No matter what kind of couch you have, at some point it will need to be cleaned. Clean like a pro with these Tips for Cleaning Your Couch.
When we buy a couch, one of the first things we wonder (other than if it’s durable) is how how easy it is to clean and how to clean it. Because couches come in all sorts of styles and fabrics, different couches require different kinds of care in order to keep them in tip top shape and able to be enjoyed for years to come. So whether the stain is from kids, pets or guests, or even your clumsy self, here are some Tips for Cleaning Your Couch.
Tips for Cleaning Your Couch
Vacuum– Most vacuums come with an upholstery attachment. This is the one with the brush. Use this to clean the surfaces and make sure you remove the cushions if you can and get under them as well. I like to use that skinny hose attachment to get into the crevices. You should vacuum your couch at least once weekly.
Dust and Clean Non-fabric Areas- If your couch is like mine, you have some non-fabric areas. These are usually wood or metal and are accents. I like to give them a thorough wiping down and on the wood, I use a wood polish.
Clean Under and Behind– This doesn’t necessarily need to be done each and every time you clean your couch, but try to shoot for at least once a month. Make sure you actually move it and clean the area underneath well. Keeping these areas clean can help ward off pests like ants and mice.
Follow Instructions on Care Tag– A new couch will have care tags stuck to them. Don’t remove these tags so you can reference them later. If you must, store it somewhere safe (such as the laundry room) so you always have it on hand.Generally, tags will have 1 of 3 care requirements:
Water Only– Do not use any detergent at all.
Dry– A vacuum is all you can use on this fabric.
Mild Detergent– This means you can use a mild detergent diluted with water if needed in order to clean.
How to Remove Stains on a Couch
Here are some common stains you may get on your couch and how to remove them from most upholstery, but make sure you test a small, inconspicuous area first and follow your tag’s directions.
Pet/People Bodily Fluids– Clean up any solids and blot up any liquids. Mix together a few drops of dish cleaner and cool water. Gently scrub the area and blot again with a towel until mostly dry. Allow to air dry.
Mud-Use a dry cloth to dab up any wet mud. If it’s dry already, use the dry cloth to dust off what you can. Wet an old toothbrush in warm water and dip it into some clothing detergent 9make sure it doesn’t contain any bleach). Do not use hot water! Work the stain in small circles and allow to sit for a few minutes. use a dry cloth to blot up any wetness. Repeat if necessary.
Grape Juice/Wine/Kool-Aid– Blot the are as quickly as possible. Mix some salt (a sprinkle) and warm water. Soak and wring out a sponge or towel in it and try to draw out the stain this way. Don’t wipe, but rather blot. Make sure you rinse your towel out so you don’t spread the stain. Use a dry towel to try to soak up any leftover liquid so it dries faster.
Chocolate– Use the side of a credit card to scrape up what you can if the chocolate is still liquid, being careful not to spread it around. If your chocolate is solid, use a butter knife to scrape it off. Use a damp sponge that has some dish soap on it to gently scrub the area. Rinse out the sponge and then use it to remove any soap on the couch. Sprinkle some baking soda over the area and allow it to sit for a couple of hours and then vacuum. This will help soak up grease.
Ink/Permanent Marker– Use rubbing alcohol and hairspray to remove it. Simply pour a small amount of alcohol over the stain and immediately use a paper towel or white towel to quickly blot up the area. When just a small amount remains, try spraying it with hairspray and blotting. Make sure to rinse with water and blot dry with a towel when done.
More Home Cleaning Tips:
Tips for Cleaning Hardwood Floors
Cheryl says
Good tips, except for the moving the couch around part! I have a sectional, in the corner against 2 walls, and unless I can find a couple of big men (and maybe a boy too!) that sucker isn’t moving. Physically I can’t budge it, and I’d be too worried to try to scoot a little off each end at a time in case I break the brackets. I just know there’s lots of dust and dog hair under there. I’ve been wondering about investing in a roomba.
Sallie says
It’s not her fault your couch is too heavy. Maybe something more manageable would be better for you.