How to Clean a Microfiber Couch?

semorh • May 28, 2021 • Cleaning Tips , Do It Yourself

No fabric can withstand the daily grime of households like microfiber and that is why homes with little brats and four-legged buddies often prefer microfiber sofas. Not just durable but this fabric is much more resilient too. The extensive varieties, rich-look and reasonable price also make it a preferable choice. Though microfiber is resistant to dirt and dust, it is not completely safe.

Proper cleaning with the right materials can help the sofa retain its beauty, smell fresh, and last for a long time.

Here are some expert tips that might come in handy to clean your microfiber sofa:

First, let’s know how often there is a need to clean a microfiber sofa?

Why not maintain the condition of the couch by cleaning it regularly? After all, it’s not a Herculean task, just a regular vacuum will keep your microfiber couch fresh and clean.

Before the dust and dirt get settled deep into the fabric, vacuum the sofa at least on a weekly basis to get rid of the daily grime. If you have pets or kids at home then regular cleaning is more than essential.

Make sure if you notice any stains or spills on the sofa, treat it immediately before the stains turn stubborn and hard to remove.

Perform deep cleaning monthly if the sofa receives heavy use (especially from kids and pets).

Before you jump into the cleaning task, make sure to follow guidelines:

Understand the cleaning code

Usually, microfiber sofas come with a fabric care tag that helps you in understanding which cleaning method can be followed:

W – Code W means the microfiber couch must be cleaned using water-based cleaning solutions.

S – Code S means the fabric should be dry cleaned. In case of stains or spots, it should be cleaned using solvent-based cleaners. Make sure when you use solvents for cleaning, the room is well ventilated and the sofa is away from heat or flames.

SW or WS – This means your microfiber sofa can either be cleaned using water-based solutions or any solvent-based cleaner.

X – When you see the X tag on the fabric, avoid using any sort of chemicals or solvent for cleaning. Simply use a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush to clean the sofa. If you notice stains or stubborn spots, better call a professional for a cleaning service.

If you do not see any cleaning code on the sofa then you can go for solvent-based cleaning products.

Let’s move forward with the microfiber couch cleaning methods:

For W or WS cleaning code microfiber couches:

Start with vacuuming

Let it be fabric with any cleaning code, vacuum is the first step. Begin your sofa cleaning session with vacuuming. From crevices to stitched seams, make sure you vacuum and clean every fabric surface where the dust is clearly seen and also where it can be hidden.

Prepare a cleaning solution

Here is a soapy cleaning solution that you can create to get rid of dirt, dust, and stains from microfiber sofas.

Take 4 cups of warm water either in a large bowl or in a bucket.
Add ¼ cup of liquid dishwashing soap to the warm water and mix it well.
You can use a whisk to create a soapy lather.
Take another bucket and fill it with clean, plain water.

How to use the solution

Take a sponge or soft scrubbing brush and gently dip it into the soapy solution.
Start scrubbing the couch with the lather. You can begin with the back of the couch, cushion, or arms of the sofa. It is better to start from the top as it will avoid the dirty soap lather from spreading into the clean couch areas.
Use just a small amount of soapy solution and then brush gently on the stains.
After every stroke of cleaning, make sure you clean the brush or sponge by dipping it in the bucket of clean water. Frequently rinse the brush and make it dry as much as possible.
Repeat the cleaning process if required.

Tip – If the cushion covers are removable, remove them, gently clean them in cold water and hang and dry the covers.

Fluff up the fabric

Usually, after the cleaning process, the microfiber couch tends to become stiff. You can notice it when you touch it. To avoid this, after cleaning the sofa, dampen a clean microfiber cloth in plain water and gently wipe the soaked cloth over the couch area. Once done, let the fabric air dry. You can also use a vacuum or blow dryer to fluff the fiber and retain its original soft texture.

For S or no cleaning code microfiber couches:

First start with vacuuming

As mentioned earlier no matter what is the cleaning code, always start cleaning your microfiber couch by vacuuming.

Clean using rubbing alcohol

In a spray bottle pour some rubbing alcohol.
Gently spritz the solution onto the fabric. Start from at the top of a cushion or couch section.
If you are using any commercial alcohol product, read the directions and then use it accordingly.
Once the fabric becomes damp, take a sponge or a soft brush and scrub it on the sofa to remove the soil or the dust settled.
Keep plain, clean water ready to rinse the sponge or the brush at regular intervals while cleaning.
Wring the sponge as much as possible to remove the soil as well as excess moisture and then continue with the cleaning.
Repeat the process, if required.
To fluff any matted fibers, air dry the fabric. You can also continue drying it thoroughly with the help of a vacuum.

Additional tip

How to remove oil or grease stains?

Cornstarch is a good DIY solution to remove the stubborn grease stains from the microfiber sofa. Sprinkle some cornstarch on the stained area and with an old toothbrush or soft-bristled brush gently scrub over it. Allow it to settle and leave the cornstarch at least for an hour and then vacuum the powder away. Repeat the process, if required.

How to remove the odor?

Just sprinkle some baking soda on the entire sofa, scrub it gently with a soft-bristled brush. Vacuum it away, next day. The odor must have vanished.

So now that you know easy hacks to clean your microfiber couch, sure this will help to keep it looking its best.