Accidents happen, and couch cushions often bear the brunt of spilled drinks, pet or human urine, and other unsightly stains. Whether you have kids, or pets, or frequently entertain guests, knowing how to clean your couch cushions is essential. Some cushions come with removable covers that can be washed by hand or in a washing machine, while others may be labelled as spot-clean only.
In most cases, the best approach is to clean couch cushion covers in cold water, either by hand or on a delicate cycle in the washing machine. You can use dye-free laundry detergent to tackle most stains, and some spills may respond well to commercial spot removers or DIY cleaning solutions. However, deep or old stains might require professional couch cleaning or a steam cleaner. Don’t forget the crucial step of air-drying cushion covers and ensuring they are securely zipped before cleaning. In this blog, you’ll discover how to clean couch cushions and the most effective methods for cleaning couch cushions.
Preparation Is Key: Getting Ready to Clean Your Couch Cushions
It’s necessary to act quickly when cleaning up spills on your couch cushions. Swift action is your best ally in preventing stains from setting in. Use a microfiber cloth to gently blot the spill; do not rub or push hard as this can make the stain more difficult to remove.
Before you go on how to clean couch cushions, there are a few key considerations:
Cover Inspection: First, check if your cushion covers are removable or not. If they are, you need to figure out if they are suitable for hand washing, or machine washing, or if they are designated as spot clean only.
Check Manufacturer Guidance: If possible, identify the year and model of your couch and search online for care instructions provided by the furniture maker. In addition, look through any labels on the upholstery for instructions.
Label Analysis: On the cushion’s label, look for symbols. “W” denotes the use of a water-based cleaner, “S” denotes the use of a solvent-based cleaner, and “WS” denotes the use of either. If you see an “X,” it means that you need to hire a professional upholstery cleaner.
Colorfastness Test: To ensure that removable covers fit back onto the cushions after washing in the washing machine, they must pass the colour fastness test. Use a damp white cloth to gently rub the fabric on a hidden area of the fabric to check for colour fastness. You should hire a professional cleaning if the colour bleeds onto the material, which indicates that the item is probably not colourfast.
You’ll be ready to clean your couch cushions properly and stop further damage if you follow these crucial procedures.
Essential Tools and Materials for Couch Cushion Cleaning
Preparing for a successful couch cushion cleaning endeavour requires having the right tools and materials at your disposal. Here’s what you’ll need:
Tools and Equipment:
- Rubber Gloves
- Vacuum with Upholstery Attachments
- Microfiber Cloth
- Bucket
- Upholstery Brush
Cleaning Materials:
- Upholstery Stain Remover
- 1/2 Teaspoon of Dye-Free, Mild Dish Soap
- Warm Water
A Step-by-Step Guide For Effective Spot Cleaning on Non-Removable Cushion Covers
For your upholstery to last and look good, you must maintain the cleanliness of the non-removable cushion covers. To efficiently spot clean and revitalise your couch cushions, follow these steps:
1. Hair and Dust Removal:
- Put on a pair of rubber gloves first.
- To make future cleaning easier, move your gloved hands over the couch to remove any pet hair, human hair, or dust.
2. Complete Vacuuming:
- Use the vacuum cleaner’s upholstery attachment.
- Move your vacuum from left to right in short, overlapping lines.
- To vacuum under cushions and in seams, switch to the crevice nozzle.
3. Deal with Stains:
- To choose the right cleaning technique, refer to the fabric’s care instructions.
- Apply water or a cleaner with a solvent base to the stain on water-safe materials.
- Allow the stain to absorb the cleaning solution before using a microfiber towel to gently wipe it.
- Avoid aggressive cleaning because it can spread the stain farther into the upholstery or rip the fabric.
- The severity of the stain will determine how many rounds of cleaning are necessary. It could take several cleaning sessions to remove tough stains like grease, blood, or ink.
4. Cleaning Urine Stains:
- Choose an enzymatic cleanser if you come across a urine stain, but try it first in a discrete area to be sure it works.
- Another option is to mix your cleaning solution with 1 cup of vinegar, 1 cup of water, and 2 tablespoons of dish soap.
- Blot the urine stain after dipping a white, clean cloth into the cleanser.
- After rinsing the area with plain water using a different cloth or sponge, let the place air dry.
5. Refreshing the Upholstery:
- In a small bucket, combine warm water and half a teaspoon of dye-free dish soap. By stirring the mixture, you can create foam.
- Make sure the upholstery brush isn’t overly soaked before dipping it into the foam.
- Brush the foam across the upholstery gently, being careful not to soak the cloth too much.
- Finish by using a clean, wet towel to wipe the fabric.
- Before using the upholstery again, let it completely dry.
How to Safely Machine-Wash Couch Cushion Covers
Verify the Label: Make sure you can machine wash the cushion cover. You can tell if anything is safe for water-based cleaning by looking for a “W” label.
Deal with Stains: Use a stain remover or spot treatment designed for the stain type if there are stains.
Urine Stains: For urine stains, act fast. Use a cloth to soak up any liquid, then wash with vinegar and cold water. After that, wash with detergent and warm water.
Use Gentle Detergent: To avoid colour transfer, always use dye-free laundry detergent, especially on colourfast materials.
Choose Cold Water: To protect the cloth, choose cold water and the delicate process. Close the zipper to avoid damage.
Air Dry Only: Avoid machine drying, as it can cause shrinking or fading. Instead, let the cover air dry in a shaded area. Avoid direct sunlight because it can bleach some materials. You can use a no-heat fall or fluff setting to remove excess moisture.
Conclusion
Keeping couch cushions clean and stain-free is possible with a few simple but useful tips. Your couch can seem and smell its best with prompt action, proper cleaning procedures, and preventative measures. These suggestions on how to clean couch cushions, make sure the couch stays a cosy and welcoming focal point in your house, regardless of how you handle stains, odours, or cleaning.
