You feel like you're looking at your beloved couch only to realize that it's starting to get a smell or it is covered in stains.You can take steps to make your couch smell good again.When spills happen, try to get them up as quickly as possible.If your couch is clean, you can throw your cushion covers in the washing machine to make it look better.Try a deep-cleaning solution and a scrubbing brush.
Step 1: The care instructions for your couch are on a tag.
A cushion has a tag.The tag should tell you what kind of solvent you can use.You can use water if it's machine washed.If it's not, you may need to use something else.You can clean your tag with water if it has a "W" on it.If it has an "S", use something like rubbing alcohol or a commercial dry cleaning agent.You can use either one if it has "S-W."The code "X" is used for vacuuming and professional cleaning only.If your couch doesn't have a tag, it's a good idea to have cleaners on it.
Step 2: It's a good idea to clean up any recent spills.
It's important to get spills on the couch as soon as possible.To pick up as much of the spill as possible, use a clean cloth.
Step 3: If there is debris on the couch, vacuum it.
There are pieces of debris that fall into your couch.They might get crushed into the fabric when you clean it if you leave them on the couch.You can use the furniture attachment on your vacuum to clean the couch.To get the crumbs underneath, remove the cushions.Pet hair will be helped by vacuuming.
Step 4: If your fabric can handle water, wash it with water and dish soap.
A cup of cool water and a few drops of dish soap are all you need.Put a sponge in the mixture and wring it out.After a few minutes, use the sponge to lift the stain or spill.Remove the sponge and apply just water to the stain.You could spread the stain around if you didn't rub it.
Step 5: If you have a steam cleaner, break up stains with it.
If the fabric can be cleaned with water, then use a steam cleaner.To loosen the stain, run the steamer over it.If you prefer, you can use the steam setting on your iron.If you're not sure how much heat the fabric can take, don't get the iron too close.
Step 6: If your couch can't handle water, wash it with alcohol or vinegar.
You may be able to use these cleaners if your couch has a "S" on it.If you want to remove the stain, dip a cloth in either alcohol or vinegar.The solution should be put on the fabric.It's a good idea to test the product on a hidden place.Rub alcohol or use a clear alcohol.
Step 7: Baby wipes can be used for spills on couches.
Microfiber is very easy to clean.If you have a spill, wipe it off with a baby wipe.Don't touch the fabric until the spill is completely gone.If you have to, get a new baby wipe.spills should be easy to clean up because microfiber doesn't absorb liquid.You can use a damp microfiber cloth.
Step 8: As needed, repeat the process.
Some stains seem like they will never leave.You may need to keep working at them.Continue the process until the stain is gone.If there are stains, pick a commercial cleaner.You can use a carpet cleaner.Typically, you spray these on and let them sit, then wipe them up with clean water.For instance, look for a foaming carpet cleaner.The cleaning product section is where you can find these cleaners.
Step 9: The couch needs to be vacuumed first.
It's a good idea to start by vacuuming the couch.Dust and dead skin cells can be found on the cushions.Dust and debris can be vacuumed by lifting the cushions.Any parts you can't remove from the couch should be vacuumed.You can deep clean it by getting up the dust.
Step 10: Baking soda can be used to deal with odors.
The cushions need to be removed from the couch.Sprinkle baking soda over the entire couch and the cushions.Leave the baking soda on for a while and then vacuum it up.Baking soda should be left on the couch if it smells bad.The process can be repeated a few times.Baking soda can be used to make a spray.A spray bottle can hold about 2 cups.Warm water, baking soda, and a few drops of a scented oil should be added.The exact numbers don't matter.To refresh the fabric, spray it over the couch.
Step 11: Spot treatments for stains on the sofa can be done.
If your sofa has stains from ink, wine, blood, or any other difficult to remove substance, you may need to use a spot cleaning treatment on the sofa first.Leave it on for the amount of time suggested on the bottle.Then, wipe the cleaner with a cloth or towel.Rub the stain with a brush or cloth to spread it.
Step 12: The care instructions for your couch can help you decide how to finish cleaning.
One of the cushions might have a tag on it.You can use what it tells you on your couch.You may need to use alcohol if you take water."W" and "S" both mean that you can use water on it.Commercial dry cleaning agents can be used on "S" fabrics.Either is fine."X" means you can't use any liquids on it.If you can't find a tag, test cleaners in a hidden area to see how they react.
Step 13: To clean leather couches, use distilled water and a non-detergent soap.
It's a good idea to pick a mild soap, like Dove or Neutrogena.Add a few drops to a bucket.If you want a sudsy solution, mix it lightly and then dip a microfiber cloth into it.Move the couch from top to bottom by wiping the cloth out.Clean the couch with a microfiber cloth after wiping it down with plain distilled water.Regular tap water can leave water stains, but distilled water won't.You can use either a leather soap or a mixture of both.A mixture of lemon or flaxseed oil is used to condition the leather.Put a cloth in the solution and wring it out.The sofa needs to be wiped down with the cloth.The next day, wipe the sofa with a dry cloth.
Step 14: There is a natural solution for fabrics that handle water.
Add 0.75 cups (180 mL) of water, 0.25 cups (59 mL), and a small amount of liquid dish soap.Rub it into your fabric by shaking it lightly and using a scrubbing brush.Once you've done the whole couch, scrub in plain water until you don't see suds anymore.The couch should be dry.If it's a nice day, you might want to move it outdoors.If the process is too rough on delicate fabrics, test it first.
Step 15: It's possible to deep clean a couch that takes water.
The process will be easier if the cushions are taken off the couch.The manufacturer's instructions can be followed to use the upholstery cleaner.You put hot water and soap in the tank and then run the arm of the machine over the couch.The arm will clean the fabric with soap and water.If you prefer, you can rent an upholstery cleaner from a home improvement store.They may be called carpet cleaners.There are both steam and non- steam options for upholstery cleaning.The steam varieties may pucker the fabric if you choose a non-steam version.
Step 16: As necessary, brush the fabric back in place.
Once the fabric dries, use a soft brush to move it back into place.The pile is going the same direction if you follow the grain of the fabric.That will make it look better.You can use a lint roller on the couch that has hair stuck on it.
Step 17: Warm water and dish soap can be used to wipe down the non-fabric parts of the couch.
If your couch has wooden, metal, plastic, or other parts that are not covered in fabric, you can easily clean them with a bit of soapy water.Put a few drops of dish soap in with a cup of warm water and dip a cloth into it.You can wipe the non-fabric parts of your couch with the cloth.After wiping the parts down, you can let the air dry.
Step 18: If your fabric is machine washed, check the tags.
To read the tag, you have to find it on one cushion."machine wash cold" is what it should say.It should tell you if it's dry or machine-washable.It's easier to wash your cushion covers in the laundry.If your tag says you can wash it, you should do it.
Step 19: The cushion needs to be removed at a time.
Remove the cushion from the couch.You need to find the zip code and open it.Take the cushion out of the cover and put it on the couch.If your washer/dryer won't handle more, do 3-4 cushions at a time.It will be easier to keep track of which covers go on which cushions.
Step 20: Put the cushion covers in the washer.
The manufacturer's instructions on how to wash the covers should be followed.Make sure to use cold water if it says only cold.If your tag says to use the gentle cycle, do so as well.If you don't understand the symbols it uses, look for "laundry tag symbols" online to figure out what it means.
Step 21: The covers should be put in the dryer.
The covers should be moved to the dryer after the wash cycle is over.The manufacturer's instructions on how to dry them should be followed.They might want you to use the lowest heat setting to protect the fabric.It is possible to shrink your covers a little by putting them in the dryer.
Step 22: The covers should be put back on the cushions.
Put the cushion in the cover.Pull the cushion from the far end of the cover with your hand.Zip it up when it's back in place.All the other things are covered the same way.