wash couch
How to Wash a Couch the Right Way?

Written by: Aliving Home

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Published on

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Time to read 5 min

The living room couch is often the heart of any home, serving as a cozy spot for movie nights, entertaining friends, or curling up with a blanket and a good book. However, with all this usage comes the inevitable buildup of pet hair, crumbs, dust, dirt, and oils.


If you’re unsure how to clean your couch or how often it should be washed, this guide will cover everything you need to know to keep your living space tidy and healthy all year round.

1. Keeping Your Couch Clean for a Healthier Home

In our busy lives, it’s easy to overlook the couch during routine cleaning. Many of us only think about cleaning it when a stain becomes visible. However, maintaining a clean couch is crucial for more than just aesthetics; it has significant health benefits as well. Over time, fabrics accumulate dust, allergens, germs, and odors. Regular cleaning helps eliminate these irritants, allowing you to breathe easier when you settle in.

2.How Often Should You Clean Your Couch?

Deep cleaning your couch isn’t necessary every week. For most households, a thorough clean once or twice a year is sufficient, unless you're particularly sensitive to allergens. In between deep cleans, aim for quick surface cleanings every 3-4 weeks to keep it fresh.


3. When to Clean Your Sofa

There are specific scenarios that call for immediate cleaning beyond your regular schedule. Spills from food or beverages, road salt residue from winter, guests with allergies, or illness in the household are all valid reasons to clean your couch promptly.


4. How to Clean a Couch From Start to Finish

Step 1: Remove Hair and Debris

Start by using a vacuum cleaner fitted with an upholstery attachment.


Loosen Dirt: Use a bristle brush to dislodge any stubborn dirt.


Vacuum Thoroughly: Vacuum each cushion from all angles to capture pet hair, dust, and debris. Be sure to clean underneath and between cushions as well.

Typically, just a few minutes of vacuuming will leave you with a noticeably cleaner couch.


Step 2: Clean Upholstery with Steam

Steam cleaning is an effective method for addressing odors, stains, allergens, and bacteria. It’s particularly suitable for durable fabrics that can withstand moisture.


Required Equipment: You’ll need a carpet steam cleaner with a furniture attachment, a clothing steamer, or an iron with a steam function. If you don’t own a steamer, many grocery and hardware stores offer rentals.


Steaming Technique:

Use quick, sweeping motions to apply steam, ensuring you don’t oversaturate the cushions or upholstery. Allow each cushion to dry completely before placing it back on the couch.

Many steamers extract moisture while cleaning; if using a clothing steamer or iron, make sure to allow sufficient drying time.

Always be cautious of the steam; it can cause burns, so avoid standing directly over the nozzle.


Step 3: Disinfect Your Couch

If someone in your household has been ill, or if you're being proactive about preventing germs, you might want to disinfect your couch.


While steam cleaning is a popular disinfecting method, there are effective alternatives if you don’t have access to a steamer.


Commercial Disinfectants: Many household cleaner manufacturers offer disinfectant sprays for fabric. Just ensure the spray is safe for upholstery, and always test it on a hidden section first.


Homemade Disinfectant: You can also create your own disinfectant spray using the recipe below.


DIY Couch Cleaner: You likely have rubbing alcohol in your home. Just as it can disinfect a cut, it can also eliminate germs and viruses on your furniture. To make a homemade disinfectant for your couch, combine one cup of water with two cups of rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the surfaces and let them air dry.


Step 4: How to Wash an Upholstered Couch

Different fabrics require different cleaning methods based on their delicacy and porosity. If your couch cushions have removable covers, you can often machine wash them. For leather couches, use leather soap, and for fabric, a mix of vinegar, water, and laundry detergent works well.


Step 5: Cleaning a Leather Sofa

Leather and faux leather couches are relatively straightforward to clean. Use leather cleaner, leather soap, or a diluted gentle hand soap. You can often find these products in the automotive section of many stores. If you notice stains, blot them with a damp cloth as soon as possible.


Step 6: Fabric Upholstery Cleaning

Store-bought fabric upholstery cleaner is effective, but you can also mix your own solution using 2 tablespoons of white vinegar, 2 tablespoons of gentle laundry detergent, and 2 cups of warm water. Use a rag or microfiber cloth to apply the solution to the upholstery and allow it to air dry.


Step 7: Treating Serious Stains

For tough stains like spilled red wine, pet accidents, or ink, start by blotting as much of the stain as possible, then apply carbonated water. Blot and repeat as necessary. If the stain persists, dampen the area with water, apply the detergent solution with a clean sponge, and continue blotting until the stain lifts. Rinse again with water to remove any detergent residue.



Disinfect Your Couch

5. When to Consider Replacing Your Couch

Typically, a well-maintained couch can last between five to fifteen years, depending on usage and care. Regular cleaning can help the upholstery endure its lifespan.


If the fabric shows signs of wear, permanent stains, or tearing, reupholstering can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to extend the life of your beloved sofa.

6. Choosing Quality Couches for Longevity

When it’s time to buy a new couch, investing in a high-quality piece will ensure it lasts for many years, regardless of how often it’s used. Explore the sofa collection by Living Home, where you’ll find a variety of stylish, durable, and comfortable options.


With easy-care fabrics such as washed linen, eco-friendly blends, and a range of soothing colors, you can spend less time worrying about upkeep and more time enjoying your space!

7. Conclusion

Cleaning your couch may seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach and knowledge, it can become a straightforward part of your routine. A clean couch not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your living space but also contributes to a healthier home environment by reducing allergens and germs. By following the steps outlined in this guide—removing debris, steam cleaning, disinfecting, and addressing specific fabric care—you can maintain your couch’s comfort and longevity. Remember that investing in high-quality furniture will further ensure its durability. With the right care, your couch can continue to serve as the cozy heart of your home for years to come. So, take a moment to prioritize its cleanliness, and enjoy all the comfort it brings!


If you want to buy our home furniture or couch for living room, you can check out more on our store

Aliving Home-A world of luxury furniture, where designand functionality unite.
Aliving Home-A world of luxury furniture, where designand functionality unite. 

The Author: Aliving Home

As an functional and aesthetic furniture company, we are passionate about transforming spaces into inspiring, functional, and aesthetically pleasing environments. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, we have honed our skills in both creative design and compelling storytelling. Our love for design extends beyond the visual elements; We strive to understand the unique stories and needs of our clients, capturing the essence of each project through our writing.

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