Yes, you can use a carpet cleaner to clean the couch, considering that your carpet cleaner has an upholstery attachment. If not, you have to either opt for other methods or purchase an upholstery attachment from the manufacturer if they sell separately to fit your cleaner.
Cleaning a couch has many advantages as well. Firstly, it saves you from needing an additional cleaner. Secondly, the upholstery attachment can reach into all the crevices and folds, making the process easier and more time efficient than the other couch cleaning methods.
Moreover, you can even use the same cleaning solution you do for carpets, ensuring it’s safe for the couch’s material. But how to know that? How can I use carpet cleaners on microfiber couches? What are the things to consider? Be with me in this guide as I’ll resolve all these queries.
Can You Use Carpet Cleaner On Microfiber Couch – Key Takeaways
[su_note note_color=”#fff3ad”]
- Yes, you can use a carpet cleaner to clean the couch. However, ensure your carpet cleaner has an upholstery attachment that fits your microfiber couch for cleaning.
- Check the couch label for cleaning instructions and codes like “W” or “W-S” that indicate compatibility with water-based or solvent-based cleaning.
- Choose a cleaning solution that matches the couch label instructions and perform a patch test in a hidden area before cleaning the entire couch.
- Vacuum the couch thoroughly before using the carpet cleaner to get rid of dust and dirt.
- To clean your microfiber couch using a carpet cleaner, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to clean the couch using slow strokes and focusing on spot-cleaned areas.[/su_note]
First Thing First, How Do Carpet Cleaners Work?
Carpet cleaners use a combination of a particular cleaning solution and water, along with capable scrubbing brushes and suction, to remove odors, stains, and dirt from carpets.
If we look at the working phenomenon, the cleaning solution is injected into the carpet fibers, where it loosens dirt and stains, working with the scrubbing brushes. The suction then brings out the cleaning solution and dirty water from the carpet, leaving it clean and fresh.
A carpet cleaner typically has two tanks, one to store clean water and a second to collect used water and cleaning solution. The dirty water and solution are collected in the end.
When Can I Use Carpet Cleaner On Microfiber Couch?
Microfiber couches resemble suede but are made of very fine polyester and nylon fibers, much thinner than human hairs (almost 100 times). Cleaning these futuristic fabrics can be challenging because they tend to develop watermarks easily.
Therefore, whenever cleaning my microfiber couch, I always take care of many things to do everything right. To maintain genuine softness on the couch, you must consider the following aspects during the cleaning process to ensure.
Check Couch Label/Code Before Using Carpet Cleaner
In the United States, furniture manufacturers must attach a tag to guide the users on the best and safest method for cleaning upholstery and maintaining cushion fillings. See beneath the couch or under the cushions for one of the following tags to find the proper way to clean the couch or even slime.
- Code “W” – Use water-based cleaning solvents to clean the fabric sofa.
- Code “S” – You can either dry clean or treat with water-free solvents to remove stains and dirt from furniture.
- Code “W-S” – Use both solvent-based or water-based cleaning products to clean the fabrics with this tag.
- Code “X” – You can’t use any liquid at all; you can only vacuum the upholstery.
[su_note note_color=”#f8d3d2″]Note: The carpet cleaning solution is suitable to use if your couch has the “W” or “W-S” label code. The couches with the tag “S” or “X” are not suitable to clean with.[/su_note]
Choose the Right Cleaning Solution For Your Couch
You should choose an appropriate cleaning solution according to the couch tag when cleaning your couch. Ultimately, we aim to avoid any solution that might cause more harm than good.
Fortunately, many carpet cleaning solutions can also be used on couches. However, you should ensure that the cleaning solution you select is compatible and safe for your couch material.
Check for the corresponding letters on your couch, such as W-S or W (as I have told you earlier in the above section), and ensure that your cleaning solution includes those letters.
Don’t Forget to Do a Patch Test On Couch With Carpet Cleaner
Suppose you have figured out a suitable cleaning procedure for your couch. If this is the case, the next step is to conduct a patch test beforehand. Doing this ensures that the carpet cleaner you plan to utilize is appropriate for your selected cleaning solution.
[su_note note_color=”#fff3ad”]Tip: Perform a colorfast test before you start cleaning the couch, especially if it’s your first time. I don’t recommend skipping this step as it can lead to undesirable outcomes.[/su_note]
For the patch test, select a hidden area on the couch, preferably somewhere that is not easily visible. You can choose a spot that typically faces the wall or is not within direct view. Even if anything goes unexpected, it won’t be noticeable or ruin your couch’s appearance.
[su_note note_color=”#f8d3d2″]Note: If the patch test fails for the carpet-focused solution on the couch, I have added a few alternatives in the section below. Go and check those out and choose one that suits your needs. Don’t forget to also patch-test the new solution in the same way.[/su_note]
Vacuum The Couch Before Using Carpet Cleaner
Once you’ve determined that it’s safe to use a carpet cleaner and carpet cleaner solution on your couch, the next step is to thoroughly vacuum it before starting to use it. I vacuum my couch the following way; doing the same to do it effectively.
- Attach the upholstery attachment or a soft brush to your vacuum cleaner.
- Slide the vacuum slowly in a back-and-forth motion over one couch area at a time. Do this multiple times to eliminate as much dust and dirt as possible. Don’t forget to cover the whole couch, including the back and underneath.
- Switch to the crevice tool attachment for the creases and seams of the couch. Adjust the suction power slightly lower and carefully suction the creases. Be gentle to avoid any damage.
- For removable couch cushions, take them off and vacuum them (and underneath).
- For fixing non-removable cushions, pay extra attention to the holes and folds, as these are common hiding spots for crumbs, hair, and other debris.
How to Use a Carpet Cleaner to Clean Microfiber Couch?
Once you’re done vacuuming your couch, finally, you can start using the carpet cleaner to clean the microfiber couch. Doing is not rocket science; all you have to do is be with me, following the steps below.
What Are the Alternative Cleaning Solutions?
Suppose you wanted another cleaning solution to put into the carpet cleaner. Maybe since you have allergies or sensitivities, prefer using organic and eco-friendly solutions, or the carpet cleaning solution failed the patch test. In such a case, I can help you with it.
There are many alternative cleaning options you can try. You can create your own cleaning solutions by using simple ingredients found at home. However, before proceeding, make sure to check the instructions from your machine manufacturer and perform a colorfast test.
- White vinegar and water – Mix 5 tablespoons of white vinegar with 1 cup of water.
- Soap flakes and boiling water – Combine 6 tablespoons of soap flakes with a pint of boiling water.
- Carbonated water, vinegar, dish detergent, and citrus essential oil – Mix 1/2 cup of vinegar, 1 cup of carbonated water, 4-8 drops of citrus essential oil, and 4 tablespoons of dish detergent.
- Rubbing alcohol, distilled white vinegar, and essential oil – Blend 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar, 1/2 cup of rubbing alcohol, and 3-4 drops of essential oil of your choice.
When Not To Use A Carpet Cleaner On Sofas
You should avoid using a carpet cleaner on sofas in certain situations; the following are those.
No Upholstery Attachment.
If your carpet cleaner has no upholstery attachment, it is unsuitable for cleaning sofas. Using the wrong attachment can damage the sofa fibers and may not clean it effectively.
“S” or “X” Label Instructions.
If the label indicates that water can be used, then using a carpet cleaner is generally fine. However, if the label has an “S” or “X,” the sofa should not be cleaned with a carpet cleaner.
Lack of Label or Uncertain Fabric.
In the case of older or secondhand sofas that no longer have a label, there is a risk of using a carpet cleaner improperly. You should conduct a patch test to ensure the cleaning method is appropriate.
Altered or Reupholstered Sofas.
If the sofa has been reupholstered or new fabric has been added, there may be a mismatch between the new material and the original label instructions. Again, perform a patch test.
FAQs
How To Clean a Microfiber Couch? (Alternative to Carpet Cleaner)
A safe and effective method to clean a microfiber couch is by using rubbing alcohol, especially if the sofa has an “S” tag on the label, indicating solvent-based cleaning. To do this
✔ Vacuum the couch to get rid of any loose debris or dirt.
✔ Spray rubbing alcohol onto the microfiber couch, beginning from the top and working your way down. Ensure that the alcohol is applied evenly.
✔ While the couch is still damp with rubbing alcohol, gently rub the microfiber with a soft brush or a sponge to lift and remove stains.
Fact: Since alcohol evaporates quickly, the drying process for the microfiber is faster and more convenient.
How Often Should You Clean Your Microfiber Couch?
Regular maintenance is essential for the lifespan of your couch. I always recommend vacuuming your microfiber couch on a weekly basis, especially if you have kids or pets in the house.
For more thorough cleaning, consider deep cleaning the couch on a monthly basis or at least every time the season changes. If you are hesitant to use a carpet cleaner or shampooer, you can also opt for steam cleaning as an alternative.
Can You Use Woolite Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner on Microfiber?
Yes, you can use Woolite Oxy Deep Stain Remover on microfiber couches. It effectively removes food stains without leaving any marks, provided that you follow the instructions and exercise caution. Still, check the cleaning instructions and recommendations for your couch.
The best way to clean a microfiber couch is to follow the instructions on the couch’s label. If the label indicates water can be used, you can opt for deep cleaning with a carpet or steam cleaner.
For your information, both methods can effectively clean the sofa, and the choice between them depends on your personal preference and the specific needs of your couch.
Related articles:
