Best Methods for Cleaning Couch Cushions

Your couch is a popular spot. The kids like to lounge on it as they watch TV or play on their game console.

When your friends come over, it’s their favorite place to sit down on and natter over a coffee and snacks. Your pets like to use the couch as their bed. 

With all the attention your couch gets, the cushions and fabric can look a little worse for wear. Cleaning them is a simple job and will have your couch looking incredible once more. 

Keep reading to find out how to clean your foam couch cushions.

There may be affiliate links in this article. You can read more about this in my disclosure.

Some things to do before you start cleaning

washing machine

If this is the first time you have cleaned your foam cushions, there are some things you need to be aware of. 

First, check to see if the cushion covers are removable or not. This determines what cleaning approach your need to take. 

How can the covers be washed? By hand or in a machine? Perhaps you can only spot clean the cushions. 

For those covers that can be washed in the machine, use a cold wash only. Also, have your washing machine set to a gentle wash.

Look at the washing instructions on the label to see which of the following is listed on it:

  • “W” indicates that you need to use a water-based cleaner.
  • “S” lets you know that solvent-based cleaners are the better option.
  • “WS” allows you to use either water or solvent cleaners.
  • “X” tells you that you have to take your cushion to a professional cleaner.

Speed is the key

The best way to deal with stains or spillages on your cushions is to take immediate action. By doing so you don’t give the liquid time to deeply penetrate the cushion.

That makes cleaning your cushions a lot easier. 

Spot cleaning your foam couch cushions

Spot cleaning is the quickest way of dealing with stains. It avoids the need for having to place your cushions into the washing machine or deep clean them.

Here is how you can spot clean your cushions:

  1. Use a brush or gloves to remove any pet hair and dirt from the surface of the cushion. 
  2. Take your vacuum cleaner and attach the upholstery cleaning head. Give your cushions a good going over with this attachment. 
  3. Look at the wash instructions to see if your cushions are labeled as “W”, “S”, or “XS”. Use the appropriate solution (water-based or solvent). Apply the solution to your cushions.
  4. Pat at the stains. Don’t push down or scrub the solution as it will force it to penetrate deeper into the cushion.
  5. Add soap (dye-free) and water into a bucket. Mix so that you created froth. Using an upholstery brush, apply the soap solution to the cushion with gentle strokes. Don’t use excessive amounts of water on the brush as it will soak into the cushion. 
  6. Wipe down the cushions with a lint-free cloth.
  7. Let the cushions air dry.
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Cleaning your couch cushions in a washing machine

This option is only available if the cushion covers are removable. 

To clean your cushion covers in the washing machine, start by following cleaning steps 1 to 2 listed in the previous section. Then proceed as follows:

  1. Remove the covers from the cushions. Look to see can use water or solvent cleansers on the covers. 
  2. Place the covers into your washing machine. Add your water or solvent solution into the machine (read the solution’s instructions on how to do so).  
  3. Wash the covers in a delicate cycle with cold water. 
  4. Hang them out to dry once washed. 

For the foam cushions, you can follow the spot cleaning process we listed above. 

Deep cleaning your foam couch cushions 

If your cushions have been badly stained, then you need a more serious solution to clean them. Deep cleaning can restore your cushions and have them look and smell fresh again. 

For this process, you will need to use your bathtub. 

  1. Begin by removing any pet fur and debris from the cushion covers. If you can remove the covers, wash them in your washing machine. See the last section on how to wash your cushions in a machine. 
  2. Fill your bath with sufficient water so that you can immerse your cushions. 
  3. Add in an appropriate amount of washing detergent. Look at the instructions for your detergent to calculate how much you need. 
  4. Mix the detergent into the water.
  5. Push the cushions into the water and let them absorb the water. 
  6. Use a brush to scrub the hardier stains. Work at the lighter stains with a cloth or sponge.
  7. Leave the cushions to soak in the bath for 15 minutes.
  8. Empty the bathtub and then squeeze out the water from the cushions. 
  9. Use a towel to absorb the rest of the water from the cushion surface. 
  10. Place the cushion in a location where they can dry.
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While deep cleaning your cushions, the bath water may start to get dirty. If this happens, drain the water and refill the tub with clean water. 

Once the cushions are completely dry inside and out, slip the covers back over them and place them back on the couch. 

How can I get smells out of my foam cushions?

Perhaps your cushions look clean, yet they are a little stinky. If you don’t want to go through the process of having to clean the cushions to remove the smell, there are several options. 

Take them somewhere in which fresh air can pass through the cushion. You will want to time this right as you will be without your cushions for 24 hours.

Sprinkle the cushions with baking soda. Gently work the baking soda into the fabric and let it rest for around 5 to 10 minutes to absorb the smell.

Vacuum up the baking soda using the upholstery brush accessory. Spray the cushions with a fabric freshener such as Febreeze

Okay, we said you can avoid washing the cushions if you want to. But, feel free to remove the unwanted odor by giving your cushions a wash.

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How can I remove mold from my foam couch cushions?

Is your couch in a room that can be damp or have a high humidity content in the air?  This can cause mold to spawn and spread on your couch cushions.

You can take care of the mold fairly easily, provided it hasn’t made its way deep into the cushion. 

  1. Place your cushions in the sunlight and allow the heat from the sun to dry out the cushions. If you live in an area where there isn’t abundant sunshine, you can use a heater instead. 
  2. Brush off the mold from the cushion (Do this outside as it can get messy when the mold spores are dropping off the fabric).
  3. Make a solution of liquid detergent and warm water. Take a cloth and wipe the remaining mold from the surface of the cushion with the solution. 
  4. Scrub over the cushion using a sponge and your detergent/warm water solution. 
  5. Let the cushions dry and then replace them on the couch.

If mold is an issue in your living room, then consider using a dehumidifier in the room. This can take any excess moisture out of the air.

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Enjoy your couch

Spills and stains are typically a part of family life. The victim can be your couch.

If that is the case, you can give the cushions a quick spot clean. More ingrained stains require a deeper cleaning. 

How often you need to clean your foam couch cushions depends on how much use they get. If the couch is a popular spot, then consider giving the cushions a monthly wash.

If mold is a problem, then consider either relocating the couch or using a dehumidifier in the room. Taking care of your couch cushions will ensure that you are extending their life.

Another benefit is that your couch will constantly look awesome. Enjoy relaxing on your clean couch cushions. 

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Farah Zeb is a mother of five, including two children with special needs. She shares practical parenting tips and resources to help other families navigate daily challenges and create supportive, nurturing environments.

Picture of Farah Zeb

Farah Zeb

Farah Zeb is a mother of five, including two children with special needs. She shares practical parenting tips and resources to help other families navigate daily challenges and create supportive, nurturing environments.

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