If cleaning upholstery sounds like the kind of task you’d outsource to a professional, think again. You can become a professional yourself after reading up on the basics of how to clean a couch. 

We know how it goes: Whenever we get a new piece of furniture like an upholstered couch, we swear to never eat on it or let the dog jump all over it. But, over time, we break our rules, and the sofa takes some wear and tear. 

There’s no need to run out and replace upholstered furniture you love just because you spilled a glass of red wine or spent the weekend eating (and dropping) takeout on it. With these cleaning tips, DIY sofa cleaners, and homegrown fabric cleaning techniques, you can keep your couch looking brand new.

Regular vacuuming 

Prevention is key in most home maintenance projects. And by “prevention,” we don’t mean never letting your pets jump on the couch. We’re referring to regular cleaning since pet hair is inevitable. 

Vacuum frequently to protect your sofa from absorbing grime. This will keep a fabric couch looking newer longer because dirt won’t have time to settle into the fibers. Experts recommend using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter and an upholstery attachment so that the cleaning isn’t just aesthetic but functional, eliminating germs, dander, and allergens. 

When vacuuming your couch, be thorough. No one wants to find stray popcorn in the crevices between cushions five years later, and careful cleaning ensures the best results. Don’t just vacuum the problem spots, like where your family and guests most often sit. Vacuum the sides and inconspicuous areas of the sofa to keep the fabric’s surface looking even for as long as possible.

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Spot cleaning

If one of your friends spilled an entire bowl of bright red salsa on your brand new white sofa, you might find yourself wondering how to clean a fabric couch to remove stains. 

Let’s explore some of the top upholstery cleaning products for spot treating that you may already have in your pantry.

How to clean a fabric sofa with vinegar

We know no one likes to push pause on a party to do clean-up, but if you can act fast to stop a stain from getting worse, we recommend doing so. Wipe up any excess spilled material and then rub the spot with club soda. Then, put a bit of vinegar on the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing or wiping it away with a mixture of dish soap and water. 

Housekeeper’s tip: Scrubbing action may work well on certain types of fabrics, but it will damage others. Resistant fabrics like plush velvet hold up a bit better than linen. Materials like suede or leather require different cleaning processes entirely. No matter what type of fabric you’re cleaning, remember that all scrubbing can potentially push stains further into the fibers, deepening the damage. Use a soft microfiber cloth instead of a sponge or brush. 

How to clean a fabric sofa naturally

Vinegar is a great natural solution for sofa cleaning, but the acidic smell can be a deterrent. No amount of scented candles can freshen your living room’s smell if you accidentally pour too much vinegar on a stain. 

For grease stains, salt is a great natural cleanser.  Pour some salt on the stain, let it sit, then wipe it away with water and natural soap. This method also works on wine. For wine, follow the same methodology but wipe the salt away with clean water or a bit of lemon juice. 

How to clean upholstery with Oxiclean

Oxygenated cleaners are household miracle products, but they’re more potent than natural solutions like salt or vinegar. 

When using a product like Oxiclean on your couch, first check that your sofa can come in contact with water and stronger cleaners. If you aren’t sure, you can test this cleaning method on a piece of material that’s not visible, such as fabric hidden behind a cushion. 

When you’re ready to try removing the stain, wet a clean cloth with water and a bit of the oxygenated cleaning solution or spray and use the dampened towel to wipe the spot. Never apply these products directly to fabric.

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Deep cleaning

Word to the wise: that couch with the “free” sign on the corner may not be your best bet. But if you’re thrifty, you can bring a sofa back to life with deep cleaning. Stick to used furniture stores if you can, and if you do opt for a low-cost Craig’s List deal, consider getting a professional to perform a traditional cleaning of the upholstery. This will cost less than a new couch, so it’s still a win-win. 

How to clean and sanitize a used couch

If you’ve recently picked up a used couch, we’re pretty sure it was well-loved by it’s previous owners. That means its seen some messes. It’s time to deep clean and leave your second-hand treasure looking spotless. 

Make an upholstery cleaner solution of 1 cup warm water, one-quarter cup of white vinegar, and a tablespoon of Castile soap or dish detergent. Use a gentle bristled brush or a heavy microfiber cloth to clean the entire surface of the couch, spending extra time on any stained areas. 

Housekeeper’s tip: Watch the water. When using wet cleaning methods, don’t overdo the liquid component, and dry the surface as best as you can when you finish cleaning. Leaving your couch wet can cause bacteria and dirt to get trapped in the fibers, which goes against all the hard work you did to clean the fabric’s surface in the first place. You can probably let the couch air dry, but dabbing out some water with paper towels also can’t hurt.

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Put on your cleaning gloves because it’s time to scrub that couch. Don’t own cleaning gloves? Or any couch cleaning products in general? Gopuff is here to help. You can order everything you need in seconds and have it at your door in a matter of minutes.