Your couch is one of the most used and abused pieces of furniture in your home. It serves as a sometimes bed, dining table, pet haven, and playground. All of that activity leaves plenty of stains and unseen grime like dust mites, bacteria, and fungi.

Take a hard look at your couch. It’s probably time to give it a good cleaning.

Know the Code Before You Clean

Beginning in 1969, furniture manufacturers began adding a tag to help you determine the best and safest way to clean upholstery. Take the time to search for the tag underneath the couch or under the cushions and follow the cleaning guidelines.

Code W

These fabrics can be cleaned with water-based cleaning solvents.

Code S

Use only a dry cleaning or water-free solvent to remove stains and soils. The use of these chemicals require a well-ventilated room and no open flames like fireplaces or candles.

Code W-

These upholstery fabrics can be cleaned with either water-based or solvent-based products.

Code X

When you see the “X” avoid any type of cleaning agent. These fabrics should only be cleaned by vacuuming or by a professional. Any type of home cleaning product can cause staining and shrinking.

If you have found a cleaning code tag, you’re one step ahead. If there is no tag, you will need to do some testing in an inconspicuous area to see how the fabric reacts when treated. One tip that will serve you well is to NEVER over-saturate the fabric with moisture. Too much water can cause mold and mildew to grow in the cushions and fungus deep in the filling is nearly impossible to remove. A deep couch cleaning will require three major steps which we’ve broken out below. While you should vacuum your couch weekly, stain removal and general upholstery cleaning should be done on an as-needed basis.

What You Need

Supplies

Vacuum
Liquid dishwashing soap
Warm water
Electric mixer or Whisk
Sponge or Microfiber Cloth
Dry cleaning solvent
Baking soda

How to Vacuum Your Couch

One of the best things you can do to improve the cleanliness of your couch, no matter what style or type of upholstery, is to vacuum it well weekly. While a lightweight portable hand-held vacuum works fine to gather up potato chip crumbs, you really need to use a vacuum with more suction to get at the really yucky stuff.

Choose the Right Tools-Choose a vacuum with a HEPA filter to capture as much dust and allergens like pet dander as possible. To really tackle bacteria, viruses, bedbugs, and dust mites, use a vacuum with UV light like the Raycop RN. The UV light kills the offenders, sucks them away, and traps them in a dual filtration system.
Vacuum the Sides-It is important to go over every inch of the upholstery. Don’t forget the lower sides and back of the couch even if it is placed up against a wall and never touched by humans. Dust clings everywhere!
Vacuum the Cushions-Use the crevice tool to get deep between the cushions and the frame of the couch. You may just find a small fortune. If your couch has removable cushions, remove them and vacuum both sides.
Vacuum the Bottom- And, if you’re feeling really ambitious, with assistance, tilt the couch over and vacuum the bottom of the piece. (It’s also a good time to really clean the flooring underneath.)

How to Remove Stains

Before you can clean the overall upholstery, you should tackle any specific stains.

Blot Moisture and Remove Solid DebrisIf stains are liquid and fresh, blot away as much moisture as possible with paper towels. For solids like mayonnaise or sticky cheese, use the edge of a dull knife or the edge of a credit card to lift away as much of the stain as possible. Never rub the area because that only pushes the stain deeper into the fabric fibers. For dried solids, use a soft-bristled brush to loosen the dried matter.
Prepare the Cleaning SolutionIf the upholstery can be cleaned with a water-based cleaner, mix one-fourth cup liquid dishwashing soap and one cup of warm water in a small bowl. Use an electric beater or a whisk to create some suds.
Rub StainDip a sponge into the suds and rub away the stain. Keep moving to a clean area of the sponge as the stain is transferred.
Rinse and Dry

Finish by dipping the sponge or a microfiber cloth in clear water to blot away any cleaning solution. This “rinse” is very important because any detergent left in the fibers can actually attract more soil. Allow the area to air dry completely away from direct sunlight or heat.

If the upholstery requires a dry cleaning solvent, follow the directions on the product label.