To sanitize upholstery, vacuum thoroughly to remove debris, then mist the fabric evenly with a homemade solution of 1 part water and 2 parts rubbing alcohol or an EPA-registered fabric sanitizer. Let the solution sit to kill germs, then allow the furniture to air dry completely.
Choose A Disinfectant For Your Couch
Disinfecting upholstery involves using heat, alcohol, or EPA-approved soft surface sanitizers. Always check your furniture’s cleaning tag first: W means water-safe, S means solvent-only, and X means dry-clean only.
Spot clean with upholstery shampoo, foam from a mild detergent or a mild dry cleaning solvent. Do not saturate with liquid. Pile fabrics may require brushing to restore appearance. Cushion covers should not be removed and dry cleaned.
Yes, you can spray rubbing alcohol on your couch to disinfect and deodorize it. Because it dries incredibly fast, it is a great, safe way to kill germs and neutralize odors without soaking the upholstery.
Yes, you can use Dawn dish soap to clean upholstery, but because it is highly concentrated, you only need a few drops. Over-soaping can leave a sticky residue that attracts dirt.
Take your Murphy® Oil Soap further than you ever thought possible and spread some cleaning love around your home. Your bathrooms, leather products, landscaping, laundry and other household items will thank you.
The best all-around homemade upholstery cleaner combines 1 cup of warm water, 14 cup of white vinegar, and a generous squirt of mild dish soap (like Dawn). This mixture easily cuts through body oils, lifts general grime, and neutralizes odors on most standard fabric couches.
The best method involves vacuuming the sofa thoroughly, spot-treating stains with a suitable cleaner, and then using a fabric or upholstery cleaner to clean the entire surface. For deep cleaning, consider using a steam cleaner.
Yes, you can safely steam clean most fabric couches to sanitize them and remove odors without harsh chemicals. However, it is not ideal for heavy, set-in stains, as pure steam can cause grime to seep deeper into the fabric.
To kill germs, bacteria, and viruses on fabrics, you can use specialized antibacterial fabric sprays for items between washes, or add a laundry sanitizer to your wash cycle.
Make an effective, couch-safe disinfectant spray by mixing 222 parts rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl) with 111 part distilled water in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of essential oils like lavender or lemon for a pleasant scent. Mist lightly, allow it to air-dry, and enjoy a refreshed, germ-free sofa.
How do professionals clean couches? 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.
Disinfecting upholstery involves using heat, alcohol, or EPA-approved soft surface sanitizers. Always check your furniture’s cleaning tag first: W means water-safe, S means solvent-only, and X means dry-clean only.
The 2/3 rule for sofas is an interior design principle stating that your sofa should take up approximately two-thirds (66%) of the length of the wall it sits against. This proportion ensures the sofa is substantial enough to anchor the room but leaves enough breathing room so the space doesn't feel cramped.
Clean soft surfaces
While hard surfaces are the main culprits for germ transmission, soft surfaces like couches, rugs, and bedding also harbor germs. If possible, wash any fabric items in hot water, like sheets, pillowcases, and blankets.
Common Upholstery Cleaning Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Yes, you can use Dawn dish soap to clean a fabric couch, but use it sparingly. Dawn is highly concentrated; if you use too much, the soap residue left behind will act as a dirt magnet, making your couch soil much faster.
Dish Soap (W, WS): A small amount of gentle dish soap mixed with warm water works wonders for removing stains. Rubbing Alcohol (S, WS): Excellent for stain removal for upholstery like ink marks. Dab rubbing alcohol on the stain using a cotton ball and blot with a clean cloth.
Sprinkle baking soda or a commercial carpet powder onto your carpet to neutralize odors, let it sit for 15-30 minutes, and vacuum slowly. For pet hair, lightly mist the carpet with water beforehand so the hair doesn't fly around.
For Water Based Finishes
Cleaners such as Pledge and Murphy's Oil Soap are not recommended because they leave a dull residue on the finish. Water based surfaces may be cleaned with a damp cloth or General Finishes Orange Oil.
Yes, WD-40 can act as a quick hack to clean, shine, and waterproof leather, but professionals generally advise against it. While it will lift grime and leave a nice shine, its harsh solvents can strip natural oils, permanently darken the leather, and cause it to dry out over time.
Pledge Multi-Surface Cleaner Spray and Wipes Bundle, Works on Leather, Granite, Wood, Lemon Scent (2 Count of 9.7 oz Cans, and 2 Pack of 24 Wipes) The video showcases the product in use. The video guides you through product setup.