How can I dry clean my couch at home?

Author: Liliana Gaylord  |  Last update: Saturday, January 10, 2026

How Can I Dry Clean My Sofa At Home?
  1. Look for a tag on your furniture. This label indicates which upholstery fabric is used to cover your piece. ...
  2. Buy a dry-cleaning agent. ...
  3. Ventilate the area. ...
  4. Spot test the dry cleaner. ...
  5. Apply the cleaner to the rest of the furniture. ...
  6. Finish off by removing the cleaner.

How do you dry-clean couches?

Instructions
  1. Vacuum the Sofa. Regular vacuuming removes dust and dirt that will eventually settle into the upholstery leaving it dull and dirty. ...
  2. Improve Air Circulation and Eliminate Hazards. ...
  3. Do a Test Spot With the Dry Cleaning Solvent. ...
  4. Spot Clean Stains and Heavily Soiled Areas. ...
  5. Dry the Upholstery.

What is the best way to clean a fabric couch?

For fabric upholstery: Mix 1/4 cup vinegar, 3/4 warm water and 1 tablespoon of dish soap or Castile soap. Put in a spray bottle. Mist the soiled area. Scrub with a soft cloth until the stain lifts.

How can I clean my couch without washing it?

For fabric couches, vacuum them regularly, use a steam cleaner on occasion (if you have one) and when they're really bad use upholstery cleaner. Resolve makes a carpet & upholstery cleaner that has worked well for me in the past. That can also be used for spot cleaning spills and the like.

How do you clean a sofa that can't be washed?

To do this, you'll need a clean, dry cloth. With the cloth in hand, brush the upholstery, ensuring you reach into all the nooks and crannies. For stubborn areas, such as dried-on spots, you may need to use a stiff brush. TOP TIP: If your fabric sofa is lightly coloured, you'll need to use a white cloth.

How to Dry Clean Upholstery at Home | How to Clean Dry Clean Only Furniture

What is a dry cleaning solvent for upholstery?

The most commonly used dry cleaning solvent is perchloroethylene, also known as “perc.” However, other solvents like hydrocarbons and chlorinated solvents are also used in the industry.

Can I use a wet dry vac to clean upholstery?

Yes, a wet dry vac is excellent for removing pet hair from upholstery. Use an upholstery attachment for the best results.

How to dry clean a sofa at home without a vacuum cleaner?

To remove odours and deep-seated stains, sprinkle baking soda liberally over the surface of the sofa and let it sit for a few hours. The baking soda will absorb unpleasant odours and help loosen the dirt. Then, use a stiff brush to remove the baking soda residue, leaving your sofa fresh and clean again.

Can I use Dawn dish soap to clean my fabric couch?

1. Dish soap + water. If your couch has a W or W/S tag, you can simply scrub it with dish soap (we like Dawn) and water.

How to clean a fabric sofa by hand?

How to Clean a Cloth Couch
  1. Brush the couch. Use a clean white towel or stiff brush to loosen anything that has dried onto the couch.
  2. Apply baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda on the entire couch. ...
  3. Make a DIY couch cleaner. ...
  4. Wipe down the couch. ...
  5. Let the fabric dry.

Can you steam clean a couch?

Steam cleaning is a very effective way to clean your couch. When you steam clean your couch, you kill a majority of the bacteria and germs which are causing your couch to emit an unpleasant odor. Steam cleaning can also remove pet dander, dust, and allergens, thus making your home a healthier environment.

Can you dry clean a sofa at home?

Fortunately, you can dry clean your sofa at home with the help of dry-cleaning solvents.

How much to dry clean a couch?

The cost of upholstery cleaning services can vary widely, with national averages ranging between $50 to $200 per item. However, these figures can fluctuate based on several key factors, including the furniture's size, the material, and the specific cleaning methods required.

How do you clean a filthy couch?

How to deep clean fabric and microfiber couches:
  1. Steam the couch. Use a handheld garment steamer or bursts from your steam iron to kill surface dust mites. ...
  2. Vacuum the upholstery. ...
  3. Test a hidden spot. ...
  4. Spot clean stains. ...
  5. Clean dingy arms and headrests. ...
  6. Sanitize the couch.

How to deep clean a sofa using a vacuum?

Step-by-Step Guide to Vacuum Cleaning Your Sofa Cushions:
  1. Preparation: Remove any large debris or items from the sofa.
  2. Attach the Nozzle: Secure the turbo upholstery nozzle to the vacuum cleaner.
  3. Vacuuming: Start from the top of the sofa and work your way down, using the nozzle to clean the cushions thoroughly.

How long does it take to clean a couch?

Most stains will take about five minutes to clean (though using a portable upholstery cleaner could tack on an extra 10-15 minutes). However, more-difficult stains may require more than one round of cleaning. Regular maintenance—mostly vacuuming—can take as little as 10 minutes once a week.

What do professional cleaners use to clean sofas?

Not all professional couch cleaners clean couches the same way, but the best method is hot water extraction (also commonly called steam cleaning). At Zerorez, the process of cleaning couches is done in a fast and efficient manner, without using harsh detergents or chemicals.

What is the best homemade upholstery cleaner solution?

We suggest mixing it in a spray bottle for easy application. Mix 1/2 cup of rubbing alcohol, 1/2 cup of white vinegar, and about 1 cup of water. Make sure to give it a good shake before applying it to your upholstery. If you're dealing with tough stains, you can add a little less water to your mixture.

How do you deep clean a couch without a shampooer?

Wrap a microfiber cloth around a pot lid, tying the opposite corners together, to use as an oversized scrub brush. Dip the lid into the detergent solution, then use it to scrub your couch cushions and frame. Rinse the cloth and repeat the scrubbing process using clean water to remove any residue.

How to DIY dry clean?

In a bowl, add 3/4 cup of water, 4 tablespoons of distilled white vinegar, 1 teaspoon of borax, and 1 teaspoon of oxygen bleach powder. Take a clean white cloth or washcloth, dip it into the mixture, wring it out, and put it into the bag or pillowcase. Then dry for about 15 to 20 minutes in the dryer.

What is the cleaning technique for sofa?

How do you deep clean a couch
  1. Brush the couch to remove crumbs, dirt, and hair.
  2. Use the brush attachment on a vacuum to clean more thoroughly.
  3. Remove the cushions and clean them separately, if possible.
  4. Sprinkle baking soda across the sofa and leave for 20-30 minutes.
  5. Vacuum up the baking soda.
  6. Spot treat stains.

Can you steam clean a dry clean only sofa?

Steaming works well for “Dry Clean Only” items as well as items that are not readily washable, such as upholstery, etc.

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