Your home is where your favorite couch is. Keeping it clean is the key to creating a warm and relaxing environment. From spills and stains to messes and dust mites, this important part of your decor needs tough love and care.

Some stains are easy to wipe off while others require a holistic approach. Thankfully, our expert cleaners collected a comprehensive set of tips to help you keep the couch clean at all times.

1. Start with a Steamer

If you have a garment steamer or a steam iron, it can do wonders killing bacteria, viruses, and allergens that settle on your couch. Take your time going over the entire couch to make sure you get to all the hidden spots as well. Remember, the majority of dirt and bacteria hides in corners and other hard-to-reach places.

In case you don’t have a steaming tool, you can simply skip this step.

2. Use a Vacuum Cleaner

The next step is to vacuum your couch. No matter which material the upholstery is made of, it can be vacuumed. Remove all the removable parts like cushions and covers. Vacuum the entire couch thoroughly.

The majority of modern vacuum cleaners have a special upholstery attachment. It can make the job much easier. If yours doesn’t (these things get lost often), don’t worry. A regular attachment can do an excellent job. To get to the tough spots, simply remove the attachment altogether.

3. Wash Cushion Covers

If your couch has removable cushions, most likely, you can unzip the covers and through them into the laundry. Take a minute to read the label to learn how to wash them properly. In some cases, you may need to do it manually.

Use the coolest water temperature available to wash the cushions so you don’t face any unexpected shrinking issues.

4. Apply Stain Removers

If you notice deep stains, you may need to apply stain removers before treating the entire couch. While you can buy an off-the-shelf stain remover, the majority of them contains a plethora of chemicals. DIY removers are just as effective but eco-friendlier.

The stain remover recipe depends on the upholstery type:

  • Fabric — mix 4 tablespoons of vinegar, 12 tablespoons of warm water, and 1 tablespoon of dish soap.
  • Leather — mix 8 tablespoons of olive oil and 4 tablespoons of vinegar. Use a spray bottle to apply.
  • Synthetic — mix 6 tablespoons of vinegar, a cup of water, and a teaspoon of dish soap. Use a spray bottle to apply.

Apply the stain remover and rub the surface until the stain is gone. Then use clean warm water to remove any residue.

5. Clean the Rest of the Couch

Once you are done with stains, you can use the same DIY cleaners to take care of the entire couch. Before you do it, read the label carefully. It may have important advice on what you can and can’t use to clean the couch.

Once the couch is clean, allow it to dry for at least a couple of hours before using it. Ideally, you should clean the couch with slightly open windows for good ventilation.

Call Your Professional Cleaners

To clean your favorite couch, you need a steamer, vacuum cleaner, some cleaning supplies, and a couple of rags. By cleaning your couch regularly, you can keep it in top shape for years to come.

While you can achieve satisfactory results with DIY cleaning, you need professional assistance to clean it properly.  Professional cleaners use specialized equipment to make sure all dirt and stains are gone for good. 

If you’d like to learn more about couch cleaning, we are always here to help.