Residential Cleaning

How to Deep Clean a Couch: What Works (and What Doesn’t!)

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Deep cleaning a couch is vital for hygiene, longevity, and removing trapped smells. Most importantly, couches become home to dust, allergens, food crumbs, and body oil over time. Regular surface cleaning doesn’t effectively eliminate such stains and odors.

However, not all cleaning techniques may be safe and effective. Using the wrong products or techniques may lead to color fading, damage, or shrinkage of the fabric. Understanding how to deep clean a couch is essential, as it suits the couch fabric and its condition. 

Moreover, professional help, like Lazy Susans Cleaning, is a perfect choice for a couch deep cleaning service. We employ advanced techniques with eco-friendly cleaning products. 

If you don’t want professional help and think you can do it yourself, you’re at the right place. This weekend is the perfect time to roll up your sleeves and deep clean the lounge or couch. Let’s learn how to deep clean a couch at home. 

Understanding Couch Fabric Types 

Knowledge about different types of fabrics should be considered while choosing a couch for the best comfort, durability, and style. The popular options include cotton for a breathable and soft cloth, leather for a rich and luxurious look while providing easy cleaning, and microfiber, which is known for its low cost and excellent stain resistance. 

Linen and velvet can add that extra touch of elegance, but require more maintenance. Understanding how to deep clean a couch will help one select an ideal lifestyle.

What Do Upholstery Cleaning Codes Mean?

Upholstery cleaning codes dictate safe procedures for understanding how to deep clean a couch. 

  • W refers to cleaning with water-based cleaners.
  • S with solvent-based ones only.
  • WS with both water and solvent-based cleaners.
  • X means vacuum exclusively- no liquids! 

Always check first to avoid damage to a deep clean couch at home. 

Locate Your Couch’s Cleaning Code

The manufacturer’s tag is found below or under the couch. It contains the material and cleaning code. Check the brand’s website for care instructions or contact customer service if the tag is lost.

Guide Deep Clean Couch Service What Works

Deep clean couch service eliminates ingrained dirt, allergens, and stains using steam cleaning, shampooing, or dry cleaning methods. Professional cleaning will assess the type of fabric to apply the safest, most effective procedure that leaves the couch fresh and revived. Here’s how to deep clean a couch step-by-step:

Remove Cushion Covers

If you are wondering how to deep clean sofa, start by removing cushion covers. Make sure to take the cushion covers off. If they are detachable and specifically designed for machine washing, you might consider machine washing them. Always check the care label for cleaning instructions before you proceed.

Wash Cushion Covers

To maintain longevity, wash cushion covers with an eco-friendly detergent and air dry them to prevent shrinking while maintaining the fabric’s look.

Vacuum Thoroughly

Consider vacuuming the sofa entirely, including all its crevices, under any cushions to get rid of dust, crumbs, and pet hair. 

Deodorize with Baking Soda

Are you wondering how to clean a couch that smells? Sprinkle a little amount of baking soda on the couch and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes to absorb unpleasant smells. Then, the vacuum cleaner can remove the remnants and give the room a fresher aroma.

Spray Couch Fabric with Cleaner

Spray a mild stain remover for fabrics and lightly mist over the sofa surface. First, do a test patch on a discreet area to check if the cleaner damages or discolors the fabric.

Remove Stains With a Steam Cleaner

There are also ways to clean stains. Steaming effectively loosens up all the dirt that builds up over time. You can also gently blot with a clean cloth to remove the stain without damaging the fabric or upholstery.

Try a DIY Cleaner

Do you know how to deep clean sofa using natural cleaning agents? One of the effective DIY methods about how to clean a couch that smells is by preparing natural cleaning agents by mixing vinegar and water. Once these ingredients are mixed, add mild dish soap to avoid deep stains on the wall. Wash gently with a soft, dry cloth.

What Doesn’t Work

Some ineffective methods include harsh chemicals, excessive water, scrubbing too hard, damaging fabric, and even setting stains. Always avoid these to preserve your couch’s quality.

Removing Stubborn Stains

Specialized fabric cleaners and vinegar-baking soda mixtures may be helpful in removing particularly stubborn stains. Dab and do not rub, as this might cause further damage. That's how to deep clean sofa. 

Drying & Fluffing

Let it dry completely, as mold and mildew thrive in damp places. Fluff cushions with your hands or a fabric brush to restore their shape and soften them again.

How to Deep Clean a Leather Couch

How to deep clean a couch when it's made of leather? Leather requires specialized care to retain its softness and avoid cracking. Avoid harsh cleaners or products containing ammonia or bleach, as these can cause leather to dry or discolor. Instead, simply dust off your leather with a clean, soft cloth and wipe with a damp cloth. 

Condition the leather with a leather conditioner every 6-12 months, applying a small amount with a clean cloth in a circular motion and buffing off any excess. Another enemy of leather is direct sunlight and heat, which cause fading and dryness.

How To Remove Smell From A Couch

Smells are often created when food spills on the couch or even due to various pet accidents, such as urinating or vomiting. Sweat can also stick to it, and simply using a couch day in and day out without extra cleaning and deodorising will eventually create an unpleasant odor. 

How to clean a couch that smells? Sprinkle baking soda over the surface of a smelly couch for about 15 to 30 minutes, and vacuum it. For deeper odors, spray with a fabric-safe deodorizer or steam clean upholstery.

More Couch Cleaning Tips

Fabric couch deep cleaning tips:

  • Rotating and fluffing cushions should be done every other week to keep them shaped and evenly worn. 
  • Avoid placing your couch in direct sunlight, which fades the fabric. 
  • Use armrests and seat covers for additional protection.
  • Immediately spot-clean spills to prevent staining.

Need Help? Try Lazy Susans Cleaning!

Stubborn stains or unpleasant odors? Lazy Susans Cleaning Service in New York provides professional couch cleaning for tough stains and pet odors. We use gentle but very effective cleaning procedures customized to your couch fabric.

Relax and let us do the work. We cater to your convenience with flexible scheduling and reputable service all over New York City, making it easy to keep your couch fresh, clean, and cozy.

FAQs -  How to Deep Clean a Couch

How can I deep clean my couch at home?

To deep clean a couch at home, brush or vacuum to remove loose debris, then sprinkle baking soda to absorb odors and grime. Spot treat stains and consider steam cleaning for a deeper clean. Finally, let the couch air dry before use. 

How do you clean a fabric couch?

Remove and vacuum to clean a fabric couch. For spot cleaning, make a solution of warm water, dish soap, and vinegar and gently blot stains. If necessary, use a steam cleaner or an upholstery cleaning machine for deeper cleaning. Always test a small area first to ensure the cleaning solution doesn’t damage the fabric.

What is best for cleaning a sofa?

You can make a solution of 2 tablespoons of white vinegar, two tablespoons of gentle laundry detergent, and 2 cups of warm water. Rub the cleaner into the upholstery with a microfiber cleaning cloth. Then, air-dry.

How to remove sofa stains?

To effectively remove stains from a sofa, begin by blotting the stain with a clean cloth to prevent it from spreading. Then, depending on the fabric type and the nature of the stain, you can try a few different solutions. You may need to repeat the process or consider professional cleaning for tougher stains.

Wrap Up!

Regular vacuuming, spot cleaning, and fabric deodorizing will keep your couch looking and smelling its best. A little bit of preventive care can go a long way in enhancing comfort and appearance, that’s how to deep clean a couch. 

However, turning to the professionals at Lazy Susans Cleaning will allow for deep cleaning and stain removal and set you free to enjoy your restoration on the couch! Call us today for the care your couch deserves!

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