to cozy chenille, cotton and cotton blend upholstery can be kept clean with routine care:

Supplies Needed

  • Upholstery shampoo or liquid soap
  • Soft bristle brush
  • Clean sponges
  • Terry cloth towels
  • Stain remover
  • Vinegar solution (1:1 water to white vinegar)
  • Baking soda

Regular Cleaning

To refresh between deeper cleans:

  • Vacuum the entire surface using an upholstery attachment. Get into tufts and crevices.
  • Mix a mild soap with warm water according to directions.
  • Dampen a soft bristle brush or clean sponge in the solution.
  • Gently scrub fabric in a circular motion to lift dirt.
  • Rinse with a clean damp sponge to remove all soap.
  • Blot excess moisture with a dry terry cloth towel.
  • Allow to fully air dry.

Removing Stains

For fresh stains:

  • Blot excess liquid immediately with an absorbent cloth. Avoid rubbing.
  • Spray stain with an enzyme-based stain remover. Allow to soak in for 5-10 minutes.
  • Dab gently with a damp sponge. Rinse thoroughly.
  • Blot dry with towel. Repeat if needed for stubborn stains.

For set-in stains:

  • Apply a small amount of upholstery shampoo directly on stain.
  • Let soak for 10-15 minutes.
  • Blot stained area gently with a damp sponge.
  • Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed.
  • Blot dry with a towel.

Deep Cleaning

Every 6-12 months:

  • Vacuum entire couch thoroughly with upholstery attachment.
  • Mix cotton-safe upholstery cleaner with warm water per directions.
  • Working in sections use a sponge or soft brush dipped in solution to massage fabric and foam up.
  • Let solution dwell 5 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with clean damp sponge.
  • Use white vinegar solution to remove any leftover soap.
  • Blot excess moisture with dry towels.
  • Allow 6-12 hours for full drying before using couch.

With proper routine cleaning care, cotton and cotton blend upholstery will stay fresh and clean while extending the life of your couch.

How to Clean Velvet Couch Upholstery

Velvet needs special care to maintain the delicate look and feel of the fabric. Follow these tips:

Supplies Needed

  • Upholstery brush or velvet brush
  • Terry cloth towels
  • Velvet cleaner or mild soap
  • Vinegar solution
  • Vacuum with brush attachment

Regular Cleaning

To maintain velvet between deep cleans:

  • Vacuum using a brush attachment weekly to lift embedded dirt and lint. Avoid rubbing aggressively.
  • Lightly brush fabric weekly using an upholstery brush in direction of nap to realign fibers.
  • Spot clean any stains immediately with mild velvet cleaner to prevent setting in.

Removing Stains

  • Blot any fresh stains immediately with a towel. Do not rub.
  • Apply a small amount of mild velvet cleaner or soap on stain.
  • Gently dab stain working from outer edge toward center to prevent spreading.
  • Rinse area thoroughly with clean damp towel.
  • Blot dry and brush nap down.

For tougher set-in stains:

  • Gently scrape crusted material off with a dull knife. Avoid damaging velvet.
  • Spray enzyme-based stain remover on stain. Allow to soak in 5 minutes.
  • Dab gently with clean damp towel. Rinse and blot dry.

Deep Cleaning

Every 6-12 months:

  • Vacuum entire couch thoroughly using brush attachment. Get into crevices.
  • Mix a mild velvet cleaner with warm water per directions.
  • Dampen velvet brush in solution and gently brush nap direction to work in cleaner.
  • Let solution dwell 2-3 minutes. Avoid over-saturating.
  • Rinse by gently dabbing a clean damp towel.
  • Use vinegar solution to remove soap residue.
  • Blot excess moisture then air dry fully before using.

Proper velvet care preserves the delicate fibers and lush feel of velvet upholstery over time.

How to Clean Linen Couch Upholstery

Linen upholstery requires a gentle approach to preserve the natural fabric fibers:

Supplies Needed

  • Lint roller or masking tape
  • Upholstery shampoo for natural fibers
  • Soft bristle brush
  • Terry cloth towels

Regular Cleaning

To freshen linen between deep cleans:

  • Roll lint remover sheet over entire couch to lift dirt and lint.
  • Vacuum using an upholstery brush attachment.
  • Spot treat any stains immediately with a natural fiber upholstery cleaner. Gently dab away the stain then blot dry.

Removing Stains

For fresh stains:

  • Blot excess liquid immediately with a dry towel. Avoid rubbing.
  • Mist stained area with upholstery shampoo formulated for natural fibers.
  • Let soak 1-2 minutes.

Gently work in cleaner using soft bristle brush with light circular motions.

Rinse thoroughly with a clean damp towel. Blot dry.

For set-in stains:

  • Apply a small amount of natural fiber shampoo directly onto stain.
  • Let soak 5-10 minutes.
  • Work in shampoo gently using a soft bristle brush.
  • Rinse thoroughly with clean damp towel.
  • Repeat process if needed for tough stains.

Deep Cleaning

Every 6-12 months:

  • Vacuum entire couch thoroughly using brush attachment. Get into crevices and tufts.
  • Mix natural fiber upholstery cleaner with warm water per directions.
  • Working in sections, use a soft bristle brush dipped in the solution to massage the fabric. Avoid over-saturating.
  • Let solution dwell 2-3 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with a clean damp towel.
  • Blot excess moisture with dry towels.
  • Allow linen to fully air dry before using again, up to 12 hours.

With proper care, linen upholstery will maintain its beautiful natural look and feel for lasting enjoyment.

How to Clean Suede Couch Upholstery

Cleaning suede couch upholstery requires an extra gentle approach. Follow these tips:

Supplies Needed

  • Soft bristle suede brush
  • Terry cloth towels
  • Suede cleaner
  • Soft cloth
  • Vinegar solution
  • Lint roller or masking tape

Regular Cleaning

To maintain suede:

  • Roll a lint remover sheet or masking tape over surface weekly to lift dirt and lint.
  • Vacuum using low suction with upholstery brush attachment.
  • Use suede brush weekly to revive nap and lift embedded dirt. Brush direction of nap.
  • Spot clean stains immediately by gently dabbing suede cleaner-soaked corner of cloth onto stain.

Removing Stains

For fresh stains:

  • Blot immediately with an absorbent cloth. Avoid rubbing.
  • Apply suede cleaner to corner of a soft lint-free cloth.
  • Gently dab onto stain working edges toward center.
  • Blot area dry with corner of towel. Brush nap with suede brush.
  • Repeat process until stain is removed.

For set-in stains:

  • Loosen crusted debris gently with a dull knife. Avoid damaging suede.
  • Apply suede cleaner directly to stain.
  • Let soak 2-3 minutes.
  • Blot and rinse with corner of damp clean cloth.
  • Blot dry and brush suede nap direction.

Deep Cleaning

Every 6-12 months:

  • Vacuum entire surface using brush attachment. Get into crevices.
  • Prepare suede cleaning solution per directions. Dampen a cloth.
  • Working in sections, gently wipe surface using cloth dampened in solution.
  • Let solution dwell just 1-2 minutes.
  • Blot and rinse section with a clean damp cloth.
  • Thoroughly brush nap once dry to revive texture.

With proper routine care, suede upholstery will retain its soft look and feel while staying clean.

Tips for Spot Cleaning Upholstery

Spot cleaning is key for preventing permanent stains by treating them immediately. Follow these best practices:

  • Act quickly. Blot up any fresh spill right away by gently pressing with a clean towel.

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