Updated: Mar. 16, 2023
You'll be shocked by how well this staple item cleans tough stains.
Microfiber couches are a cheap alternative to suede or leather, and the soft texture makes a comfy, cozy place to snuggle up. The only downside? Soap and water will ruin most, making them tricky to clean. So what couch cleaner should you use? Thankfully, there’s a simple yet effective solution.
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How to clean a couch made of microfiber
Before cleaning your microfiber couch, make sure to check for a care instruction tag on your sofa. If it says “W” that means that the fabric is water safe, “S” means that you should use dry cleaning solvent to clean, “SW” means that your couch is both water and solvent safe, and “X” means dry brush only. This solution works on couches that are marked “W,” “S,” and “SW.” But, before you start cleaning, make sure to test it on a part of the couch that is hidden or up against a wall.
Rubbing alcohol has tons of uses, and is the secret ingredient for cleaning stains on microfiber couches, according to HGTV. Using a spray bottle, spritz, spritz, spritz the rubbing alcohol until the stain is saturated. Then use a light-colored sponge to rub away the dirt. Voila! Filthy marks gone.
The rubbing alcohol won’t leave water stains, but it will change the couch color and make the seat feel a bit hard—but not for long. Just use a bristle brush to fluff the area in a circular motion once the rubbing alcohol has dried, and your couch will look as good as new.
Elnur/ShutterstockHow is cleaning a microfiber couch different from cleaning couches of other materials?
Learning how to clean a couch made out of microfiber is slightly different than learning how to clean a couch made out of different upholstery material. Typically, people use a water-based cleaner when cleaning their sofa, but if you use a water-based cleaner on microfiber (unless its tag is marked with a “W”) it will leave behind a ring or water stain and can make the microfiber cushion look worse than when you started.
FAQs
Rubbing alcohol has tons of uses, and is the secret ingredient for cleaning stains on microfiber couches, according to HGTV. Using a spray bottle, spritz, spritz, spritz the rubbing alcohol until the stain is saturated. Then use a light-colored sponge to rub away the dirt.
Can you use Dawn to clean a microfiber couch? ›
You'll clean your microfiber couch using a frothy bath made from 1/2 cup liquid dish soap and 2 cups of warm water. Whisk liquid soap into a foamy lather and apply it to the sofa using a soft-bristled brush. Vacuum your couch.
Can I use vinegar to clean microfiber furniture? ›
Can you clean a microfiber couch with vinegar? Yes. Clean microfiber couches labeled S/W that are heavily stained by filling a spray bottle with water, a capful of vinegar, and a teaspoon of baking soda. Blot the solution on stains with a clean, white cloth and let dry.
What is the cleaning code for a microfiber couch? ›
Verify the Fabric Care
Each tag is required to carry a code that indicates how the fabric must be cleaned. "W" indicates that only a water-based cleaner has to be used on the fabric. "S" requires solvent-based cleaners only. "S-W" means either water-based or solvent-based cleaner is fine for use.
How to clean a microfiber couch that smells like a dog? ›
Microfiber Cleaning Methods
Pour a generous amount of baking soda on your couch and allow it to sit for 24 hours. Vacuum up the baking soda the next day for a fresher couch. If you have carpeted floors, vacuum excess baking soda from the surrounding area. The baking soda absorbs odors in carpets as well as upholstery.
How do you spot clean a microfiber sofa without leaving water marks? ›
How to clean it:
- First, pour your rubbing alcohol into a spray bottle so you can evenly distribute it over the stain without risking watermarks. ...
- Use a clean washcloth to rub the stain in gentle circular motions until the spot disappears.
Here's an effective and inexpensive way to clean microfiber couch. Combine hydrogen peroxide and dish soap! The exact amounts are not listed, but it's worth a try!
What detergent to use for microfiber? ›
For a simple alternative get a washing machine detergent that is clear and free of additives like Tide Free & Gentle that is free of dyes and perfumes.
Can I use dish soap on microfiber? ›
Never use dish soap to wash microfiber towels. Even your everyday laundry detergent can be too harsh for these delicate towels, containing fragrances and other chemicals that could damage the fibers.
Is vinegar safe for microfiber? ›
To wash a microfiber towel, it is essential to know that you can replace the washing detergent with vinegar. Vinegar is beneficial and helps maintain the shape and the quality of the fabric of your microfiber towel.
For deep cleaning a microfiber sofa, chair, or other furniture we recommend a machine such as the Bissell Little Green Multi-Purpose Compact Deep Cleaner with its spray cleaner and strong suction. For best results, clean spills as soon as possible after they happen.
How to tell if a couch is microfiber? ›
Locate the manufacturer's fabric care tag and double-check your couch's fabric. Microfiber is polyester, so it should have a tag that says “S” for solvent.
Can you use carpet cleaner on a microfiber couch? ›
How to Clean a Microfiber Couch With Rubbing Alcohol. If the care tag shows an "S," it must be cleaned with a solvent like rubbing alcohol, dry cleaning solvent, or a solvent-based upholstery or carpet cleaner.
Can you use Windex on microfiber? ›
Lint-free cotton cloths, microfiber towels, untreated paper towels, newspaper or old, clean cloth diapers work great.Be sure to use enough Windex® product to remove all the dirt and change cleaning towels as they become soiled.
Can I use Windex on microfiber couch? ›
The main reason Windex is an effective product for cleaning your microfiber is because it contains solvents. Most microfiber materials require a solvent-based cleaner rather than the standard soap and water. On top of this, the fabric is tough enough to withstand some serious scrubbing!
