Buttered popcorn, juice, peanut butter. No, that’s not your grocery list; but it may be a list of stains lurking on your microfiber couch. If you have kids, you can likely add several more items to the stain list. The good news is microfiber is durable and one of the easiest fabrics to clean. Read on for tips on how to clean a microfiber couch.
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Check the Tag
Before you begin cleaning your microfiber couch, it’s a good idea to check the couch manufacturer’s fabric care tag where you’ll find a cleaning code. The cleaning code tells you what kind of cleaner can be used on your sofa without damaging the fabric:
- W means you must use a water-based cleaning solution
- S means you must use a solvent-based cleaner
- SW means you can use solvent- or water-based cleaners
- X means you can vacuum or use light brushing only (do not use any type of cleaner)
Most microfiber upholstery is made from polyester and should be cleaned with a solvent-based cleaner. If your sofa doesn’t have a cleaning code, use a solvent-based cleaner.
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The Best Way to Get Stains Out of a Microfiber Couch
Now that you know what type of cleaner to use, it’s time to get to work. First vacuum the couch to remove any loose crumbs and dirt. If you have an “S” cleaning code, it’s time to bring out the secret weapon to cleaning microfiber—rubbing alcohol. It’s one of the best home remedies for the task.
- Fill a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol and spray it directly on the stains and armrests, which can get particularly dirty.
- Blot and rub the spots with a white cloth until the stains are gone. It’s important to use a white cloth because colored cloths can transfer the color onto your couch.
- After the couch has been cleaned and stains removed, you might notice the fabric is stiff to the touch. Use a soft bristled brush to brush the couch and fluff up the fabric to its original soft texture.
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How Do You Get a Water Stain Out of a Microfiber Couch?
If your couch has an “S” cleaning code, and you accidentally cleaned it with water or spilled water on the couch, you might notice a water ring or stain. Luckily there’s an easy fix for water stains on microfiber—baby wipes! Use a baby wipe to dampen the area, and then rub the stain with a clean dry cloth. The trick is to get the water stain damp and then dry it as quickly as possible. You can even use a blow dryer to speed up the process.
Psst! Here’s how to clean the dirtiest items in your house.
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Erica Young