How to Clean Couch Fabric & Upholstery

If your couch has become stained from food and drink spills, collected some unappetizing pet odors or fallen victim to plain old dirt, you can clean the fabric and upholstery to restore it to its previous splendor. While cleaning a dirty couch is important, you should only use water or chemical cleaners when absolutely necessary to avoid damaging the fabric. If your couch is only mildly dingy, a thorough vacuuming once a week might be enough to keep it clean and fresh-smelling.

Baking soda
Vacuum cleaner
Upholstery attachment
Foam upholstery cleaner
Clean towel
Carpet cleaning machine
Cold water
Upholstery cleaning solution
Fan

Instructions

- 1
  Sprinkle baking soda onto the entire couch and let it sit for approximately 10 minutes. The baking soda will absorb odors in the upholstery during this time. Equip the hose of your vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment and use it to remove all of the baking soda. This might be enough to clean your couch fabric and upholstery.
- 2
  Apply a small amount of foam upholstery cleaner directly to any stains. Blot the stain gently and repeatedly with a clean towel until the stain is removed. Vacuum the couch when it is completely dry with the upholstery attachment of your vacuum.
- 3
  Fill a commercial upholstery cleaning machine with cold water and add liquid upholstery detergent according to the machine's operating instructions. Attach the upholstery brush and shampoo the entire couch. Place a fan next to the couch and turn it on to help the fabric dry quickly.

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