How to Clean a Couch at Home: Step-by-Step Guide
The couch is the heart of the living room—a spot for watching movies, chatting, playing games, and enjoying snacks. But it’s also where crumbs, spills, and sticky spots can appear, from popcorn kernels hiding between cushions to juice stains from an accidental tip-over.
Before you get started with cleaning, double-check the couch’s care tags. These tags, usually found under the cushions, give you the best cleaning method for your specific sofa. Here’s a quick guide to the codes:
- W means water-based cleaners are safe
- S means only solvent-based cleaners
- W/S allows either water-based cleaners or solvent-based cleaners
- X means no cleaning chemicals—only a vacuum or brush
Once you know your couch’s cleaning code, it’s also helpful to know its fabric type so you can clean it properly. Whether it’s cloth, microfiber, or leather, the guide below will walk you through what works best for each.
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Steps to Clean a Couch at Home
Step 1: Remove Cushions and Vacuum
First things first—take off the couch cushions and get rid of any crumbs, pet hair, or dust hiding underneath. A vacuum works wonders here! Just run it around the cushions and deep into any cracks where little bits might be hiding. If you have any special vacuum attachments, now’s the time to use them. For extra help with dirt, you can even use a soft brush to gently shake loose anything stuck in the fabric.
Step 2: Clean the Metal and Wood Details
Now, let’s make those wood or metal parts look fresh.
- Mix a little warm water with soap
- Dip a soft cloth in the mixture
- Gently clean any metal or wooden sections
For Metal and Wood parts This cleaner will work great! Just be careful to keep the soap away from the fabric, and always dry everything when you’re done.
Step 3: Clean Couch and Cushions
Now that the couch is prepped, it’s time to clean the fabric and tackle any stains! Cleaning steps depend on what kind of fabric your couch is made from, so be sure to check the care label first.
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Leather Couch
Materials Needed: Vacuum, microfiber cloth, spray bottle, vinegar, mild dish soap, Leather Honey.
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- Vacuum the leather to remove dirt.
- Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle, or use mild soapy water.
- Lightly spray the leather and wipe in circular motions with a microfiber cloth.
- Use a clean towel to dry.
Pro Tip: For extra care, try Leather Honey, a leather conditioner loved by thousands.
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Suede Couch
Materials Needed: Microfiber cloth, water, white vinegar.
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- Vacuum to clear dust.
- Dampen a microfiber cloth and gently rub any stains.
- Let it air dry completely.
Pro Tip: Test any cleaning solution on a small area first, and use a soft fabric brush for stubborn spots.
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Microfiber Couch
Materials Needed: Vacuum, microfiber cloth, spray bottle, vinegar, mild dish soap, rubbing alcohol.
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- Vacuum the couch thoroughly.
- Mix a cleaning solution (1 Tbsp. dish soap + 2 cups warm water) and spray on stains.
- Blot with a dry cloth, and fluff with a soft brush if it feels stiff after drying.
Pro Tip: Rubbing alcohol works wonders and dries without leaving water stains.
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Fabric Couch
Materials Needed: Vacuum, microfiber cloth, natural-bristle fabric brush, warm water.
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- Vacuum to remove dirt.
- Dampen a cloth with warm water and gently rub in circles to clean.
Pro Tip: Only use water for wool couches to avoid damage.
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Velvet Couch
Materials Needed: Microfiber cloth, spray bottle, mild dish soap, steamer.
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- Mix 1 tsp. dish soap with warm water until bubbles form.
- Dip a cloth into the solution and blot stains gently.
- Let it dry for 30 minutes.
Pro Tip: Blot spills immediately with a cloth to avoid stains, and always dry velvet away from direct sunlight.
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Silk Couch
Materials Needed: Vacuum, microfiber cloth, mild detergent, vinegar, hair dryer.
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- Vacuum to remove dust.
- Mix mild detergent with cold water or use a vinegar solution.
- Blot any stains gently and avoid soaking the fabric.
- Use a hair dryer to dry quickly and prevent water stains.
Pro Tip: Silk can be delicate; for best results, get it professionally cleaned.
Step 4: Let Dry
Once your couch is clean, let it air dry! This keeps covers from shrinking, which can happen with dryers. Silk and other delicate fabrics do best with a gentle drying method, like using a hair dryer, to avoid any color changes. Letting your couch dry completely will make sure it’s ready to be cozy again!
When in Doubt, Let the Clean Master Help Out!
Maintaining your couches can be more challenging than it seems. Despite regular care, persistent odors or stubborn stains can occasionally set in, proving difficult to remove with standard cleaning methods. That’s when a professional touch can be a lifesaver! If you need help freshening up your couch, Clean Master has you covered. Our Professional upholstery cleaners know how to do Sofa Cleaning to make your sofa look new. Ready for a clean couch without the hassle? Visit our appointment page for a free quote, and we’ll take care of the rest!
