When it comes to regular maintenance or even spring cleaning, this important piece of furniture, couch, often goes overlooked. That’s probably because most of us have no idea how to clean a couch, whether it’s made of leather, microfiber, suede, or any other fabric.
Instead of utilizing the ancient trick of flipping over the couch cushion to hide a stain, experts say we should learn how to clean a couch—and not just for the sake of appearances.
Well, couches are difficult to keep clean. You can’t just toss it in the washing machine, and wiping it down with a damp towel won’t help much. So, even if you jump to wipe it up right away, that unlucky red wine spill looks catastrophic when it happens.
Even if you dodge the major accident, couches go through a lot of wear and tear before you even think about cleaning them. Your couch’s surfaces and crevices are likely to be covered in crumbs, mystery stains, pet hair, and filth. Yes, it’s time to brush up on your couch cleaning Toronto skills.
Determine the Couch Fabric Type
Read the instructions for cleaning upholstery on the tag on the couch. The codes found on labels are as follows:
- WS: Use a dry-cleaning detergent or a mild detergent with a steam vacuum.
- S: Only use dry cleaning detergent.
- X: Only use a vacuum. There’s no water.
- W: You can clean it with water.
Cleaning a Fabric Couch: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Brushing the couch. Brush the couch with a clean white hand towel or a stiff brush to prepare it. This will release anything stuck to the couch that has dried.
- Sprinkle baking soda on top. Sprinkle baking soda over the entire couch and leave it to set for at least 20 minutes. (You have up to an hour to leave it there.) Vacuum the couch with a brush attachment to remove the baking soda.
- Create a multi-purpose sofa cleaner. Make this basic cleaner to handle any lingering stains while the baking soda remains on the couch. In a tiny spray bottle, combine 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, and 1 cup warm water. Then, immediately tighten the lid on the spray container and add 1 tsp baking soda. (When baking soda and vinegar are mixed, they produce a lot of bubbles!)
- Clean the couch. Apply the cleaning solution on a white cloth and gently dab and massage any stains on the fabric. Alternatively, for a deep clean, wipe down the entire couch with the solution.
- Allow the fabric to air dry. For a few hours, or until the couch has completely dried, do not sit or place things on it.
- Sanitize the sofa: after your sofa is clean and dry, use a fabric sanitizing spray to destroy bacteria and eradicate odors on water-safe upholstery.
When to vacuum the couch
Go through the entire sofa with your vacuum’s upholstery attachment: back, arms, skirt, and cushions. If the cushions are detachable, remove them and vacuum the fabric underside as far as your vacuum can reach under the back and arms. Go down the seams, around any buttons, and along the trim with the crevice tool.
When to steam clean the couch
If your couch is constructed of a fabric that can be cleaned with water, try steaming it to release dirt and stains. Consider this: Take out your iron, set it to “steam,” and wave it back and forth across any trouble places on your couch. For professional cleaning, get help from couch cleaning Toronto services.
Taking out stains
Knowing how to clean a couch also includes understanding how to remove stains. You can either buy a commercial cleaner or prepare your own with natural components found in your kitchen. Homemade cleansers are less expensive and better for the environment.
Arms and headrests are tidy but discolored
Use a portable extraction cleaner for water-safe materials. Simply pour the cleaner and water mixture into the hose, agitate the cloth with the brush nozzle. And suction the dirt into the tank. It’s best to hire a couch cleaning Toronto professional to clean solvent-only materials safely and thoroughly.
Remove offensive odors
Baking soda, which is always dependable, can help you clean your couch and eradicate unwanted odors. This works on both leather and fabric couches and is particularly effective in removing cigarette odors. Simply sprinkle baking soda all over your couch (the more, the better) and wait 20 minutes. Vacuum everything up, and your stains and odors should be gone!
Cleaning hidden spot
To ensure that any upholstery cleanser or cleaning appliance you choose is safe for the fabric and does not cause any water spotting or color loss, test it in a hidden area first.
Cleaning of dry clean only couch
If your couch has to be cleaned with dry cleaning detergent, you should hire a professional rather than attempting to clean it yourself.
Any hardware store can rent you a carpet and upholstery cleaning machine. It will take several hours, but it is a simple and inexpensive method to breathe new life into a sofa you adore. Read the directions carefully and remember to use hot water—the hotter the better. However, you must always hire professional cleaning services for annual cleaning.