How Do You Clean a Microfiber Couch?
A couch in the living room undergoes a lot of wear and tear, making it essential to know how to clean a microfiber couch. Microfiber is a popular choice for upholstery because it’s resistant to stains.
This is especially helpful for households with pets and kids, as they often leave their mark on sofas. However, anyone can accidentally stain upholstery without realizing it.
So, how do you clean a microfiber couch? Although it’s not as prone to stains as other fabrics, it can get watermarks.
It’s important to clean it properly to avoid creating new stains during routine maintenance. Let’s dive into how to clean microfiber couches in simple terms.
How to Clean Microfiber Couch with Rubbing Alcohol
If you see an “S” on the care tag, that means you should use a special cleaner like rubbing alcohol, a dry cleaning solution, or a cleaner made for upholstery or carpets.
These types of cleaners work best for keeping your couch in good shape.
What is Required:
- Vacuum Cleaner
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Spray Bottle
- Sponge or Wash Cloth
- Upholstery Brush
Here’s how to clean a microfiber couch:
1. Initiate with Vacuuming
Start by giving your microfiber couch a good vacuuming. Use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to gently get rid of any loose dirt, dust, or debris from the fabric.
This helps to clear away the bigger dirt, making it easier for the rubbing alcohol to do its job and clean the couch more effectively.
2. Use the Cleaning Solution
Get a spray bottle and fill it with rubbing alcohol. Lightly spray the fabric of your couch, starting at the top of a cushion or a small section.
If you’re using a store-bought cleaner, just follow the instructions on the label.
3. Scrub Away Soil
While the fabric is a bit wet from the rubbing alcohol, take a sponge, a soft-bristled brush, or a white cloth and gently scrub away any dirt or stains.
When using a sponge, rinse it in plain water to get rid of the dirt, and be sure to squeeze out as much water as you can before continuing with the cleaning process.
4. Dry and Fluff
Let the upholstery air-dry completely, and afterward, use a vacuum or an upholstery brush to fluff up the fabric and lift any flattened fibers.
This step adds the finishing touch to your cleaning process, ensuring your couch looks fresh and well-maintained.
How to Clean a Microfiber Couch with Soap and Water
If your microfiber couch has a “W” tag, you can clean it with soap and water. It’s one of the easiest upholstery types to take care of.
Follow these instructions only if your sofa’s label is marked with a “W.”
1. Prep your Couch
Begin by thoroughly vacuuming your couch. Make sure to lift all the cushions and pillows, and get into the creases of the couch.
It’s important to remove as much dirt as possible since we’ll be using water in the next step.
Any leftover dirt could turn into mud and create a bigger problem if not taken care of.
2. Make Your Couch Shine
To make your couch sparkle, you’re going to mix up a cleaning solution that works like magic.
Grab a bucket or bowl, and mix half a cup of liquid dish soap with two cups of warm water.
Stir it well until you see plenty of bubbles forming. Also, don’t forget to have another bucket of clean, warm water ready for rinsing later on.
3. Deep Cleaning with Soapy Solution
Take a brush or sponge, dip it into the soapy mixture, and start cleaning your couch. Begin from the top and work your way down, making sure not to absorb too much water.
When the bubbles start to dwindle, give your brush or sponge a quick rinse in the clean water before going back to the soapy solution for more bubbles.
Keep repeating this process until your entire sofa looks clean and refreshed.
4. Polishing and Removing Residual Grime
For the finishing touch, grab a microfiber cloth and moisten it with clean water.
Use this cloth to gently wipe down every inch of your couch, ensuring that any remaining dirt or grime is banished.
Allow your couch to air dry completely, but keep in mind that this might take a few hours.
5. Vacuum the Couch Again
Now that your couch is all dry and clean, it’s time for the final touch.
Grab your vacuum cleaner, make sure the vacuum head and upholstery attachment are clean, and go over the entire surface of the couch.
This additional vacuuming step works like magic to untangle any fibers and bring back the material to its original, fluffy texture, making your couch look and feel as good as new.
How to Deal with Stains and Smells on Your Couch
Dealing with stains and smells on your couch can be a bit challenging, but with the right approach, you can often effectively clean and refresh your furniture.
Here’s what to do:
1. Grease Stains
If you’ve got greasy marks on your couch, try this easy fix. Sprinkle cornstarch on the stains and gently brush it in with an old toothbrush.
Let it sit for at least an hour, then vacuum it away. Repeat if needed.
The cornstarch helps absorb the grease. Afterward, clean the spot with either soapy water or rubbing alcohol.
2. Chewing Gum
Accidentally sat on chewing gum? Place ice cubes in a plastic bag and press it onto the gum to make it hard.
Use a dull knife or your fingernail to break off the hardened gum. Take your time, and refreeze the gum as necessary.
Any remaining residue can be cleaned with either soapy water or rubbing alcohol.
3. Unpleasant Odors
To freshen up your couch, sprinkle plain baking soda before bedtime.
Gently work it in with a soft brush. The next day, vacuum away the baking soda along with any lingering odors.
How Often to Clean a Microfiber Couch
To keep your microfiber couch in good shape, deal with stains right away to prevent them from getting embedded in the fabric.
Vacuum the cushions and inside of the couch every week for regular maintenance. For a more thorough cleaning to prevent odors and dirt buildup, aim to deep clean your microfiber couch once or twice a year.
If you’re single with no kids, pets, or a lot of visitors, clean your couch at least once a year to maintain the 12-month Scotch Guard protection.
For a couple with a dog, or you have kids, consider cleaning it at least twice a year.
Before you start cleaning, find the manufacturer’s tag on your couch to check the cleaning instructions.
Look for one of these codes:
- Code X: Vacuum only.
- Code S: Use a water-free, solvent-based cleaner or take it to a dry cleaner.
- Code W: You can use water-based solutions to clean your couch.
This way, you’ll ensure you’re using the right cleaning method for your specific couch fabric.
Keeping your microfiber couch clean is easy if you follow the right steps. Just vacuum it regularly, use a mild cleaning solution, and be careful not to leave watermarks.
Also, check what the manufacturer recommends for care. Also, check what the manufacturer recommends for care. This will help keep your microfiber couch in good condition.
