There’s no full-proof way to prevent your couch from getting dirty, but there are a few things you can do to help. Vacuuming frequently, using an upholstery attachment and cleaning spills as soon as they happen are all important.
To clean your fabric couch, make sure to check the manufacturer’s tag for guidelines and cleaning codes (typically WS or W). Always spot test any cleaner on an inconspicuous area before applying it.
Cotton
The content of your couch is an extension of your personal style, so it’s important to keep it clean and fresh. Regular deep cleanings remove dirt, stains and odours to extend the life of your upholstery. The type of fabric your couch is upholstered in determines the best cleaning method, so it’s important to check your care label for cleaning guidelines. Look for a cleaning code such as W (water-based cleaners okay), S (solvent clean only), or S/W (both water and solvent cleaners are okay).
When cleaning a cotton couch, start by vacuuming the fabric with a soft attachment to remove loose dust and debris. If your couch has removable cushion covers, make sure to machine wash them according to the label. A lint remover will help prevent pilling, which can occur in some fabrics. After a thorough cleaning, allow the upholstery to air dry completely before using it again.
Cotton couches are very durable, but they’re also easy to clean. If you have pets, a stain may be the result of an accident or food spills. In these cases, a spot treatment with a mild laundry detergent and warm water should do the trick. If the stain persists, you can use a gentle solvent such as rubbing alcohol, but always blot, rather than rub.
Linen is a beautiful fabric that adds a sense of timeless elegance to any room. Like other delicate fabrics, linen requires a special touch when it comes to cleaning. Begin by vacuuming to remove any loose particles and stains. Then, use a sponge with cold water to blot any remaining stains. After blotting, gently press the surface of the couch to remove any excess moisture. Linen will naturally air dry, but be sure to avoid direct sunlight to prevent discolouration.
While leather is a sturdy material that resists stains and wear and tear, it does require specialised care to maintain its beauty. To identify the type of leather your couch is upholstered in, run your hand over the surface of the sofa. Does it feel velvety to the touch or does it change colour? If your couch is upholstered in nubuck or suede, you’ll need a cleaning kit designed specifically for this type of suede and velvety leather. If your couch is upholstered in Aniline leather, you can use an everyday household cleaning solution, but be sure to test it on an inconspicuous area first.
Linen
Linen-covered or upholstered sofas are loved for their breezy texture and relaxed elegance, but they can be challenging to keep clean. Before attempting any cleaning, check the fabric's care instructions and cleaning codes to be sure that you won't damage the material. Vacuum regularly with a soft brush attachment, especially in areas that get the most traffic. Thoroughly vacuuming will prevent dust, hair and other small particles from embedding in the weave. Regularly brushing with a furniture or clothes brush can also help.
Light stains like tea or coffee spills, cigarette burns and even dust smudges can be treated with a bit of water or mild dish soap and vinegar. Be sure to blot the stain rather than rub, and test any cleaner on a less-visible area first to be sure it doesn't discolour the linen.
For heavier stains, like grease or ink, mix a few drops of Marseille soap with a cup of lukewarm water and dip a cloth into it. Gently blot the stained area until you see that the stain is lifted. Rinse with a damp cloth and allow to air dry, away from heat or direct sunlight.
Linoleum-covered and upholstered couches are a little trickier to clean, but it is possible with the right products. The best thing to do is to keep the surface as free of dirt and debris as possible, which can be achieved by vacuuming regularly with a soft brush attachment and regularly brushing with a furniture or clothes brush.
If you've got a pet, be sure to keep them away from the couch or use a protective cover to make it more difficult for them to claw. Regularly sweeping or shaking the fabric and brushing it with a soft-bristle upholstery brush will also help prevent damage.
If the couch's covers are machine washable, follow the manufacturer's instructions for washing. For non-machine-washable covers or if the sofa is upholstered in a type of fabric with a "W" or "WS"/"SW" cleaning code, try spot cleaning with a steamer. Use the steamer on a low heat setting, and be sure to test it on a hidden area of the fabric to ensure it is safe for this treatment.
Polyester
From bums to spillages, couches get a lot of use and exposure to all kinds of dirt, grime and odours. While a spot-clean here and there might be enough in the short-term, a regular cleaning routine will keep your fabric couch looking and smelling fresh. Incorporating a quick weekly couch clean into your household chores will also help extend the life of your sofa.
Often, polyester is the choice of material for couches, as it’s durable and easy to clean. However, it’s not as breathable as natural fibres such as cotton or linen, which means that it doesn’t absorb sweat and body odour as well as they do. This might make a polyester couch feel a little clingy and hot in tropical conditions. It’s also not as resistant to mildew and mould build-up as other fabrics such as wool, silk or cotton.
As a result, it’s important to be vigilant with regular cleaning of your polyester couch so that mildew and mould don’t build up. Generally, a mix of baking soda and water should do the trick to scrub away any built-up grime. Using the upholstery brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner, dust off and then spray the mixture onto the affected area. After letting it sit for a few minutes, gently scrub the surface of your couch with a soft-bristle brush or sponge. Rinse and wring out the sponge frequently as you go along to prevent over-saturating the polyester. Once you’re done, leave the couch to air dry before sitting or allowing pets on it. Ventilate the room by opening windows and running fans to speed up the drying process.
If a stain does occur, be sure to blot the spot rather than rubbing, as this could work the stain into the fabric. A solvent-based cleaner might be needed if the spot is particularly stubborn, but a small amount of vinegar mixed with a bit of dish soap should also do the trick. Just be sure to test the cleaner on an unnoticeable part of your couch first to ensure it doesn’t damage or discolour the upholstery.
Microfiber
Microfibre is an ideal fabric for sofas because it resists spills and stains. Unfortunately, it also attracts pet hair and lint, which can make it hard to keep it looking its best. Luckily, there are a few easy ways to clean a microfibre couch that can help you get rid of stubborn stains and prevent it from becoming dull or scratchy.
Before you start cleaning your microfibre couch, vacuum it thoroughly to remove dust and dirt. Then, open the windows and doors to let fresh air in. This will help the couch dry more quickly and evenly. Next, use a soft-bristled brush to loosen any lint or hair that is stuck in the fibres of the sofa. Finally, if the upholstery has a removable cover, take it off and wash it in your washing machine on a cold setting.
If the sofa has a code S or S-W on its tag, you can use water-based cleaners. Vinegar is an excellent natural cleaner that can be used on a fabric sofa, especially if the stain has already dried. To avoid damaging the couch, test any cleaner on an inconspicuous area first to ensure that it won’t damage the material.
Removing grease stains from a microfibre couch is easy. You can use a mixture of baking soda and water to scrub away the grease. After scrubbing the stain, rinse and dry the couch. If necessary, repeat the process until it is fully removed.
Another method of removing grease stains from a microfibre sofa is to mix water and vinegar. You can then apply the solution to the stain using a cloth or paper towel. Make sure to blot, not rub, the stain to avoid spreading it further.
Another way to remove oil stains from a microfiber couch is to use rubbing alcohol. First, you should test the rubbing alcohol on an inconspicuous part of the couch to ensure that it won’t damage the fabric. Then, you can apply the rubbing alcohol to a clean microfiber cloth and use it to blot out the oil stain. After scrubbing the stain, you can apply a small amount of baking soda to the couch and allow it to sit for 20 minutes or so. This will absorb the remaining oil and odors from the couch.
