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Couches see a lot of action, getting used (and abused) constantly, rarely with any sort of break. Many eat meals on the couch, work on the couch and may even use the couch as a jungle gym of sorts. Despite all that activity and use, people frequently overlook the task of cleaning their couches. It can even feel daunting to know how to clean a couch, since they’re made from so many different materials and can be quite large.
Regular cleaning is necessary, though, as it helps cut back on allergens and keeps it smelling fresh. If you’ve picked up a used couch, a good deep clean is especially important to remove any potential pests, odors, or allergens.
In a nutshell
Learning how to clean a couch can extend the life of the couch and keep it looking and smelling fresh. “Cleaning your couch is significant for maintaining the appearance of your home and is good for the longevity of the furniture,” explains Rocky Vuong, founder of Calibre Cleaning Limited.
- Different couch materials require different cleaning methods.
- Always clean spills as soon as possible.
- Perform regular deep cleans a few times a year, depending on the material.
No matter what type of couch you have, a quality vacuum with upholstery and crevice attachments are musts. Regularly vacuuming your couch will preserve the appearance, avoid attracting unwanted pests and save you from heavier cleaning down the line. Microfiber cloths come in handy for all types of cleaning, and couch cleaning is no different.
Beyond a vacuum and microfiber cloths, Ryan Knoll, the owner of Arizona-based cleaning company Tidy Casa, suggests a Lilly Brush and drill brush set for fiber-based couches. “The Lilly Brush uses coarse hairs to lift pet hair and dust away. I use it on my own couch at least twice a month,” he says. “The drill brush set is a great tool for quickly releasing dust, hair or any other little nasties living in the coach. Just make sure to keep the drill on a lower setting. It doesn't have to be going too fast.” You will also want an upholstery cleaner, either one you purchase or a homemade solution.
For real leather furniture, you’ll need a quality conditioner and some of those aforementioned microfiber cloths or another soft applicator. If you have a suede couch, a suede brush will be important.
If you have pets who are allowed on your couch, have a pet-specific cleaner handy to help clean up any accidents.
How to clean a couch
| Type of couch | Frequency | Reason |
|---|---|---|
Suede | Spot treat immediately, brush and vacuum weekly and deep clean every six months. | Suede is sensitive to liquids, so brushing and vacuuming regularly is the safest way to keep it clean. |
Leather | Spot treat immediately, wipe monthly and condition every three to six months. | With proper care and conditioning, leather can stay supple for years. |
Cloth | Spot clean spills immediately and deep clean quarterly. | Stains can set in easily on fiber-based couches, so immediately cleaning spills will prevent them from setting in. |
Step 1: Vacuum
The first step to cleaning a couch, no matter what material it’s made from, is to vacuum it. If your couch has removable cushions, it's easiest to remove those to do a thorough job. If you can’t take off the cushions (or want to do a quick touch-up job), use a crevice attachment to get in between the cushions and in all the nooks and crannies. Wondering how often you should vacuum? Experts recommend vacuuming your couch every one to two weeks, though if there is a particularly big mess, it’s always best to clean it up as soon as possible.
Step 2: Clean any metal or wood areas
If your couch has metal or wood components such as armrests, frames, or feet, you’ll need to clean those as well. Create a solution of warm water with a gentle dish soap. Dip a microfiber cloth into the solution and gently scrub the metal or wood areas while avoiding the rest of the couch. Wiping these areas down with a dry microfiber cloth can help prevent any water drops from sticking around. Alternatively, for wood, you could use a wood conditioner to spruce it up. Windex or other glass cleaners can work well on metal surfaces, too.
Step 3: Clean the cushions and couch
How you go about this final step depends on what type of couch you have, as different materials require different care. (If you have throw pillows on your couch, be sure to read up on how to wash pillows.) When in doubt, always check your couch for any care instructions. “Before you clean any couch, you need to double and triple check the type of fabric it’s made from,” cautions Delah Gomasi, the CEO of Sydney, Australia-based MaidForYou cleaning company.
How to clean a leather couch
Toby Schulz, co-founder and CEO of national house cleaning service Maid2Match, explains that while leather is durable and easy to clean, scuffs can show up easily. Because of that, don’t use any abrasive materials to clean your leather couch. “Avoid using any cleaning products with bleach, alcohol, or ammonia, since these can damage leather,” Schulz explains. “Minimize the amount of water you use since this could cause water spots.”
“Leather is resilient but craves care,” says Knoll. To clean your leather couch (after vacuuming, of course), he suggests wiping it with a soft, damp cloth monthly. Then, use a good leather conditioner every three to six months to keep it supple. For a deeper clean, you can also use a leather cleaner followed by a conditioner.
How to clean a suede couch
When it comes to cleaning a suede couch, Gomasi cautions that it’s important to know if your couch is real or faux suede. “Natural suede is made from animal hides, whereas faux suede is made from synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon,” she explains. Different materials require different care.
Gomasi recommends cleaning faux suede with water-based cleaners to avoid damaging the fibers. “We create a mild cleaner with six parts water and one part dish soap. We then use a specific suede brush to deep clean the couch's fibers,” she explains. Then, she says to wipe with two different microfibre cloths until the cleaner has been removed.
Real suede is another story. “Suede is a sensitive material, and traditional water cleaning methods, such as steam cleaning, can damage the couch,” says Matthew Baratta, VP of Operations at Daimer Industries. For dry dirt and debris, simply brush it off without any moisture. “For liquid stains, lightly brush the stain with a cloth that has been dampened with either suede cleaner or vinegar and wait for it to dry,” explains Baratta. “Additionally, regular brushing of your suede couch can help ensure that there is no build-up of dirt.”
How to clean a fabric couch
There are many different types of fabric used on couches, so it’s important to understand which material your couch consists of. “Check the care label for any specifics about cleaning, such as products to avoid or use. For example, a ‘W’ code on the label means water-based cleaners are fine, while ‘S’ means no water and only solvent cleaners,” says Schulz.
Since fabric can absorb stains and odors easily, it’s best to treat spills immediately. “A quick solution is to remove any solid debris, like food bits, then sprinkle baking soda to absorb any liquids. Vacuum the residue, then blot the couch dry,” Schulz recommends.
For a thoroughly effective deep clean, if the fabric allows it, consider a vapor steam clean. “The extremely high-temperature and pressurized dry steam provided by a vapor steam cleaner can kill bacteria in as little as one pass over the area,” explains Baratta. “The key here is that the steam only contains around 5% water, which is ideal for killing mold because it prevents the fabric from being re-saturated in water.”
If you don’t have access to a vapor steam cleaner, Schulz says you can make a DIY couch cleaner by mixing a quarter cup of white vinegar in a cup of warm water with a few drops of a mild detergent or castile soap. Pour the solution into a spray bottle for easy application and lightly spritz the couch, followed by a scrub with a microfiber cloth or soft-bristled brush. “Work top to bottom and one side to another, and try to minimize the moisture. Rinse with a new cloth dampened in clean water, then blot dry with a towel,” Schulz says. You’ll need to let the couch air dry, though setting up a fan can speed up the process.
How do you clean pet stains?
If you have pets who spend time on your couch, accidents are inevitable. “Tackle the stain ASAP. Blot, don't rub, to avoid pushing the stain deeper,” says Knoll. If you don’t have any pet-specific fabric cleaners on hand, there’s an easy homemade solution. “Mix equal parts water and white vinegar with a spoonful of dish soap. Test on an inconspicuous area first, then gently dab on the stain,” Knoll recommends.
Sometimes, though, that doesn’t cut it. When that’s the case, your best bet on “upholstered couches is to use an enzyme cleaner,” says Gomasi. “An enzyme cleaner is different from your standard cleaning chemicals in that it specifically targets and breaks down organic matter found in stains caused by pets.” She recommends Nature's Miracle Advanced Formula.
Why is it important to clean couches?
There are many reasons why it’s important to clean couches, from couch longevity to health concerns. “Couches are the unsung heroes of daily life, from movie marathons to snooze fests,” says Knoll. “Regular cleaning eliminates allergens, extends your couch's life and keeps it looking and smelling fresh.”
Just like anything, proper care and cleaning can extend its life. Couches can be quite expensive, so making time for regular upkeep and occasional deep cleans can keep it in great shape for longer, to prevent frequently spending money on a new one.
The AP Buyline roundup
While learning how to clean a couch can seem overwhelming, it doesn’t need to be. With regular upkeep, your couch will already be in a better position and won’t require quite as much care. Just remember that “every couch has its quirks, and there's always a bit of trial and error involved,” encourages Knoll. “But with these tips, you'll be well on your way to a fresher, cleaner couch that's ready for whatever life, or your pets, throw at it.”
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can you steam clean a couch?
Not all couches are compatible with steam cleaning. Depending on the materials of your couch, steam cleaning could damage it, so be sure to check if your couch came with any care instructions before diving in. “Generally, materials you can steam clean include cotton, polyester, microfiber, and nylon blends. Do not steam clean suede or leather couches,” explains Schulz.
What is the best homemade upholstery cleaner?
While there are plenty of fancy upholstery cleaners on the market, they can be expensive, and some can leave an overpowering odor. Luckily, there are some easy homemade options that use items you likely already have in your kitchen. “You really can't go wrong by using a mild dish soap like Dawn with six to seven parts water,” says Gomasi. “It works wonders if you pair it with a couple of microfibre cloths. The best part is that there isn't a fabric it won't work safely on.”
If you need a bit of extra cleaning power, Knoll recommends mixing together one quarter of a cup of vinegar, three quarters of a cup of warm water, and a tablespoon of dish soap. “Pour into a spray bottle, shake well, and you've got a couch cleaner that's both effective and easy on the wallet,” he explains.
Is a fabric couch easy to clean?
Unfortunately, fabric couches “can absorb spills and odors easily when compared with leather and suede,” says Vuong. So, you may have to clean them more frequently. Luckily, some fabric couches use removable covers, which are exceptionally easy to clean. Typically, you can toss those covers right in the washer and dryer. If your fabric couch doesn’t have removable covers on the cushions, fabric tends to be fairly forgiving with cleaning, so it shouldn’t be too difficult. Most fabric couches can be spot-treated with stain removers or even steam-cleaned for a deep clean.
Related article:
- Best couches: The 15 most comfortable sofas for your space
- How often should you vacuum? Here’s what the experts say
AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.
