Your couch sees a lot of activity. Kids play on it (and spill food over it).
The pets treat it as their main bed. Then there are the quieter times when you sit back and relax on it.
All that action can have your couch looking a little worse for wear. However, before you contemplate dumping it, it’s possible to restore it to its former glory.
Steam cleaning can lift the nasty stains and marks off your sofa. Those horrible odors can be eliminated. Read on to find out how to steam clean your couch. It’s easier than you think.
There may be affiliate links in this article. You can read more about this in my disclosure.
Prepare yourself
With this, we mean to do your initial checks around whether your couch can be steam cleaned.
Some fabrics can’t stand up to the heat of the steam and will react in a way that will have you disheartened.
Check the washing label of your couch. It will list one of the following symbols W, S, WS, X
- W indicates that the couch is to be cleaned using water. Forget about solvents as they will ruin this type of couch.
- S means that you can use solvent-based cleaners on the couch. Water could damage it.
- WS gives you the best of both worlds. That is you are free to use water or solvents to clean the couch.
- X is the symbol for couches that can only be treated with a vacuum.
Now that you know what type of couch you have, it’s time to give it a clean.
How to clean your couch
Restoring the beauty of your couch is simple. Follow these steps and you will have it looking as good as new.
1. Give the couch an initial vacuum
Remove as much debris, dirt, and hair as possible. Don’t rush this first step as doing so can affect the result of the steam clean.
Go slowly, starting with the cushions. Then go over the sides and back of the couch.
Finally, get into all the crevices and grooves. Swap out the vacuum head for one that is suitable to reach into those tiny places.
If possible, reach into the internals and inner base of the couch. You will be surprised at how much crumbs and other nasties work their way into these hard-to-reach spots.
2. Treat the stains
Once you have finished vacuuming the couch, it’s time to take care of the stains.
By treating these blotches on the couch, you are making it easier for them to be lifted when steam cleaning.
There are several treatment options you can consider.
Commercial cleaners
These are designed with an end goal in mind: the removal of stains. They are formulated to be effective at what they do.
Make sure you get the right cleaner for your upholstery. Otherwise, you could have a disaster on your hands.
Vinegar
If you are into home remedies, vinegar offers a natural way to tackle stains. You will want to use white vinegar as it won’t cause any discoloration.
Apply the vinegar to the stain by blotting the area and let it rest for about 15 minutes.
Take a cloth and mop at the stain without pushing down too hard (this will only force the stain deeper into the upholstery).
You can use rubbing alcohol instead of vinegar.
[amazon box=”B07CN5K12R” template=”vertical”]Baking soda and cornstarch
For this, you will need to mix baking soda and cornstarch with water. Stir everything so that you form a paste.
Brush this paste over the stain and leave it for 10 to 30 minutes. Gently wipe away the paste when ready.
You may need to get your vacuum cleaner out again to clean up any residue.
[amazon box=”B074J7X1DN,B074H67H5C” grid=”2″]3. Give the couch a dose of upholstery conditioner
This step allows any remaining grime to be eliminated before steam cleaning.
Spray your upholstery conditioner over the surface of the couch as well as the cushions. You want it also to work its way into any gaps and crevices.
Leave the conditioner for several minutes to permeate into the fabric. This helps lift any leftover dirt to the surface.
Give the couch and the cushions a rub down using a soft-bristled brush or cloth. This helps to soften the fabric in preparation for the steam clean.
[amazon box=”B06XPSP2HS” template=”vertical”]4. Steam clean the couch
Now that all the preparation has been done, it’s time for the steam clean.
As mentioned earlier, you need to check if your couch is labeled as W, S, or WS. That determines if you can use only water, solvent, or a mixture of both on the upholstery.
Fill your tank with water (or a solvent solution) and then test out a small patch of the couch. If the test patch turns out fine, then carry on.
Begin the steam clean with the cushions. Any heavily soiled areas will need three or more passes of the steam head.
Once you have done all the cushions, move on to the bigger parts of the couch. Work in small sections. Save the frame until last.
Well done! You have just completed steam cleaning your couch!
How long will it take for my couch to dry?
You are itching to use your freshly cleaned couch. But you will need to wait for it to dry.
How long that takes depends on several things:
- How much moisture was in the steam when you were cleaning the couch?
- Was the weather warm and dry or not?
- What time of the day did you steam clean? Early morning and evening can be colder, making drying a longer process.
- The humidity of the room and how well-ventilated it is.
You can speed up the drying process by placing a fan in the room. This will aid in circulating the air.
Also, consider warming up the location in which the couch is.
Conclusion
Steam cleaning is a great way to bring your couch back to life. However, preparation is the key if you want the best results.
Take your time and don’t rush the process. Your patience will be rewarded with a couch that looks, smells, and feels incredible.
But you will get more than a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing piece of furniture. The couch will be free of germs and any bugs that may have lived in it.
They have been exterminated by the heat. That’s an incredible health benefit for you, your family, and pets.
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.
