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Do you know how to clean a used couch? If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think too much about cleaning your couch.
After all, it’s not like it’s a piece of furniture that sees a lot of use.
But if you’ve just bought a used couch or are thinking about getting one, it’s important to clean it before you start using it.
If you don’t, you could be exposing yourself to a variety of potential allergens.
Here are a few tips on how to clean a used couch.
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How To Clean A Used Couch
Having a clean couch is extremely important for your living room. Make sure to give it a thorough cleaning at least once every six months for the best results. Follow these steps to get your couch looking great!
Vacuum The Couch
Detach the cushions and vacuum them. Make sure to use an upholstery attachment on your vacuum if you have one. Otherwise, attach a crevice tool to get into the cracks of the couch.
Disinfect and Wipe Down
Mix a solution of water and mild dish soap. Dip a cloth into the soapy mixture, wring it out well, then use it to wipe down all surfaces of the couch. If you have any stubborn stains or marks that won’t come off, use a separate cloth with either diluted vinegar for white discoloration or hydrogen peroxide for red stains. Make sure the couch is completely dry before putting your cushions back on.
Bug Spray
Spray the couch with bug spray to kill any bugs that may be hiding. Wash and Rinse Wash each cushion piece with warm water and mild soap in a washing machine. Put the cushions back together once they’re dry, or purchase new ones if they’ve been badly damaged.
Remove Odors
Sprinkle baking soda over the entire couch. Let the baking soda sit for several hours, then vacuum it up to remove any odors that may be lingering on the couch.
Stain Removal
The best way to get rid of stains is to mix liquid dish soap and water. First, try the spot cleaning method if the stain is still fresh. If that doesn’t work, create a soapy liquid to soak into your couch before putting it through the washing machine.
Know What Kind Of Couch Materials You Have
There are generally four different types of material that your couch might be made out of. The most affordable option is low-grade leather, which can usually be cleaned with warm water and mild soap. If you’re not looking for something as heavy-duty, vinyl is the second most durable material on the market.
The least common material is high-grade leather – it’s very comfortable and easy to clean, but the price point is generally much higher than other types of upholstery. It’s similar to leather, but it’s not porous, which means that soap isn’t necessary. The third option is microfibers, which are inexpensive and durable but can only be cleaned with warm water.
Cleaning Methods
There are three main ways to clean a couch – spot cleaning, moving it outside for a full wash, or using the washing machine.
Spot Cleaning
The easiest way to clean your couch is with a wet towel. Be careful not to over-wet the couch, as the water could damage the material. Wipe out the spots and stains as quickly as possible.
Moving It Outside
Another common method is to move your couch outside and use a garden hose with a high-pressure nozzle to rinse off all dirt. Ensure that you don’t let any water get inside your cushions because it can potentially ruin them.
Using The Washing Machine
A third option is to use your washing machine. This works best with microfibers and vinyl, but it’s important to check the label first to ensure that the couch doesn’t contain any special materials. Put your couch in a large laundry bag before adding it into the washing machine if you’re going this route.
Cleaning Your Cushions
Your cushions are the most important part of your couch, which is why you should be careful to clean them. If you have removable cushions, detach them before cleaning, then use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to suck out all the dirt and grime. After that, scrub each cushion piece with warm water and mild soap.
Cleaning Protectant
Once everything is dry, add a protectant to the couch to prevent it from getting dirty in the future. There are various cleaning sprays on the market, so pick one that’s right for your specific needs.
Tips And Suggestions On How To Clean A Used Couch
1: Remove any stains from the fabric using a wet cloth and soap (you can buy specific cleaners if desired). This will help keep your furniture looking brand new and fresh!
2: Vacuum thoroughly to remove dust, dirt, or pet hair before you start cleaning.
3: Use an upholstery cleaner such as Pledge Fabric Sweeper & Cleaner Spray Foam which kills 99% of germs and bacteria, to prevent your couch from getting dirty so fast.
4: Follow the instructions on the fabric cleaner you bought to create a cleaning solution. Use this mixture on spots or stains, then wipe it away with a microfiber cloth or sponge.
5: Vow to keep up with regular cleanings! It only takes five minutes to wipe down the couch with a microfiber cloth or Pledge Fabric Sweeper Cloth.
How To Clean A Used Couch
Now that you’re informed about cleaning a used couch, it’s time to get started! Cleaning a used couch is easy and affordable if you know what to do.
A clean new couch will make it more comfortable and extend its life. Make sure your next movie night is truly comfortable with helpful instructions like these!
FAQ on How To Clean A Used Couch
Q: How do I remove pet hair from my couch?
The best way to remove pet hair is with a lint roller or a hand-held pet groomer. You can also sweep the couch with a broom to pick up loose hairs and vacuum it to suck up any stubborn ones. If you’d like, try using an old (but clean) paintbrush as well!
Q: Is there anything I should do after washing my couch?
Let the couch dry before putting the cushions back on. Then, apply a protectant to prevent it from getting dirty so easily in the future.
Q: Do I need to use a special cleaner for my couch?
You can purchase specific cleaners or upholstery cleaner spray foam if you want. You can also try using an all-purpose cleaner such as Pledge Fabric Sweeper & Cleaner Spray Foam which kills 99% of germs and bacteria.
