How to Clean Your Couch
4 min read
Introduction
If you’ve ever been tempted to throw your couch out and get a new one, I’d like to dissuade you from that. Couches are expensive! And couches that are old and dirty can be cleaned up with these simple steps:
Remove cushions
The first step to cleaning your couch is removing the cushions from the couch. This can be done either by lifting them out, or pulling them through a gap in between two other cushions.
Once you have removed all of your cushions and put them on a flat surface (i.e., floor) it’s time to clean them! To do this use either:
- A vacuum cleaner (make sure it has an attachment for upholstery fabrics)
or
- A cloth or brush
Vacuum underneath the cushions
Vacuum the cushions. To remove dust and dirt that has accumulated under the cushions, use a crevice tool to get into the corners, and brush attachment for cracks. If possible, use a vacuum with an upholstery tool (if you have one).
Deodorize with baking soda
You can also sprinkle baking soda on your couch and let it sit for an hour, then vacuum it up. If you don’t have time to wait for the baking soda to do its thing before vacuuming, just use a bowl instead of sprinkling directly onto your couch–and don’t forget about all those pillows!
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to get rid of odors without using chemical cleaners or baking soda (because who wants chemicals in their home?), try this method: Fill a spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and water (or vodka if you’re feeling fancy). Spray generously over the affected area until completely saturated with solution; allow it to sit for 5 minutes before blotting up excess liquid with a clean cloth or paper towel
Spot-clean stains with club soda
Club soda is a great stain remover, and it’s easy to apply. Just pour club soda directly on the stain and rub with a towel or cloth. You only need to leave it on for about 10 minutes before rinsing off with water–but don’t use too much pressure!
After applying club soda, check out our guide on how long you should wait before washing your couch if you’re looking for more information about cleaning upholstery in general.
Steam clean your couch fabric
- Steam clean your couch fabric. A steam cleaner is one of the best ways to clean a couch, and it’s especially useful for removing stains, dirt, and other debris from upholstery. If you have an attachment that allows you to scrub the fabric, use it–but only if it’s safe for the fabric on your particular piece of furniture. Check with the manufacturer first before using any attachments on something like velvet or suede!
- Dilute vinegar in water and use it to clean the couch. Vinegar is great at cutting through grease and dirt without being too harsh on fabrics; diluting it with water makes it even less likely that there will be any damage done while cleaning off stubborn stains on upholstery pieces like couches (or even car seats). Pour some white vinegar into a spray bottle filled halfway with warm water; then shake vigorously until both liquids are well mixed together into one solution rather than two separate ones floating around within each container separately.”
You can keep your couch looking clean!
The best way to keep your couch looking clean is by cleaning it regularly. Use a vacuum to remove dust and dirt from the surface of the cushions, then remove them from their frame and wipe underneath them with a damp cloth (or give them a good scrubbing). If your couch fabric has gotten dingy over time, steam clean it!
Once you’ve got basic maintenance under control, there are also some tricks for spot cleaning stains:
- Deodorize with baking soda. If something smells bad on your couch–whether that’s pet hair or food crumbs–sprinkle some baking soda over the affected area before vacuuming it away. This will help neutralize odors without leaving behind any residue of its own.* Spot clean stains with club soda.*
Conclusion
We hope this article has given you some ideas on how to keep your couch clean and fresh. If you have any other tips, please leave them in the comments!
