The Best Way to Clean a Microfiber Couch.
While microfiber couches are usually easier to clean than other types of upholstery, spills and stains can still occur. The good news is that there are plenty of tried-and-tested techniques to keep a microfiber couch looking its best and getting rid of stains.
Clean a Microfiber Couch
The first step to keeping your microfiber couch clean is regular cleaning. Vacuum the surface of the couch regularly using an upholstery attachment. This helps remove dirt and debris that accumulates over time. You should also gently brush the fabric with a soft cloth or brush on a weekly basis. When cleaning any liquid spills or stains, use a damp cloth and blot rather than rub or scrub the area as this could damage the fabric of your microfiber couch. It is also important not to use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials when cleaning as these could cause permanent damage.
In addition to regular cleaning, there are also steps you can take to prevent staining from occurring in the first place. A simple solution is to use throws, slipcovers, or furniture protectors when possible so that any messes are confined to those items rather than directly onto the fabric of your couch. Also, try not to let pets sit directly on your furniture and always wipe their paws before they come in if it’s been raining outside.
Check your sofa’s tag to learn what type of cleaning agents it can handle. For example, if it’s marked “S,” it’s suitable for solvent-based cleaners only. If it’s labeled “W,” you can use water-based cleaners like dish soap.
1. Vacuum Regularly
Vacuuming regularly is the best way to keep microfiber couches looking new. You can also use it to remove dirt, pet hair, and allergens before they have a chance to ground in and become embedded in the fibers.
Most upholstery experts recommend vacuuming weekly, especially if the couch gets frequent use by kids or pets. Regularly cleaning a couch keeps it from requiring more intensive professional cleaning later on, so you can save money and time in the long run.
You can easily tackle tough stains by using rubbing alcohol, which works well on polyester-based fabrics like microfiber. However, you should check the furniture’s care tag to find out what type of solvent you should use.
If your couch has a cleaning code of “S” or some variation of “W-S,” it can be cleaned with water-based solvents like dish soap. On the other hand, if your couch has an emblem of a large letter X, it should never be treated with a cleaning solvent.
2. Brush Regularly
One of the best ways to keep your microfiber couch looking and feeling its best is by brushing it regularly. Using the brush attachment on your vacuum can help loosen dirt and pet hair before it has a chance to set in.
If you don’t have a vacuum, you can also use a soft brush to scrub the fabric and restore it to its soft, plush texture. Do this once a week to keep your sofa in tip-top shape.
Before you clean your couch, make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions and cleaning codes. This will tell you whether water- or solvent-based cleaners work best on your specific microfiber furniture.
If your microfiber upholstery is labeled with an “S,” “S-W,” or no code then I would suggest using a natural cleaner made with 1 tablespoon of natural dish soap and 2 cups of warm water. Apply the solution to the stained areas, blot and then repeat until the stain’s gone.
3. Spot Clean as Needed
The couch is an important piece of furniture in your home, so it’s understandable that it sees a lot of dirt and odors. Pet hair, body oils & odors, food crumbs and dust are just some of the things that can end up on your couch.
To prevent stains from forming, spot clean as needed to remove spills and messes. This can be as simple as using a dry cloth to wipe up liquid, or sprinkling baking soda on a stain and letting it sit for 20 minutes before vacuuming it up.
Spot cleaning is also a good way to treat watermarks and other telltale marks on your microfiber couch that might be difficult to remove with a vacuum. Rubbing alcohol is one of the best options for removing these kinds of stains because it evaporates so quickly.
Keep rubbing alcohol and other spot treatment cleaners on hand so that you’re prepared to clean up any stains. Remember to always follow the care tag for your sofa to ensure that you’re using the right cleaning products for your couch.
4. Let It Dry
It’s important to let your couch dry as soon as it’s cleaned. This will prevent stains and marks from setting in.
The stain-resistant nature of microfiber means that spills can usually be wiped up quickly before they sink into the fabric and damage it. However, there are times when liquids will soak in too deeply and require a more thorough cleaning process.
To get the most out of your cleaning efforts, check your couch’s care tag or manufacturer’s instructions. This will tell you if it’s suitable for water-based cleaning agents or solvent-based cleaners, like rubbing alcohol.
In many cases, this will mean that you’ll only need to use a mild detergent and lukewarm water to treat the area and remove any stains. However, if the spot is stubborn or has been left to set in for a while, it might be best to call in a professional cleaner.
FAQs About Cleaning Microfiber Couches:
Is it okay to use soap on my microfiber couch?
No – soap should never be used when cleaning microfiber couches as this could damage the material of your furniture over time. Instead, opt for warm water and a mild detergent such as dishwashing liquid when removing tough stains from your furniture.
How often should I vacuum my microfiber couch?
Vacuuming your microfiber couch once per week should do the trick! Be sure to use an upholstery attachment for this task in order to avoid damaging the fabric of your furniture too much.
Can I put throw pillows on my microfiber couch?
Of course! Throw pillows can help give an added layer of protection against spills and other messes that may occur over time while still helping you maintain the stylish aesthetic of your living room space!