Before you start to clean your couch make sure you check the manufacturer's cleaning instructions, which can usually be found on the tag. Your couch's tag can answer a lot of questions for you. Typically, the tag will have one of four different letters on it. W — Code W means you can clean this material using water.
The answer depends on the type of fabric and the manufacturer's instructions. Some sofa covers are machine washable, while others require spot cleaning or professional care. To determine the best approach, consult the care label on your fabric sofa or contact the furniture manufacturer.
Check Fabric Type Not all couches can be steam cleaned. Real leather couches should be cleaned another way and some delicate fabrics should also avoid being steamed. If you are not sure what type of fabric it is, or if your couch can be safely steamed, check the label.
For stubborn stains, use a fabric-specific stain remover or upholstery cleaner. Apply the cleaner to the stain, gently blot with a clean cloth, and rinse the area with water. Test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area first.
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.
The care label will detail what kind of cleaner to use. Generally, we recommend The Pink Stuff Oxi Stain Remover Spray for fabric sofas.
Furniture upholstery cleaning typically costs between $120 and $232, with an average total of $174. U.S.
To keep upholstered furniture looking good for as long as possible, it makes sense to give it a proper clean from time to time. Steam cleaning your couch is a great option since it's very gentle on the material, but also thorough at cleaning it!
TOP TIP: Baking soda and white vinegar is an ace cleaning combination for any tough stain. This is because the baking soda reacts with the vinegar to create an acidic formula which gently cuts through grease and grime. TOP TIP: This method is also superb as a natural carpet cleaner.
Vanish stain remover products are designed for use on various fabrics, including upholstery.
Is it OK to pressure wash a couch? No, pressure washing a couch is not recommended.
To help remove odors and brighten the fabric, sprinkle the upholstery with dry baking soda. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently work it into the fabric. Allow the baking soda to work for at least one hour or up to overnight. Then, vacuum away the baking soda and the soil it has collected.
Sofas: The average lifespan of a sofa ranges from 7 to 15 years. Replace it if the seats sag, the fabric is stained and worn, or if the frame is deteriorating.
Your manufacturer's care tag should have the proper instructions on how best to clean your couch cushion covers. Covers that are machine washable may have a “W” symbol for water, while dry-clean only covers may have an “S” symbol for solvent. The tag may also have instructions on the best laundry cycle to use.
To determine this, look under one of the seat cushions or under the unit to find a tag. This tag shows a universal cleaning code. This cleaning code relates to a recommended method to be used. For a list of fabric/upholstery cleaning codes (click here for cleaning code information).
W/S: Water- or solvent-based cleaning
Thus, it can be cleaned with both water- and solvent-based cleaners. For spot cleaning: you can either use upholstery shampoo, mild detergent or a mild dry cleaning solvent.
If your furniture has a W (wet) or WS (wet cleaning and solvent) code, you're good to give its surfaces a steam cleaning. You should never steam furniture labeled S (solvent) or X (no cleaning). Doing so can damage its upholstery, and it can even void the manufacturer's warranty.
Thoroughly mix a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle or another container. Add 1 to 2 drops of dish soap, so that the solution does not produce too much foam. Treat the smelly area of the couch with the mixture and let it dry. Repeat the operation if necessary.
Generally, it's recommended that upholstery gets professionally cleaned at least once every 12 to 18 months. However, if your furniture sees heavy usage, it may be necessary to clean it more frequently. For households with pets, cleaning upholstery every six months is recommended.
Spot Cleaning
Put 1 tablespoon of dish soap (such as Fairy) into 2 cups of warm water. Take a (this part is important) clean white cloth and dab it into your soapy water. Pat over the stain (DO NOT RUB) and use a dry white cloth to absorb the water. Repeat this 3-4 times until stain has gone.
Pink stain, also called “pinking,” is the insoluble digestive by-product of Streptoverticillium reticulum, a common and completely benign bacteria. Found in rivers, streams, lakes, and other freshwater spots, these bacteria feed on dead leaves, algae, food scraps, and other organic matter.
How it works: Touted as a miracle cleaning paste, The Pink Stuff is easy to apply to grout using a soft cloth or sponge. Simply rub and scrub, and then rinse with hot water. As a mildly abrasive cleaner, the paste has a little grit to it, which helps scrub away dirt and debris from grout and surfaces.