Let’s admit it: most of us are pretty used to eating on the couch while binge-watching Netflix shows. And we’ve all probably failed to blot stains from food and drinks out of our couches right away.
So if you’re a self-confessed couch potato and a proud owner of a dirty couch, you’re not alone.
Now that random water stains have found a home on your couch, is it still possible to remove them? In most cases, it is.
We’ve broken down the steps for making your couch look as good as new-- including getting rid of the most stubborn of stains.
Before You Begin
Let’s start with the most important part of the couch cleaning process: refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Look for the cleaning tag attached to your couch, then check for its upholstery cleaning code.
Here’s what you might find and what it means:
- X - can only be cleaned using a vacuum or a brush.
- W - stands for water. You should only clean this type of couch using water-based cleaners.
- S - stands for solvent. This type of couch should only be dry cleaned or cleaned using a solvent-based solution.
- WS - means that the couch can be cleaned using a combination of water-based cleaners and solvents.
Once you figure out what your couch’s cleaning requirements are, you can then prepare your cleaning weapons:
- Vacuum
- Brush
- Steamer
- Baking soda
- Vinegar and liquid dish soap OR a commercial couch cleaner (refer to your couch’s cleaning code before you buy one)
- Spray bottle
- Clean cloth
- Towel
Brush and Vacuum the Surface
If you have a couch cover, remove it first and put it in the laundry. Then, grab your brush and use it to loosen the dirt, debris, and dust on the couch.
Next, plug in your vacuum and remove the loose particles. Don’t forget to vacuum every nook and cranny!
Wipe Down All Non-Fabric Parts
Soak a clean cloth in a mixture of water and liquid dish soap. Next, use it to wipe down your couch’s metal, wood, or plastic legs.
Prep the Upholstery and Your Cleaner
Sprinkle baking soda all over the couch, let it sit for at least 30 minutes, and remove all of it with a vacuum. Doing so will not only help absorb the stain but also make it smell fresh.
While waiting for the baking soda to do its cleaning magic, prepare your couch cleaner. (Be sure to refer to your couch’s cleaning code.)
If you want to steer clear of commercial cleaning solutions, you can easily create your own homemade cleaner for W couches. Use a spray bottle to mix these ingredients:
- 3 parts warm water
- 1 part vinegar
- Few drops of dish soap
For S couches, be on the safe side and stick to a commercial solvent-based cleaner.
Get Rid of Stains
Before using any of your chosen cleaning agents, do a spot test first: find an inconspicuous area on your couch and test your cleaning solution on it. Then, wait for it to dry and check for any discoloration.
If your chosen cleaning product works as intended, spray it on the couch stain and scrub it with a soft cloth. You can also wipe down the entire couch to give it a thorough clean.
For couches that can be cleaned with water, try using a steam cleaner and wave it over the couch to remove dirt and stains. Don’t have an upholstery steam cleaner? Put your iron on a steam setting and use it over stubborn stains.
Finishing Touches
Finally, soak up any excess liquid using a towel and let it air dry overnight. Then, sit back, relax, and enjoy your fresh couch.
Westmount at Forest Oaks Apartments in Arlington, TX