A brand new upholstered couch looks fabulous until the stains and dirt start to set in. You may not notice it at first, but eventually, you will walk into the room and realize that your new, clean couch is now dirty, dusty and, worst of all, smelly!
Cleaning upholstery can be somewhat tricky; you run the risk of damaging the fibers or material if you aren’t careful, while the result may not always be satisfactory. The key here is to go about cleaning your upholstered couch with a few do’s and don’ts in mind to ensure that it is done safely and efficiently. Here’s our step-by-step cleaning guide to help you do just that.
Step One: Remove Dust and Pet Hair by Vacuuming
Dust is the first contributor to dirty upholstery, but Pet Hairs can also be a problem. Therefore, you need to vacuum it thoroughly using an upholstery attachment. Begin by vacuuming one side of the couch and slowly move to the other end, making sure that no nooks and crannies are overlooked. It’s important to be thorough in removing the dust, dirt and pet hairs from the upholstery first. If not done, all that can create one filthy mess when the couch is dampened later on.
Step Two: Spot Clean Stains
Over time your couch will fall victim to stains and discolorations which will need special attention to clean up effectively. Hence, it’s best to spot clean any obvious stains and discolored areas by using a specially formulated cleanser for the material of your couch. Most manufacturers include recommendations for cleaning spots, so always check those instructions first.
You can make a mixture of white vinegar and water, equal parts to clean your couch. Avoid wetting the material when spot cleaning since excess moisture can damage the fibers. Instead, simply dampen a clean, microfiber cloth, a white cloth works best for this, with your chosen cleaner and gently rub at the stain. Inspect the cloth to check whether any dirt or color from the stain itself is coming off on it; that’s your first indication that the method is working. If it appears to remove the couch fabric color, then you need to stop. Repeat the spot cleaning process until the stains are removed.
Step Three: Wipe the Rest of the Couch
Dip a fresh, white microfiber cloth into the same cleaning solution, wring it thoroughly so that it is merely damp; then spread the cloth out and gently wipe over the upholstery, starting at one end of the couch. Avoid leaving the cloth idle on the upholstery as the material will soak up moisture from it. Rinse out the cloth as it starts to get dirty and repeat the process until the entire couch has been cleaned. Again, use minimal pressure when wiping so that you don’t damage the fibers of your upholstery. The last thing you need to do is leave the couch to dry overnight, preferably under a running ceiling fan (the faster it dries up, the better).
Yes, it only takes three, simple steps to clean an upholstered couch safely and efficiently. Be sure to pay close attention to the instructions in each step and the end result will surpass your expectations!
