If you are looking for the best way to clean a couch or sofa, try a natural fabric cleaner first. In some instances, you may need to resort to a stronger cleaner and carpet extractor if the stains you’re working with are stubborn.
Here are effective ways for sanitizing and removing odors from a used couch or sofa without store-bought cleaners.
What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Vacuum
- Bristle brush
Materials
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Castille soap
- Warm water
- Bug spray (Optional)
- Disinfectant wipes (Optional)
Instructions
Vacuum the Couch
The first step is to vacuum up all the loose crumbs, dirt, and fur from the upholstery. Keep an eye out for bug droppings or other signs of pests. You’ll want to get the vacuum into every cranny possible and might need to go over the couch multiple times.
Disinfect and Wipe Down
You may want to make a natural upholstery cleaner for spot removal. You can also use a store-bought cleaner. Just make sure to test a small patch of fabric first.
Next, wipe down any non-upholstery sections with a reliable disinfectant. Make sure the wipes or spray you choose doesn’t have bleach as an ingredient because this can damage the wood or other non-fabric parts of your sofa. Test a small spot first if you’re unsure. Don’t worry about disinfecting the fabric at this point. The cleaning process will do that.
Bug Spray (Optional)
If you got the couch second-hand, you might consider spraying the surface down with bug spray before you bring the piece into your home. Bugs and unwanted pests can make a home in old couches and furniture without being seen by the naked eye.
Spray the nooks and crannies with an all-purpose bug spray that will work to repel and kill pests such as bed bugs, fleas, ticks, and mites. Leave the couch in a well-ventilated area outside your home for 24 hours.
WARNING: If you have pets, make sure the bug spray is pet-friendly.
Remove Odors
Many odors in couches are caused by bacteria and excessive moisture. Baking soda will work to combat both issues. First, however, make sure you test a small piece of upholstery to make sure the baking soda won’t lighten the fabric.
Next, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on all sections of a couch. Use a bristle brush to spread out the baking soda in an even layer on every upholstered surface. Let the baking soda sit for a few hours without being disturbed, then vacuum it up.
Remove Stains
If your couch still smells after the baking soda bath, spray down the surface with a mixture of white vinegar and water. Once the solution dries, the vinegar smell will dissipate and so should any other scent.
Before you attempt any stain removing on your couch, figure out the type of fabric it is. Some sofas are made with upholstery that is so fragile that it shouldn’t get wet. Others, such as leather or synthetic upholstery, may need special consideration as well—find the tag for more insight.
Most fabric upholstery should do fine with the following cleaning mixture:
Vinegar and Soap Solution: Mix one cup warm water, 1/4 cup of white vinegar, and a tablespoon of Castile soap. If you don’t have Castile soap, use mild dish detergent. Put the mixture inside a spray bottle or a bowl.
Spray or brush on the solution to any stained areas. Use a soft-bristled brush or cloth to work the solution in and then blot the stain with a clean, dampened cloth. Try not to oversaturate the area.
Tips to Keep Your Couch Clean Longer
- Vacuum regularly: Use the brush and crevice device on the vacuum cleaner to vacuum the couch once a week.
- Lint roll: Use a lint roller to remove pet hair from the upholstery.
- Cover it up: Considering using blankets, throw and specially made couch protectors to stop body oil, perspiration and other fluids from getting on the couch.
Removing Stains From a Couch
Removing stains can be a trial-and-error process. If you’re having a lot of trouble, consider renting a carpet extractor and use a high-quality upholstery cleaner that is suitable for your couch. If you want to continue with some more homemade remedies, give these a try:
- Crayon: If your item has any crayon stains on it, use a rag to rub some WD40 on the stain.
- Ink: For ink stains, saturate a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and gently rub on the area.
- Rust: A solution of lemon juice and salt, mild dish soap, and ammonia can help you remove rust stains from furniture.