How to Clean Fabric Couch

What You'll Need

• Vacuum with upholstery attachment
• Soap-Man Vibes Multi-Surface Cleaner
• Soft brush
• Microfiber cloths
• Fabric stain remover

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Check the cleaning code

   Lift up a cushion and look for the manufacturer tag. The cleaning code is one or two letters: W (water-based cleaners only), S (solvent-only — no water), WS (either is safe), X (vacuum only — professional clean for everything else). Skip this step and you can ruin a couch in one wash.

2. 2

   Vacuum thoroughly

   Vacuum the entire couch with the upholstery attachment. Lift each cushion and vacuum the deck and the back of the cushion. Use a crevice tool along the seams, around the welt cord, and where the cushions meet the frame. Pet hair and crumbs need to come out before any wet cleaning, or scrubbing turns them into a stuck-on mess.

3. 3

   Pre-treat stains

   Apply a fabric stain remover or a few drops of dish soap directly to visible stains. Work it in gently with a fingertip and let sit for 15 minutes. For old set-in stains, repeat the application — fresh chemistry beats one long soak.

4. 4

   Scrub with soft brush

   Mix Multi-Surface Cleaner with warm water in a spray bottle or bucket. Dip a soft brush or microfiber-wrapped sponge and scrub the fabric in small circular motions, working in 1-square-foot sections. Do NOT oversaturate -- if water is pooling on the surface, you have used too much.

5. 5

   Blot with clean cloth

   Blot up moisture and loosened dirt with a clean dry microfiber cloth. Press, do not rub. Move to a fresh section of the cloth as it picks up grime. Repeat the section if water comes up dirty.

6. 6

   Air dry and apply protector

   Let the couch air dry completely before sitting on it -- usually 4-8 hours with a fan running, longer in humid weather. Once fully dry, apply a fabric protector spray (test a hidden patch first) to repel future spills. Reapply every 6-12 months.

Pro Tips

• TIPAlways test cleaning solutions in a hidden area first to check for color fastness.
• TIPUse a fabric protector spray after cleaning to repel future stains.
• TIPVacuum couches weekly to prevent dirt from embedding in the fabric.
• TIPIf your cushion covers unzip, take them off and clean the deck and the cushion sides separately -- you get a deeper clean and the covers can be laid flat to dry instead of trapped on saturated foam.
• TIPApply the fabric protector on a dry, clean couch only -- spraying over residual cleaner or moisture seals the dirt in instead of repelling it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• XSoaking the fabric, which damages the cushions and grows mildew.
• XUsing harsh chemicals on delicate fabrics, which can cause discoloration.
• XSkipping the cleaning code, which can result in damaging treatment.
• XMixing methods on the same couch (scrubbing one section with water and another with solvent) -- the boundary line between methods leaves a permanent watermark.
• XOversaturating cushion foam, which traps moisture inside the cushion. Mildew grows in 24-48 hours and the smell is permanent.

Frequently Asked Questions