With some added hours of use in the last year, your couch may be looking a little grimier than normal. From spilt drinks and lazy pets to everyday wear and tear, your couch may need a little extra attention to get it looking its best. Here’s a simple HOMEMAKERS tested DIY fabric couch cleaning method to try for yourself.
Some upholstery should not get wet. Always check the manufacturer details before starting. If these are not available, do a spot test in a discreet spot before continuing.
What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Wet/Dry Vacuum
- Washing Machine
- Toothbrush
- Spray bottle
- 2 x microfibre cloths
Materials
- 1 Cup warm water or soda water
- ½ Cup (125ml) White Spirit Vinegar
- ½ Tablespoon (7,5ml) Dishwashing liquid
Instructions
Vacuum
Remove what you can from the couch and give it a good vacuum. Use the brush attachment to pick up the bulk of the debris and the nozzle attachment to clean down the sides and back. Repeat as necessary to make sure you get as much dust and dirt as possible.
Machine Wash
If you have removable cushion covers, remove the cushion inners and wash the covers on a gentle/delicate cycle in the washing machine. Zip the covers closed to avoid them getting tangled in the wash.
Once done you can hang them to dry. If you are worried about the covers drying out of shape, put them back on the cushion inners and leave to dry while you continue cleaning.
Tackle Stains
Mix water, white vinegar and dishwashing liquid together in the spray bottle.
Lightly spray stains and grimy spots such as arm rests with mixture and let sit for 5 – 10 minutes. Dampen cloth with mixture and gently wipe where you have sprayed.
Use a toothbrush to gently scrub stubborn stains.
Repeat as necessary. Do not oversaturate as this may damage wooden framework.
Wipe Down
Dampen second cloth with water only.
Pat/Wipe cleaned area to remove excess cleaning mixture.
Dry
Leave your couch to dry. Drying times vary from 3 hours to overnight depending on fabric, weather and how much cleaning was done.
Replace Cushions
If you haven’t done so already, put cushion covers back on and replace cushions on couch.
Vacuum
Do a final vacuum to help fluff up fabric and cushions. This can also be done after wipe down to help shorten dry time.
Optional Odour Removing / Dry Cleaning Tip:
Mix together equal parts Bicarbonate of Soda and Corn starch. Sprinkle over your couch and leave to sit for at least an hour. Vacuum clean. This should remove light stains and odours from your couch without having to get it wet.
