How to clean a couch: A guide for fabrics, stains & smells

For many homes, the sofa is the centerpiece of the living room. We watch movies, read, lounge, nap and even eat on these beloved pieces, which means it’s not long before they need freshening up. Whether you do the crumb-swipe a little too often or have a dreaded red wine spill or a fur baby who claims your furniture as their own king-size bed, you need our guide on how to clean a couch!

How to deep clean a couch (all fabric types)

Couches (as well as sofas and loveseats, for that matter) come in a wide variety of materials, and each has unique cleaning instructions. The essential steps below should work for most pieces, but keep reading for specific fabric types. 

Before you get started, you should first check the care tag for clear cleaning recommendations. You can usually find it beneath the cushions or in the materials that came with the item.

Step 1: Gather cleaning materials

Aside from anything mentioned in your sofa’s care instructions, you’ll need these items to knock out your couch cleaning duties:

• Vacuum (handheld or with attachment)
• Lint roller
• Distilled white vinegar
• Dish soap
• Water
• Empty spray bottle
• Rag 
• Fan
• Baking soda

Step 2: Remove cushions

Start by lifting any part of the furniture that can be removed, including cushions and backrests. If their covers can be removed, launder them according to care instructions or as you would with similar towels or bedding. If you can’t launder them, use a rug beater or shake them to get loose dirt out.

Step 3: Vacuum out dirt

Using an attachment or hand vacuum on a low setting, remove any dirt, crumbs or other clutter that may have fallen beneath the cushions. Take extra care around corners or between attached cushions. Then, run the vacuum over any remaining fabric you can’t remove.

Step 4: Deodorize with baking soda

Sprinkle a light coating of baking soda over every surface and let it sit for half an hour. Vacuum again to remove odors and any remaining dirt you may have missed.

Step 5: Clean non-upholstered areas

For legs, frames, decorative elements or other non-upholstered surfaces, use an appropriate cleaning solution such as a wood cleaner or mix your own general household cleaner. Combine a 1:3 solution of distilled white vinegar and cool water with a quick squeeze of dish soap. Spray the solution or dab a rag into it and wipe down any hard surfaces.

Step 6: Check cleaning code

For cushions you don’t launder and fabric that can’t be removed, check the care tag for one of these codes:

• “W” (water): Clean using a water-based solution only
• “S” (solvent): Clean with a solvent-based solution only
• “WS” or “SW”: Safe to clean with water- and solvent-based solutions
• “X” (vacuum only): Not safe to clean with any liquid solution

To keep your furniture looking great, you should only wash your couch according to the cleaning code found on the tag.

Step 7: Clean fabric according to cleaning code

Cleaning solutions can be sprayed on or rubbed in with a sponge or washcloth. Try to use just enough to dampen the fabric without soaking it. If you’re using a store-bought cleaner approved for your fabric type, follow the directions on the bottle. 

You can also make simple cleaning solutions from basic household items. 

• “W” solution: Combine a few drops of dish soap with a cup of warm water. 
• “S” solution: Use a household solvent like distilled white vinegar or rubbing alcohol. 
• “WS” or “SW” solution: Dilute distilled white vinegar in warm water at a 1:3 ratio and add a few drops of dish soap or castile soap.

For couches marked with the “X” code, avoid using any chemical cleaner and be sure to vacuum and brush-clean only. To remove stains or deep clean, consider contacting a professional cleaning company.

Step 8: Dry thoroughly

For laundered covers, machine dry or hang dry according to their care instructions. For everything else, let it air dry completely before replacing cushions, pillows or throw blankets. Keep your ceiling fan on and position a stationary fan or two around the couch to speed up the process.

How to get stains out of couch fabrics

Stained furniture can offset even the most thoughtfully designed living room. To effectively remove stains from a sofa, you need to figure out what type of fabric it’s made of. The care tag should tell you the type of fiber, but if not, try to locate paperwork from the purchase or look it up online.

And, as mentioned earlier, no matter what material your sofa is made of, always check the care tag first to see official cleaning recommendations.

How to clean a fabric couch

Many fabric couches can typically be cleaned using a general-purpose water-based cleaner. Combine distilled white vinegar with water at a 1:3 ratio with about one to two squeezes of dish soap or castile soap—about a tablespoon per cup.

However, if your sofa is made of a fabric with an “S” cleaning code like rayon, wool, cotton or linen, you’ll need a solvent-based stain remover, dry cleaning solution or household solvent like isopropyl alcohol.

How to clean a microfiber couch

Microfiber is typically given an “S” cleaning code, which means you should avoid water-based cleaners. Instead, use a solvent like rubbing alcohol. Dampen a sponge or rag with isopropyl alcohol and dab the stain gently. Allow to air dry, which should be relatively quick for alcohol.

How to clean a suede couch

Suede also requires a solvent-based cleaning solution. Apply isopropyl alcohol or distilled white vinegar to a rag or sponge and blot the stained area. Allow to air dry, and repeat if needed. For regular upkeep, consider spraying with a protectant and using a suede brush in between deep cleanings.

How to clean a leather couch

Leather can be spot-cleaned with isopropyl alcohol or a 1:1 mixture of distilled white vinegar and water. Spray the stain with the vinegar solution or dampen a sponge or rag with alcohol, and gently dab the stain. Let it air dry and reassess, then consider using a leather conditioner for general upkeep.

How to clean a synthetic couch

Couches with synthetic fabric can be cleaned using a mixture of 1:2 parts distilled white vinegar to water plus a few drops of dish soap, about half a teaspoon per cup. Rub the stain gently with a sponge or rag, blot the excess moisture with a dry towel and then let air dry.

How to clean couch cushions

If the cushions on your couch, sofa or sectional have removable covers, check to see if they’re machine-washable. If so, launder them according to care instructions or as you would other heavy linens and hang dry. Always check for the cleaning code first to ensure you’re using the right cleaning solution.

If the cushion covers are not removable, the cleaning process will be the same as the processes outlined in detail above:

1. Vacuum, shake or beat debris out of the fabric.
2. Sprinkle baking soda and let it sit for half an hour to deodorize, then vacuum.
3. Spot clean according to “W” (water), “S” (solvent), “WS”/“SW” (water or solvent) or “X” (vacuum only) cleaning code.
4. Air dry completely.

Other couch cleaning tips

How to steam clean a couch

If your sofa is water-safe, you can also steam clean it to remove stains and odors.

Steam cleaning should only be done to couches with a “W” or “WS”/“SW” cleaning code.

1. Thoroughly vacuum and shake out dirt.
2. Remove and hang cushion covers if possible.
3. Using an upholstery attachment if you have one, turn on your steamer and make several quick passes on each side of each cover.
4. Repeat for covers and upholstered surfaces you can’t remove, being careful not to over-saturate.
5. Let dry completely before replacing cushions and covers.

How to get water stains out of a couch

If a water spill is left to dry on your couch, it may leave behind a discolored patch that should be fairly easy to remove. Start by checking your couch’s tag for the cleaning code, or see our section above for material-specific cleaning.

• For “W” fabrics: Add a few drops of dish soap to a cup of warm water. Dip a rag or sponge in and rub the stain lightly. Rinse by dabbing with a sponge dipped in cool water. Blot dry with a towel.
• For “S” fabrics: Dampen a cloth or sponge with distilled white vinegar or isopropyl alcohol and gently rub the stain until it fades. Rinse lightly with a sponge dipped in cool water, then blot dry with a towel.

How to get grease stains out of a couch

Grease stains can be tricky to remove, but not impossible. The process is similar to other stains, but the key is to let your cleaning solution sit.

• For “W” fabrics: Add a few drops of dish soap to a cup of warm water. Dip a rag or sponge in and scrub the stain until the affected area becomes damp (but not soaked). Let it sit for five minutes, and then rinse using a sponge dipped in cool water. Blot dry with a towel.
• For “S” fabrics: Spray distilled white vinegar or isopropyl alcohol directly onto the stain and gently scrub with a rag. Let sit for five minutes. Rinse using a sponge dipped in cool water. Blot dry with a towel.

Maintaining & caring for your couch

With the right cleaning and maintenance techniques, you can keep your couch or sofa looking great for a long time. Follow these basic care practices to keep your furniture protected between cleanings:

• Treat stains immediately if possible.
• Use a lint roller and vacuum regularly.
• Deep clean twice per year or as needed, but don’t over-clean.
• Flip and rotate cushions monthly.
• Keep your indoor furniture out of direct sunlight.
• When eating or drinking on your couch, try to set a blanket or cover down.
• Give pets an alternative bed to sleep on instead of the couch.
• Cover or move your sofa when hosting social events.
• Use a conditioner and protectant for suede and leather couches.
• Always check care instructions and cleaning codes before treating.

Cleaning a couch, sofa or other upholstered living room furniture may seem like a tough task, but once you know the fabric’s specific care requirements, you’re on your way to being a pro. Now that you know how to clean a couch, with a little care and attention, you’ll have your piece looking good as new for years to come!

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