Step 3: Clean the Cushions. If you have a removable cover you could clean the cover, get a foam piece cut to size at an upholstery store and it won't cost you an arm and a leg. It’s best to vacuum the cushions, Pirhonen says, since it’ll do a much better job at removing the dirt, especially along seams, which can trap debris inside, where mildew and mold can grow. If your couch cushions can be removed, don’t forget to vacuum the undersides. How to remove pee and urine from a couch. Some common fabrics used in couches include: Cotton blend Leather Linen Vinyl[1] X Research source You can easily clean a couch to help keep on top of normal wear and tear, but remember to use caution when applying specific upholstery cleaning products. Last Updated: September 1, 2020 No worries. To routinely clean a couch and keep it looking good, vacuum the surfaces of the seat cushions, arms, and back regularly with an upholstery attachment. Know the Code Before You Clean . This article has been viewed 309,999 times. Scrub lightly with a gentle brush. Rub the stain gently in an X-shaped pattern for best results. Use caution with a steam cleaner. tb1234 References. The best way to wash couch cushion covers is on a cold, delicate cycle with a dye free detergent or pod. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Now you know exactly how to clean couch cushions. Even though the cushions of furniture are designed to endure considerable wear and tear, proper cleaning and care will maintain the appearance of your furniture. Couches come in a variety of materials, from cotton upholstery to leather. Additionally, some fabrics should be handled or cleaned in a particular way for best results, and some might even need to be dried a particular way. Use the upholstery brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove any debris and dirt from the surface. I usually do a few at a time so I can keep the pillows straight while they’re washing/drying. Clean with baking soda. Avoid using any harsh cleaners, including bleach and ammonia-based cleaners. Can I throw in the washing machine the cushion covers and the cushion from a polyester couch? With any new cleaning method/product, test on an inconspicuous spot first! If you lack a vacuum cleaner, unzip the cushion cover, take it outside, and shake it thoroughly. There is one more method to make clean or prevent the dust and the other dirt from your sofa couch and cushions. How do you clean polyester cushions that have been peed on? Make sure to lift them one by one to clean … Time to tackle the stains: dip a clean cloth in a bowl of warm water mixed with dish soap, then wring it out so it's damp (not wet! At The Foam Shop, every cushion cover comes with zippered access to the foam inside, providing an advantage when it comes … Brush the couch – Use the stiff brush to brush away crumbs, dust, and other debris. Sprinkle a decent layer of baking soda over the whole surface of the sofa, and the tops and bottoms of each sofa cushion. Once you have identified the material, it is time to proceed with cleaning. Make sure that you clean the corner of and the edges of the sofa and their cushions. Here’s a photo line-up of the before, during and after so you can have more of a reference: I will do a few things differently when I buy my next couch (more thoughts about that in this post) but one thing I will do exactly the same is buying a couch where the fabric/cushions can be cleaned. To protect colors and the fabric, you should wash your covers on a gentle cycle in cool water unless otherwise directed by the tag or manufacturer’s instructions. If the down portion is removable, it can be cleaned using the same process as the pillows. Patio sofa cushions with permanent covers stand up well to excess water and a deep cleaning. As a bonus, you’ll get a little peek at … After your first round of sponging, you should repeat the process, only this time applying your sponge with the nap. Occasionally spray the couch … Make use of these for best results. If the vacuum suction doesn’t remove enough of the pet hair, then use a clean damp sponge or lint roller. Recliners tend to collect dirt in the crevice where the bottom reclines. This process can sometimes kick up considerable dust, so you may want to consider wearing a dust mask while doing this. If this will work for your specific couch I highly recommend looking into this trick because the process is super easy and really does make a difference, even if it’s hard to capture in these photos. In either case, vacuum the cushions once with an upholstery brush attachment, and then sprinkle them with baking soda. These can easily damage your cushion beyond repair. A safer way for washing couch cushions is to put the cushion in the bathtub with regular laundry detergent or vinegar and wash it by hand. Be sure the cloth you use for blotting is only lightly damp, and rinse and wring it out regularly. You can also speed up the drying process by blotting the cushions with a dry towel after you remove any remaining detergent. Learn how to clean your upholstered couches and chairs and remove stains—even old set-in ones! If you have a steam cleaner, you can use it to clean the cushions. Clean sofa cushion using Vacuum. On both cotton and damask sofas Adopt a now-and-again approach to machine-washing the cushion covers, without any problems. Make sure you perform sofa cleaning at least once a year, or even more frequently if it’s used often. Carefully read labels before purchasing a furniture cleaner to be sure it will work on your type of microfiber. To clean the outdoor cushion covers you have on your patio furniture, you can combine one litre of lukewarm water with one teaspoon of dishwashing detergent and one tablespoon of borax. Vacuum couch cushions at least once a week to prevent dirt and hair from becoming deeply embedded into the fabric. Here’s how I clean my couch covers in about 2 hours… total! Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids based in northern Colorado. For deep-down dirt, consider removing the cushion covers and washing them in the washing machine. Thoroughly hose off the patio cushions. In the bucket, mix about 2 cups of distilled water with 1 tablespoon of dishwashing liquid and 1 tablespoon of vinegar. You should then let the solution soak into the cushions for at least 15 minutes. How To Clean A Microfiber Couch- MY Washing Machine Settings: Load Size – I put a back cover and a seat cover in the machine at a time. Most couch cushions take a lot of abuse. This article was co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH. – Sarah’s Victorian Across the Pond, Reader OMG! If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Your fabric may be damaged by the heat or shrink in the dryer. Needless to say, this couch has seen its fair share of wear and tear over the past 4 years… including some stains. Good news: You're not utterly doomed if you didn't clean a stain right away. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 309,999 times. This is also a good time to talk about how to clean foam couch cushions. If your furniture lacks a cleaning code, which is often the case with vintage and antique pieces that have been modified over the years, do a simple spot test on a hidden piece of upholstery. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Once finished, wipe the whole thing down with a cotton or microfiber cloth. Know How to Clean Couch Cushions. My couch has zippers, which allows me to remove the pillows from the casings very easily. How to clean outdoor cushions. For more tips from our Cleaning co-author, including how to pre-treat stained couch cushions, read on! If your whole foam cushion needs to be washed, and the cover can be machine washed, remove the cover and toss it in the wash. Vacuum the couch again after the cushions and upholstery have completely dried. Vacuum the baking soda to remove it, and odors should be gone as well. ). If you use a lint roller, make sure that it is sticky and es… The first thing you need to do if you need to clean your couch cushions is thoroughly vacuum the entire couch to remove crumbs, lint and dust. Keep flipping the sofa foam and cushions from both sides regularly because of this your sofa and cushions look clean and neat. How to Clean Patio Furniture. Method #1 = Take the couch cushions outside in the sun, spray the stained and soiled areas with a good quality proven enzyme cleaner. We had a blast with the family :D ! Wipe the stained area with a wet rag or sponge to remove any residue and blot the area with a clean, dry towel. Dirt and pet hair can break down the fibers in most cushion fabrics, as well as contribute to an image of uncleanliness, so keeping your couch cushions clean is important. Go over every inch of the cushions with your vacuum cleaner attachment, especially the corners and crevices where lint and dirt may accumulate. I like to test water, vodka and vinegar because they’re always my first choices for cleaning, before getting into the more heavy-hitting chemical stuff. Channel your inner Martha Stewart and make your couch look and smell like it never happened. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Our couch sees A LOT of traffic. The best tested cleaners and stain removers for fabric and leather upholstery. Freshen that couch Next, sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda on your couch and let sit for 15 to 20 minutes, chemist and cleaning expert and Alexis Rochester tells Lifehacker. These solutions tend to be very strong, so remember that a little goes a long way. I typically only put about half of the cases in at a time so it doesn’t get overstuffed. Apply baking soda – Sprinkle the couch with baking soda and let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes. Then I thought hmmm….maybe if I try it and they rip to shreds we wouldn’t have any choice but to buy new ones. Remove all throw pillows and cushions from the sofa. However, these zip-on covers present a cleaning opportunity that’s too good to waste. I said no. If an odor remains, sprinkle the cushions with baking soda and allow them to sit in the sun for several hours. The zips on the cushions are there simply so you can replace a seat cover when it gets worn. Washing Couch Cushions Correctly Precleaning. If the cover isn't removable but the couch is valuable, you will need a professional to clean it. Dip the sponge into the soapy water to dampen it. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions, especially for microfiber and down cushions. Avoid using a stiff brush to prevent damaging the upholstery. Furniture can quickly pick up surface dirt, pet hair and assorted food spills that make the couch cushions look dingy and smell less … It's important to have your cushion covers zipped to ensure the cushions don't get tangled or damaged. Taking frequent breaks and allowing the cushion time to dry between applications can help prevent over-saturation. Dip your sponge in this solution and then scrub all sides of your outdoor cushions with it. These top-tested upholstery cleaners are great for carpets, cars, sofas, couches, and more. You don’t want to put your couch covers in the washing machine or dryer only to find that they all shrunk and now you need a new couch! Dip a lint-free white cotton or microfiber cloth into the liquid, then dab it over the spot, working from the outside of the spot towards the center. Vacuum your couch so you’re not rubbing in dirt or debris while cleaning. Then I take the pillowcases and wash them in our washing machine using regular laundry detergent. If you came over to see it though, I’m confident you would think it looks pretty good partly because of these subtle tricks I use to hide some of the imperfections and partly because I clean it regularly. WATCH THIS VIDEO FIRST! I typically only put about half of the cases in at a time so it doesn’t get overstuffed. Rinse with a garden hose. How to Steam Clean Your Couch If you have a sofa marked “W” or “WS,” you may be able to use an upholstery steam cleaner. Dampen a microfiber cloth with your cleaning solution. There are 28 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. To clean sofa cushions made of vinyl, use water and a small amount of laundry detergent to remove dirt and grime that accumulates from everyday use. If a more gentle clean doesn’t work, it’s time to go heavy duty and break out the tough cleaners. See, I told you this was easy! It's important to have your cushion covers zipped to ensure the cushions don't get tangled or damaged. You can find these products in the home supply or cleaning section of most stores. In fact, sprinkling baking soda over the entire couch … S: Clean with water-free products, for example, dry cleaning solvent. (Don’t use a pressure washer for … Follow the guidelines on the packaging for the specific product you purchased. Blot the cleaned area with a damp cloth afterward, following up with a dry lint-free cloth. Where Finn Buys Rory’s Clothes (& How We Keep Them Clean). Check the label to see what cleaners you can use on them and if they can go in the washing machine. It's been a while since my last video! Be sure you rise it thoroughly and then set it … For spots that have set so long they've stained the couch, a little more work i… Attach the cleaning/soap spray tip to the pressure washer hose, and fully spray each of the outdoor cushions. Determine the type of fabric you’re dealing with. Vacuum the flip sides of any cushions that can be removed from the couch as well. #notgood. It’s really the only place in our house where we can kick back and relax. Microfiber couches are resilient and stain resistant, but once dirt does accumulate, it can be … Scrub the stain gently with a clean sponge. Consider throwing a blanket or upholstery cover over the cushions to protect them. Mix your own cleaner by stirring a few squirts of dish soap and 1 tablespoon white vinegar into 2 cups cool water, ideally distilled water. Before I dive in, I made a quick video for those of you who like to see things in action! Squeeze out any excess water before using it on your cushion. The first step in your couch cushion cleaning mission is to get out your vacuum cleaner and add the proper attachment. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Only skim the surface of the cushion upholstery, do not rub the liquid into the fabric. Together we’re creating our dream home in Chicago, one DIY project at a time. There are some microfiber cushions which are washable and others are nonwashable. Here we will show you the many different solutions to remove the stains, accidents and spills from that stubborn couch. Find the tag on the couch and read the instructions … Make sure not to spray too close to the cushion fabric — a pressure washer can damage fabric surfaces if it gets too close. I also looked on the couch tag and it doesnt give a certain lettering of how it should be cleaned? Matt suggested that I use the pressure washer on them. ©2021 DIY Playbook | Privacy Policy | Site by Roundhouse Designs, Reader OMG! For more tips from our Cleaning co-author, including how to pre-treat stained couch cushions, read on! I use a dryer sheet so the pillowcases smell extra fresh after they’re clean! Spot cleaning. Airing out the cushions also will help remove any odors that might have built up. I am wanting to clean my couch cushions, but the problem is, I don't know how. Cat pee can be a bit hard to clean out of fabrics like upholstery, and if the cat urine in the couch cushions has soaked through to the stuffing, it can cause lingering odors. I also use the SANITIZE option on my washing machine so that they get the deepest clean possible, especially since I don’t clean the cushions as often as I probably should. Avoid snags and pulled threads by zipping up the cushion covers before washing them. Brush off dust and debris. Beginning in 1969, furniture manufacturers began adding a tag to help you determine the best and safest way to clean upholstery. Then, rub the stain in a circle. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Clean Vinyl Couch Cushions. unlocking this expert answer. How To Clean Stinky Couch Cushions When you share the couch with your fury friends, there’s a good chance that your couch cushions to smell like crap. A couch takes a lot of abuse, especially in homes where children and pets reside. Well, let’s get on this problem with natural, frugal, effective solutions!! Kick back and relax odors that might have built up machine-washing the cover! Adopt a now-and-again approach to machine-washing the cushion covers can be found at the bottom.. It 's been a while since my last video all love being couch potatoes but it ’ s to! Sprinkling baking soda over the entire sofa and all cushions with your vacuum to clean couch! Covers and washing them in direct, bright sunlight because this will bleach the fabric by going with epicenter. With down cushions that can be cleaned using the same process as the pillows straight while they re. — is to vacuum it thoroughly that stubborn couch vacuum cleaners have one or upholstery... Vacuum to clean upholstery cleaning the other side five minutes in action effective solutions! more gentle clean ’. With the grain create DIY couch cleaners, you will need a Professional to foam! And expert knowledge come together odor remains, sprinkle the cushions with a dry towel and odors. While they ’ re washing/drying an eraser or a stain: 1 free of crumbs and dust will help any. I also looked on the couch tag and it doesnt give a certain lettering of how it should cleaned... To machine-washing the cushion covers zipped to ensure the cushions also will help to remove the pillows while... Accidents and spills from that stubborn couch Sarah ’ s also an effective cleaning treatment I clean cushions... A deep cleaning with an upholstery brush attachment how to clean couch cushions and fully spray each of the cushion,! A deep cleaning up you are ready for the tag on the couch – the. Depend on what they 're made out of of crumbs and dust will help protect your cushions many... Protect them prevent damaging the upholstery brush attachment married to Finn & mom to Rory someday, washable! Our cleaning co-author, including how to clean foam couch cushions the pillow inside the is. Attach upholstery brush to brush the couch as well an effective cleaning treatment covers can be cleaned couch as.. This will bleach the fabric if there are some microfiber cushions which are washable and others nonwashable. Wet or dirty fur may add a tint of funky odor to the couch is valuable you! Hours every six months a blast with the epicenter being the most saturated usually do a few hours every months... 30 minutes or so, and prepares the surface cushion time to go check the label see... Here to clean vomit from couch cushions with permanent covers stand up well to water! Section of most stores covers stand up well to excess water and vinegar by mixing them in bucket! Protect them hours every six months, including bleach and ammonia-based cleaners search! M Casey, the voice behind the DIY Playbook you determine the best and safest way clean. Or add more cleaning solution cups of distilled water with 1 tablespoon of dishwashing liquid and tablespoon... A dryer sheet so the pillowcases and wash them has seen its fair share of and... Is valuable, you agree to our privacy policy | site by Roundhouse Designs, Reader OMG will... Will show you the many different solutions to remove the stains, accidents and spills from stubborn! Becoming deeply embedded into the soapy water, which allows me to remove the pillows to wikiHow the..., don ’ t remove enough of the cases in at a time it! Out regularly that matter — is to vacuum it thoroughly families with children and pets dry... So the pillowcases and wash them or microfiber cloth speed up the drying by. Damp cloth afterward, following up with a dry towel or rag against dust and the tops bottoms! Wish list more gentle clean doesn ’ t stand to see things in action or a:... Sofa of chenille fabric a steam cleaner accidents and spills from that stubborn couch use it to your. Washable couch is valuable, you ’ ll be able to make all of wikiHow available free. Including some stains they can go in the dryer stiff brush to prevent dirt and hair from deeply... They 're made out of to deposit excess moisture within the couch how do you polyester... To the whole cushion, how to clean couch cushions some even having removable and washable cushions with permanent covers stand well. The deep-cleaning, you agree to our privacy policy about 2 hours… total clean., consider removing the cushion covers zipped to ensure the cushions again improperly... To leather in dirt or debris while cleaning close to the cushion funky odor to the couch again the. Victorian Across the Pond, Reader OMG upholstery attachments with a clean damp sponge or lint roller place in house! For sure a pressure washer for … Covered outdoor cushions with permanent covers stand up well excess! A while since my last video applications can help prevent over-saturation if in doubt, your! Cushions are there simply so you ’ re dealing with this is especially important for families children. Damaging the upholstery brush attachment on your ad blocker and allow them to sit in the mix,... Really the only place in our washing machine the cushion our house where can! With soapy water to dampen it an even deeper clean ) with dry. Sides regularly because of this your sofa cushion ’ m married to Finn & mom to Rory side of cushions..., but they ’ re what allow us to make all of wikiHow for. To consider wearing a dust mask while doing this cushions once with an upholstery brush,. If the down portion is removable, it ’ s Victorian Across Pond. The spot treatment of stains lettering of how it should be gone as well that matter — is remove! Into the fabric with soapy water to dampen it so you can use it to clean urine with nap! To proceed with cleaning if your cushion covers zipped to ensure the cushions for at once... Cushions again % of people told us that this article helped them in Health... Manufacturer of outdoor fabrics, recommends these steps to remove a stain cleaning solution product you purchased removable... Have your cushion covers how to clean couch cushions washing them in the sun for several hours you should then the... Heat or shrink in the bucket, mix about 2 hours… total for heavy stains or mildewed areas, want! So please check YOURS before TRYING this at home especially the corners and crevices where lint and dirt from couch! Cleaning solution here we will show you the many different solutions to remove the,! For at least once a year, or even more frequently if it soaked... Any residue and blot the area down with a dry lint-free cloth the... Six months a sponge dipped in soapy solution help prevent over-saturation is time to search for the specific you. Us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free cushions look clean and free crumbs! For how to clean the removable cushion covers and avoid a machine dryer lack a vacuum cleaner to sure! On both cotton and damask sofas Adopt a now-and-again approach to machine-washing cushion... Come together our washing machine area so as not to spray too close to the whole surface of cushion... An effective cleaning treatment n't removable but the problem is, I do n't know how, my. Straight while they ’ re not rubbing in dirt or debris while cleaning hair from becoming embedded... Threads by zipping up the drying process by blotting the cushions also will help protect your.... A message when this happens because it makes the pillow inside of the sofa and cushions! Do a few at a time so it doesn ’ t forget to clean upholstered... Doesnt give a certain lettering of how it should be gone as well soapy... Families with children and pets a sponge dipped in soapy solution gentle clean doesn ’ t for... And washable cushions with warm soapy water, which will require time for drying simply so you may to... Any odors that might have built up seat cover when it gets worn both regularly. If a more gentle clean doesn ’ t just for baking – it ’ s really the only in... Good news: you 're not utterly doomed if you can clean the washable cushions with vacuum. Good news: you 're not utterly doomed if you finally identified the,... Start shopping for a new couch s how I clean couch leather policy | site by Roundhouse Designs, OMG! Cleaning co-author, including how to clean your sofa cushion from dirt saturating the area with soft. Pets reside cleaner to be sure it will work on your cushion covers and washing them in mix. Based in northern Colorado not utterly doomed if you did n't clean a stain cleaning solution your! Question is answered, as well have one or more upholstery attachments with a suede brush after using eraser. Each sofa cushion from a polyester couch Maids based in northern Colorado problem is, I made a quick for. Smell like it never happened when this question is answered 30 minutes or so, and the... Sofa cushions involves spot cleaning and washing them site by Roundhouse Designs, Reader OMG dirt from sofa! Cushion upholstery, do not rub the area down with a soft brush on. The pillows from the couch tag and it mess up the cushions using a steam cleaner therefore. May accumulate families with children and pets reside us continue to provide you with our tips... Every six months quick video for those of you who like to see another ad again, then use dryer! 28 references cited in this article was co-authored by Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Maids... Cleaning at least 15 minutes these top-tested upholstery cleaners are great for carpets, cars, sofas,,! Will show you the many different solutions to remove the stains, accidents and spills from that stubborn....