Microfiber couches are known for being comfortable furniture pieces with a smooth, plush, and super soft texture, making them a top choice for many homes. It is also preferred in many homes, with pets and kids, as it is easy to clean and stain-resistant.
However, like even the most stain-resistant couch can get dirty over time, a microfiber couch is no exception. If your microfiber couch is looking a little worse for wear, don’t worry! You can implement a few simple methods and steps to clean it and make it look new again.
From steam cleaning to rubbing alcohol, Windex, vinegar, and vodka, you have many options to use and learn how to clean a heavily soiled microfiber couch. Well, be with me in this cleaning guide, and I’ll explain these methods and tips, tricks, and precautions.
Key Takeaways
[su_note note_color=”#fff3ad”]
- Start by vacuuming the heavily soiled microfiber couch to remove loose dirt and debris.
- Steam clean the couch using a steam cleaner and upholstery attachment, working in a back-and-forth motion and blotting each section with a clean cloth.
- Use rubbing alcohol mixed with water in equal parts, sprayed onto the soiled areas, and gently scrub in a circular motion. Blot dry with a clean cloth.
- If safe for your couch, spray Windex on the stains and gently scrub in a circular motion with a clean cloth. Rinse with a moistened cloth to eliminate residue and let the couch air dry.
- For a vinegar method, mix white vinegar and water, spray the solution on the couch, gently wipe with a soft cloth, and allow the coach to air dry naturally.[/su_note]
How To Clean A Heavily Soiled Microfiber Couch?
As I mentioned earlier, there are many ways to clean a heavily soiled microfiber couch. However, I always start with steam cleaning, then apply a cleaning mixture of vinegar and water in equal amounts. Rubbing alcohol and water in equal amounts is also a good option.
However, there are several other procedures as well that can be used to get the same results. Below, I have discussed all those methods, from steam cleaning to applying rubbing alcohol, Windex and vinegar. Choose the one with supplies available at your home.
Method 1: Steam Cleaning.
Tools & Materials Required
- Steam cleaner
- Upholstery attachment
- Microfiber towels
Instructions
- Begin by vacuuming your microfiber couch to get rid of any loose dirt and debris.
- Fill up your steam cleaner with hot water and put in the appropriate cleaning solution as directed.
- Turn on your steam cleaner and hold on for a wait until it heats up.
- Test the steam cleaner on an invisible area of your couch to make sure it doesn’t cause any discoloration or damage.
- To steam clean, begin atop the couch and perform your way down in a back-and-forth motion, using even pressure.
- After cleaning each section, use a clean, absorbent cloth to blot the stained spot and eliminate any excess moisture.
- Allow it to dry properly before using it again once you’ve cleaned the entire couch.
Method 2: Rubbing Alcohol.
Tools & Materials Required
- Rubbing alcohol
- Spray bottle
- Microfiber towels
Instructions
1. Assess the Level of Soiling First.
Before you begin to clean, take a moment to evaluate the level of soiling on your couch. Doing this will assist you in figuring out the amount of rubbing alcohol you will need.
2. Mix Rubbing Alcohol With Water In Equal Parts.
Mix equal parts of rubbing alcohol and water in the spray bottle. Although you can mix in a bowl, a spray bottle is an effortless way to clean your couch.
3. Spray the Cleaning Solution.
Spray the cleaning solution onto a small section of the couch at a time, making sure to cover all soiled areas. Be sure not to saturate the fabric, which could cause damage or discoloration.
4. Gently Scrub the Soiled Area In Circular Motion.
Using a clean cloth or sponge, gently scrub the soiled areas in a circular motion to loosen any dirt, stains, or grime from the fabric.
5. Blot Your Couch Dry With a Dry Cloth.
After scrubbing, use a clean and dry cloth to blot the damp areas and absorb any excess moisture to prevent any water stains or damage to the fabric.
6. Repeat The Cleaning Process As Needed/
If your couch is heavily soiled, you may need to repeat this cleaning process several times until all stains and grime have been removed.
Method 3: Windex.
Using Windex to clean a heavily stained microfiber couch is one of the easiest and most affordable ways.
Tools & Materials Required
- Windex
- Clean white cloth or sponge
- Water in a spray bottle
Instructions
1. See the Label On Your Couch First.
Check the label on your couch before starting the cleaning process to ensure it can withstand the ammonia in the Windex is essential.
If the label says it is unsafe to use ammonia-based cleaners, you should avoid using Windex and try one of the other methods I have discussed.
[su_note note_color=”#f8d3d2″]Note: Don’t forget to test the Windex on an invisible couch area. Apply and scrub to see any unwanted outcomes like decoloration.[/su_note]
2. Spray Windex On the Entire Couch.
Once the spot test is passed, it’s time to apply the Windex to the entire couch. Spray the Windex on the affected areas, ensuring you cover the stains and marks.
3. Scrub the Couch Gently In Circular Motion.
Gently scrub the couch in a circular motion using a clean white cloth or sponge. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as this could harm the microfiber. Continue to scrub until you see the stains start to disappear.
4. Rinse the Cloth and Wipe the Windex Residue.
Once you have removed the stains, rinse the sponge or cloth in clean water and wring it out. Use the damp cloth to get rid of any remaining Windex residue from the couch.
5. Let the Couch Air Dry Thoroughly.
Let the couch air dry thoroughly before using it. Do not use any heat source, such as a hair dryer or blower dryer, to dry the couch, as this could cause the fabric to shrink or melt.
Method 4: Vinegar.
Tools & Materials Required
- White vinegar
- Spray bottle
- Microfiber towels
Instructions
- Begin by thoroughly vacuuming the couch to eliminate any dust or other settling debris.
- Mix vinegar and water to make a cleaning mixture, then pour it into a spray bottle.
- Spray the cleaning solution on each part of the couch.
- Use a soft cloth to gently wipe the couch to ensure that dirt and stains are effectively removed without causing any harm.
- Allow the couch to air dry naturally so that it retains its color and freshness.
[su_note note_color=”#f8d3d2″]Note: You don’t want to damage your couch. Right? If this is the case, proceed cautiously and use a soft brush to remove more difficult stains.[/su_note]
Method 5: Vodka.
[su_note note_color=”#f8d3d2″]Note: You can clean your microfiber couch with vodka if you don’t have rubbing alcohol available. It does the same job, but vodka can be a bit more expensive.[/su_note]
Tools & Materials Required
- Vodka
- Clean, lint-free cloth
- Wiping cloth
- Vacuum cleaner
Instructions
- Put a small amount of vodka on a dry, lint-free towel.
- Gently rub the stained microfiber with the cloth that has been dipped in vodka in a circular motion.
- Allow the vodka some time to dry.
- Remove any leftover residues by wiping them with a clean towel.
- Repeat steps 2-4 as needed until the stain is removed.
- Vacuum for a clean finish and remove loose dirt and debris.
Here is 10 minutes video guide, if you don’t wanna read the whole procedure.
FAQs
How Can I Assess the Level of Dirt and Stains On My Microfiber Couch?
Visually inspecting the couch and running your hand over the surface to feel for any oily or greasy places will help you determine the extent of the grime and stains. Look for embedded pet hair and note any stains or blemishes that need further care.
Can I Use Rubbing Alcohol or Windex to Clean a Heavily Soiled Microfiber Couch?
Yes, you can typically spray the contaminated areas with rubbing alcohol that has been diluted with water. However, make sure to check the label of the sofa to see if the ammonia in the Windex is suitable to use on the couch.
Once you are sure that Windex is safe to use, spray it on the affected regions. Once sprayed, scrub gently in a circular motion using a soft brush, then pat the area dry. Rinse with a damp cloth and let your couch air dry thoroughly.
Can Vinegar Be Used to Clean a Heavily Soiled Microfiber Couch?
Yes, vinegar works well as a cleaner. Spray the couch with a solution made of equal parts vinegar and water, wipe it with a soft cloth, and let it air dry.
How Do I Clean a Heavily Soiled Microfiber Couch With Vodka?
Apply a tiny amount of vodka to a lint-free cloth, rub the stained areas with it in circular motions, let it dry, remove any leftover residue, then vacuum the area to get rid of any loose dirt and debris.
Conclusion
Determine the dirt and stains, pick the best cleaning technique, and gather the required cleaning supplies to clean a badly dirty microfiber couch.
Effective steam cleaning techniques include vacuuming first, using a steam cleaner with a solution, then blotting the surface dry.
Windex or rubbing alcohol can also be used; simply dilute, spritz, scrub gently, and pat dry. Another choice is vinegar; dilute, spritz, gently wipe, and let air dry.
You can also use vodka, apply, rub, let dry, and wipe away any residue. Finally, vacuum the space to assist in cleaning and refreshing your microfiber couch.
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