How do you clean a filthy couch?

Author: Chet O'Keefe  |  Last update: Monday, June 9, 2025

Store-bought fabric upholstery cleaner is a good choice to use on a sofa, but you can also make a solution of 2 tablespoons of white vinegar, 2 tablespoons of gentle laundry detergent and 2 cups of warm water. Use a rag or microfiber cleaning cloth to rub the cleaner into the upholstery. Then, air-dry.

How do you clean a badly stained couch?

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.

How to clean a sofa that can't be washed?

How do you clean a sofa with a non-removable fabric cover? A damp cloth and the use of neutral products certainly help to remove stains without damaging the fabric, but you must always act with delicacy. For a fabric sofa, a steam cleaner can also be used, always after removing any residues with a vacuum.

How do I deep clean my couch myself?

  • Use a bristle brush to loosen any dirt that's stuck on.
  • You'll need a carpet steam cleaner with a furniture attachment, a clothing steamer, or an iron with a steam setting.
  • Use quick, constant strokes to steam your couch and cushions.
  • You can use household disinfectant sprays, but make sure they're safe for fabrics.

How do you clean filthy upholstery?

Use the upholstery attachment and crevice tool to vacuum away loose dust and soil, like the Kenmore Pet-Friendly Pop-N-Go Canister, one of our favorite vacuums for pet hair. Start at the top of the furniture and work down slowly. Don't forget to clean the back and sides of the piece and under the cushions.

How To Clean Your Furniture & Upholstery Like A Pro

How do you deep clean a smelly couch?

Simply sprinkle baking soda liberally over your sofa, focusing on areas with the strongest odours. Leave it for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight for stubborn smells) before vacuuming it up.

How can I clean my couch without washing it?

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.

Can I clean my couch with Dawn and water?

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

Can I leave baking soda on the couch overnight?

This time, it's baking soda – and the process couldn't be simpler. Before you go to bed, just sprinkle a layer of baking soda on the sofa. Then, in the morning, once the powder has had time to work its magic, you simply vacuum up the residue.

What stains cannot be removed from a sofa?

Upholstery Cleaning: 4 Hardest Stains to Remove
  • Chocolate. Chocolate, particularly if melted or in the form of hot cocoa, can cause a huge headache when it lands on your upholstery. ...
  • Blood. ...
  • Tomato Sauce. ...
  • Red Wine.

Does hydrogen peroxide get stains out of a couch?

Dab with Liquid Cleaner: Apply a grease-cutting dish soap, dry-cleaning solvent, a mix of water and ammonia (1:1), or a mixture of water and 3% hydrogen peroxide to a clean, white cloth. Blot the stain until it lifts. Repeat as Needed: If the stain remains, repeat the powder and cleaning steps until it's gone.

How do you dry clean a dirty couch?

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.

Can you use a carpet cleaner on a couch?

Yes, you can use carpet cleaner on a couch! However, you need to be careful and test a small area first. Some carpet cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can damage delicate fabrics. If you're unsure, it's always best to contact the manufacturer of your carpet cleaner and ask for their advice.

How to remove stains from a fabric sofa?

Sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the stain. Let the baking soda sit for at least 20 minutes to absorb that stain. Vacuum up the baking soda and repeat the process until the stain dissipates. If your couch allows water-based cleaners, take care of the rest of the stain with soap and water.

What is the best homemade upholstery cleaner?

Try a DIY Cleaner

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.

What is the best water stain remover for couch?

The Miracle Solution - Distilled White Vinegar:

Good ol' distilled white vinegar. I poured a little in an empty spray bottle and sprayed the water ring. If you don't have a spray bottle you can dab some onto a paper towel and blot the water stain thoroughly.

How do you clean a dirty fabric couch at home?

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.

How do you completely clean a 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.

Can you use Dawn to clean couch?

Choose the Right Cleaner

For water based cleaning, I suggest one cup of water, one cup of rubbing alcohol, and a few drops of dawn dish soap. This DIY mix will do a great job cleaning up the piece without causing any damage.

What is the best odor eliminator?

11 Best Odor Eliminators of 2024, Tested and Reviewed by Cleaning Experts
  • Best Overall. Clorox Disinfecting Mist. Read more.
  • Best Value. Febreze Odor-Fighting Air Freshener. Read more.
  • Best for Bathroom Odors. Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray. Read more.

How to get pee smell out of couch?

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.

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