The Secret to Deep-Cleaning a Couch in 5 Steps

Just like your floor, your kitchen counters, and your bathroom sinks, your couch gets daily use. You use it, your kids use it, and maybe even your pets use it! Even so, many people don’t think about what kind of cleaning that a couch requires.

If your couch is overdue for a deep-cleaning (and let’s be honest--most of our couches are), here is how to do it in 5 steps.

1. Learn what cleaning method suits your upholstery.

In order to clean your couch properly, you have to first know what kind of material the upholstery is made of. The couch’s label should tell you this and should also include a list of codes to let you know what kind of cleaning can be performed upon the upholstery.

Here are the codes you’re likely to encounter on your couch’s label:

• S: This means that you should only use a dry cleaning detergent.
• WS: You can use either a steam vacuum with a mild detergent or use a dry cleaning detergent.
• W: This means that water is okay to use for cleaning.
• X: Only vacuum when you see this symbol. Don’t use any water.

2. Vacuum every inch.

Before deep cleaning, you’ll want to be sure to get rid of any hair, crumbs, fur, and other particles from your couch’s upholstery. Make sure to use your vacuum’s attachments so that you can get into the crannies and creases of your couch as well as its larger surfaces.

3. Disinfectant any non-upholstered parts.

Once your couch has been thoroughly vacuumed, wipe down any non-upholstered parts of your couch with a bleach-free disinfectant. It’s best to test a small spot first to make sure there are no other agents in the disinfectant that alter the color of the non-fabric parts.

4. Use baking soda to remove odors.

Baking soda is great for removing bad smells, and with all the moisture and bacteria couches can retain, it’s no wonder that they can begin to have a less-than-fresh odor after a while. That being said, you’ll want to test this step on a small, inconspicuous section of the upholstery to make sure that the baking soda doesn’t have a bleaching effect on it.

Once you’ve determined that the baking soda isn’t lightening your upholstery, it’s safe to use it on the rest of your couch. Sprinkle baking soda onto the area that needs deodorizing and spread it evenly with a bristle brush. Let the baking soda sit for a few hours before vacuuming it with your vacuum’s brush attachment.

5. Use water, white vinegar, and Castile soap for lingering odors and tough stains.

If your upholstery is able to get wet, create an all-natural upholstery cleaner and disinfectant for it to remove any stubborn odors or spots. Spray the solution onto the area in need, work it into the upholstery with a white cloth, then blot.

Vinegar Solution Recipe:

• 1 cup of warm water
• ¼ cup of white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of Castile soap (or substitute with 1 tablespoon of mild detergent)