The couch is one of the most important furniture pieces you’ll invest in. It’s where you relax after a hard day’s work or where you sit and catch up with a loved one. It also sets the tone of the room. A leather couch gives a touch of class while a fabric-covered one can look cozy.
You also have a lot of options when it comes to choosing a couch. It comes in different styles and shapes. You can also choose from a wide variety of textures. But over time, this furniture will start to look old and dingy. Pet hair, crumbs, and spills will do a number on it.
The good news is you can bring it back to its former glory if you know how to clean a couch. It’s not as hard as it seems, and this article will help you.
Cleaning Codes You Should Know
There are different ways of cleaning a couch. What works for a fabric couch might not have the same effect on a leather one. You should first check the cleaning tag on your sofa. This is the manufacturer’s suggestion on how to clean this furniture piece. Here are the most common codes consumers see and what they mean:
- W: You can use water to clean the item.
- S: Don’t use water for cleaning the material. It’s best to use a solvent-based solution.
- W/S: You can use water or solvent-based cleaning solution on the material.
- X: Vacuum only. Do not use water or any solvent-based cleaning solution on the material.
Steps to Cleaning a Couch
It’s a good idea to clean your couch on a regular basis. Some experts say vacuuming your sofa once a week is enough. Others say clean when you feel it’s dirty. Whatever your schedule is, make sure you clean it well. Here’s how to do it:
Vacuum It
Give your couch a once-over with a good hand vacuum. You can also use the brush attachment of your upright vacuum to clean the dirt from the furniture’s surface. Make sure you clean the corners and crevices. It’s where crumbs, hair, and debris accumulate. Remove the cushions if they’re not attached to the couch. Vacuum both their sides.
Clean Metal or Wood Parts
Make a solution of dishwashing soap and water. Moisten a clean rag with it and wipe down the sofa’s feet and other wood or metal parts.
Look for the Manufacturer’s Tag
Each couch has a tag with instructions on how to clean the upholstery. Check the code on the label and follow it.
Remove the Stains
Couches are prone to spills and other accidents. The general rule is to clean the stain as soon as possible. The longer you leave it, the harder it is to remove. There are a lot of good upholstery cleaners in the market today. You can also make your own using natural ingredients. Here’s how to make your own cleaner based on the type of upholstery:
Fabric Sofa
- Mix ¼ cup vinegar and ¾ warm water. Add 1 tablespoon of dishwashing soap.
- Put the solution in a spray bottle.
- Spray the mixture on the stain.
- Scrub with a soft rag until the stain clears. Moisten a second cloth or towel with clean water. Wipe off the soap.
- Dry with a towel.
Leather Couch
- Mix together ½ cup olive oil and ¼ cup vinegar.
- Put the mixture in a spray bottle.
- Spray the cleaning solution on the couch’s surface. Wipe with a soft cloth.
Synthetic Upholstery
- Mix a cup of water with ½ cup of vinegar. Add half a tablespoon of liquid dishwashing soap.
- Put in a spray bottle.
- Mist the dirty or stained area with the mixture. Scrub with a soft cloth until it’s clean.
- Leave the Couch to Dry
- Soak up any excess liquid on the couch’s surface with a clean towel. You should then let the furniture air dry. You can speed up the process by pointing a fan at the sofa. This is a good option if you’re in a high humidity area. This is an important step as mildew can form on the fabric or cushions if they’re not dried quickly. Don’t use your couch while you’re drying it.
Top Upholstery Cleaning Solutions to Try
There’s no need to despair over a wine stain or a greasy spot on your couch. Consumers today have a host of house cleaning products to choose from. Here are the best ones for cleaning your upholstery:
· Astonish Fabric Stain Remover:
A crowd favorite, users love this spray cleaner because it works fast. It lifts stains with ease so you don’t have to rub the fabric. It’s also affordable and cruelty-free. You can also use it on curtains and carpets. But it’s not suitable for leather and velvet upholstery. It’s also not good on waterproof fabrics.
· Dr. Beckman Stain Remover:
This is the product to use when you’re dealing with targeted stains. It’s a scrubber type of cleaner. It comes with a brush and is easy to use. It’s effective against tough stains like wine, blood, and dye.
· CLEANLY Upholstery Cleaner:
It’s a bit expensive but this cleaner is worth the price. It works on all types of upholstery. It’s fast and easy to use. You only need to spray, wait, and blot off. It’s all-natural and smells great. Your couch will smell like eucalyptus and lavender in no time.
Are you ready to tackle your couch? Great! You’ll also learn more in this post on green cleaning.
Leave It to the Experts
When it comes to deep cleaning, no one does it better than Helping Hands Cleaning Services. We are a family-owned and operated business. We take great care of our clients and make sure we meet their every cleaning need. We can do one-time cleaning or regular cleaning. We also offer janitorial services and Covid 19 coronavirus sanitizing. You can reach us at (630) 530-1324 or at info@Hhcleans.com.