Couches are central pieces of furniture in most homes, whether they’re used for family movie nights or entertaining guests. Because of this, we often get questions about how to keep them clean and odor-free. Upholstery cleaning can be approached in various ways, using everything from at-home remedies to specialized vacuums and spot cleaners. The key is to first assess your situation. Does your couch have stains? Is it a regular lounging spot for pets? Are meals often eaten on it? These factors can help determine the level of cleaning required.

Let’s start with a simple scenario: a couch that isn’t visibly dirty but hasn’t been cleaned since it was first delivered, has a faint but uninviting odor, or was thrifted or bought used. If this sounds like your situation, you have a few options:

Option 1: Use a damp towel soaked with water with either a teaspoon of laundry detergent or dish soap. Wipe down the entire couch and then use a dry towel to remove any excess water then allow it to dry. You can repeat this process multiple times if needed to remove additional dirt and grime.

Option 2: Consider using a steam cleaner. This method uses steam to clean the furniture, effectively lifting dirt and odors. There are many options available, so we recommend doing some research to find one that fits your needs and budget. After using the steam cleaner, use a dry towel to remove excess water, and repeat as necessary.

When it comes to spills, especially food or drink that leaves marks and odors, the key is to act quickly. Remove and wipe away the food or drink as fast as possible to minimize the amount that soaks into the fabric. While this guide doesn’t focus on stain removal, a quick tip for stain-causing substances like wine is to use baking powder to soak it up quickly before it sets into the fabric. Afterward, soap and water can be used to remove any remaining residue. If a stain persists, additional solutions such as OxiClean may do the trick.

Finally, for a deeper clean, you might consider using an upholstery vacuum. These vacuums are specially designed to tackle tough stains and often double as carpet cleaners. When using these, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and review the cleaning chemicals included to ensure they meet your standards and are safe for your furniture.

The Spotless Team