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How to Clean a Microfiber Couch

The beauty of a microfiber couch is the durability of the material. Microfiber rarely shows wear and looks like new for a long time. And, especially in darker colors, it is difficult to spot dirt on a microfiber couch.

Even better, liquids, in particular, tend to bead up and wipe right off of a microfiber couch. For those stains that manage to stick, your microfiber couch will be easy to clean if you do it correctly. Here’s how to clean a microfiber couch the right way!

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microfiber couch

How to Clean a Microfiber Couch

Cleaning a microfiber couch doesn’t have to be difficult.  Here are our step by step instructions for cleaning a microfiber couch.  The good news is these instructions are also great for microfiber chairs or any furniture made out of microfiber fabric.

1. Read Care Instructions

Before you clean a microfiber couch you need to check the care instructions. When your tag of care instructions has a “W” on it, that means your couch is safe to clean with water.

An “S” means to clean with solvents.

“S-W” means your couch is safe for both water and solvents.

An “X” means to only use a dry brush for cleaning.

cleaning couch

2. Soap or Solvent

Looking for how to clean a microfiber couch with home remedies. The good news is that if you have a microfiber couch that is safe to wash with water, you can use items commonly found in your home to clean it.

When you have a microfiber couch that is safe to wash with water, you can use dish soap suds to clean it. Squirt dishwashing soap into a bowl and add water to form suds. Dip your white sponge or cloth in the suds only, not the water.

CARTMAN Microfiber Cleaning Cloth in White Color 14 in x 14 in, 30pk (White)

 

Use the soap suds to scrub your couch.

Dawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap, Refill Size, original scent 112 Fl Oz (Pack of 2)

After soaping the entire couch, rub it down with a scrub brush of nylon bristles that will nap the microfiber. Now allow it to dry.

image of a cleaning planner available for purchase and download

How to clean a microfiber couch with alcohol

If your microfiber couch is not water safe, don’t worry, there are still ways to get it clean with common household items.

To clean a microfiber couch that is not water safe you will need rubbing alcohol.  This works because rubbing alcohol evaporates so quickly.

Fill a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol and spray any stains or spots on the couch. Then rub each spot with a white cloth or sponge until clean.

microfiber couch

3. Smooth Out Fabric

After washing, microfiber fabric can feel stiff to the touch. To work out the stiffness, use the rough side of a sponge or a soft bristled brush to rub the fabric and gently scrub out the stiffness.

Tips for Cleaning a Microfiber Couch

Here are some more helpful tips when it comes to cleaning a microfiber couch.

Use a white sponge or cloth only. A colored sponge might transfer color to your microfiber couch.

Microfiber is less likely to stain if you deal with spills immediately.

For new spills, dab up liquids with a white cloth, DON’T scrub. Microfiber will repel liquids and dabbing should remove the spill without causing a stain.

How to clean a white microfiber couch

If you are going to clean white microfiber couch, all of the tips still apply.  White cloths are really an essential tool for microfiber couch cleaning.

The other thing to consider is the color of the bristles if you are using a brush.  Be sure to go with white bristles as well.

Especially with a white microfiber couch, it is very important to first remove any surface debris before cleaning.

Remember, we are using suds made from dish soap for cleaning microfiber sofas in many cases, not the dish soap itself!  Never apply colored soaps or cleaners to a white microfiber couch.

vacuum couch

Routine Maintenance for Microfiber Couches

Weekly vacuuming will help keep your microfiber couch looking new. If there is no dirt present on your sofa then none can get ground into the fabric. Use the upholstery attachment of your vacuum to remove dirt and help maintain the microfiber fabric.

Cleaning-How to Clean a Microfiber Couch--The Organized Mom

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