Microfiber is a tightly-woven and durable upholstery fabric, which is an ideal choice for many homeowners. Despite being stain resistant to some extent, a microfiber material attracts oils and dirt very quickly. Cleaning your microfiber couch regularly can help it last longer and smell fresh.
If you are looking for the process to clean your microfiber couch, here are 5 simple steps for you to follow. So, get your cleaning mode on and begin to bring back the original, spotless look of your cozy microfiber couch.
1. Prepare yourself with Supplies and Tools
While cleaning your couch yourself, you will need the following things handy to effectively do the job.
Supplies:
- Liquid dishwashing soap
- Water
- Rubbing alcohol
- Baking soda
- Dry cleaning solvent
Tools:
- A vacuum with an upholstery attachment
- Whisk
- Spray bottle
- Soft-bristled brush/sponge
- Two small buckets or large bowls
- Clean Microfiber cloth
2. Vacuum The Couch
You should begin your cleaning process by vacuuming every corner of the couch. Carefully cover the underside of the cushions and the stitched seams. Ensure that you use your vacuum with an upholstery attachment and proper suction.
Pre-vacuuming helps pick up all the loose dirt and dust particles lying on the surface. This will allow the further cleaning process to get easier.
Note: Before you move on to the next step, please read the instruction label provided with your microfiber couch.
This will state the right cleaning method specifically needed for your couch.
- Code W: Water-based cleaning
- Code S: Water-free solvent or dry cleaning
- Code W-S: Any of the water-based or dry-cleaning solvents
- Code X: No cleaning agents allowed (vacuuming or professional care)
3. Spot-Treat any Spills and Stains
When spills happen, blot them with paper towels as soon as possible. This will prevent them from seeping deeper into the fibers and causing permanent staining.
Once the spill is absorbed well, use the appropriate method for stain removal as per the cleaning type and stain.
Below is the spot treatment for water-based cleaning – Code W or W-S.
Food Spills:
Scrape the solids from the surface. Use diluted liquid dish soap to remove the regular food stains.
Greasy Stains:
Sprinkle cornstarch over the area and let it absorb the oil. Vacuum it once done.
Sticky Gums:
Take an ice bag and place it over the chewing gum to freeze and harden it. Once thickened, scrape it off with a dull knife and blot it clean with normal soapy water.
Refer to this for a complete stain removal guide.
4. Deep Clean your Couch
There are two basic ways you can thoroughly clean your microfiber couch.
One is through a liquid dish soap mixture – (Code W or Code W-S)
Another is through rubbing alcohol – (Code S)
Liquid Dish Soap and Water
Prepare a mixture of 4 cups of warm water and ¼th cup of liquid dishwashing soap in a bowl. Mix it with a whisk to form bubbles/suds. Take an appropriate amount of this mixture according to the area you want to deep clean.
Dip a soft brush or a sponge in this soapy froth and rub it gently on the fiber, moving from top to bottom. You can clean the brush with plain water as and when needed during cleaning and repeat the procedure for the entire couch or go section-wise.
Once clean, take a microfiber cloth dampened with plain water and wipe the couch thoroughly and let it dry.
Isopropyl (rubbing) Alcohol
Take a spray bottle and pour in the required amount of 90% rubbing alcohol and spray it over the couch surface.
Then, using a sponge or soft cloth slightly damp with plain water, clean the couch fabric to scrub away the soil.
You can keep rinsing (and wringing) the cloth with plain water in between the process and repeat the process until needed. Then, allow the couch to fully dry.
Alternatively, you can also use an enzyme-based cleaner. But remember to read product usage directions and pre-test before use.
5. Deodorize and Fluff
If your couch has some lingering odors from the stains or dirt, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the entire couch and let it in using a brush. Give it time to work overnight and vacuum the surface thoroughly thereafter.
Once your couch is clean, the process may have left the fibers matted. You can bring back its fluff by brushing the surface gently or vacuuming them again to revive its texture.
Hire Professionals for Deep Cleaning
The above steps and process will help you clean your microfiber couch for regular cleaning purposes recommended on a weekly basis.
However, if your couch is heavily soiled or it is difficult to handle the stains, you should hire professional upholstery cleaning services and let them effectively bring your microfiber couch to its pristine state.
