If you want to know how to clean a microfiber sofa, we will teach you three essential techniques. Do them in chronological order, and your microfiber couch should stay and feel brand new. But first, what is microfiber?
Think of it as polyester material that feels velvety. You will find some similarities when cleaning a suede sofa because a microsuede type uses microfibers. That being said, let’s get started.
How Do You Clean Microfiber Couches?
Step 1. Determine the cleaning code
Check the tag on your microfiber couch to find the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning code. The code ranges from letters W, S, S-W, or X, and you must follow the practices for each of them. Code W means that you can use water-based cleaning solutions, and you’re generally safe using water to clean the microfiber couch.
On the contrary, code S upholstery means you must avoid cleaning with water, and instead, you must use solvents, including alcohols. Code S-W is self-explanatory, and the microfiber couch can either use water-based or solvent-based cleaning solutions. And finally, code X upholstery is best brought to the dry cleaner for deep cleaning since vacuuming is the only recommended practice for it.
Step 2. Remove the dirt build-up
Once you know the recommended cleaning practices for your specific microfiber couch, remove the fur, dander, dust, and dirt on it before the actual spot cleaning. Put the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner and vacuum the sofa throughout. Make sure you’re also reaching the crevices and nooks where particles accumulate the most.
Vacuuming the microfiber sofa is even a safe general maintenance practice. You can do it weekly to freshen the couch without the need for cleaners. Once done, use a soft-bristled brush onto the couch to restore its texture if the fibers flattened.
Step 3. Spot treat the stains
Use the appropriate cleaning solution for your microfiber upholstery. Remember to avoid getting the material saturated with liquid to prevent stains. If that happens, remove water stains from the fabric with the proper practices.
Recent stains
If you spilled liquid on the microfiber sofa, soak up the excess immediately to prevent it from seeping deeper into the material. Do not make a scrubbing motion when cleaning to avoid damaging the fibers. Then, dampen the cloth with the cleaner according to the sofa’s code and follow the product’s instructions for application and blotting.
Dried stains
Stains that have dried off on the microfiber couch will require a different approach. Find a soft-bristled brush and scrub the affected area gently. This should lift the stain, and you can proceed to address the residues according to the cleaning code.
Oil and grease stains
Following the recommended products according to your microfiber sofa’s cleaning code should eliminate grease and oil residues. Baking soda can also help soak up the oil, similar to when cleaning other sofa types. Some homeowners even swear on blotting the surface with a bit of dish soap, but it’s best to check your sofa’s code still.
If you are dealing with other sticky residues, read this guide on removing super glue from the fabric sofa.
Is Microfiber Easy To Clean?
Microfiber makes excellent upholstery for sofas because it is easy to clean. It is even praised because of its stain resistance compared to other materials. However, you still need to clean and maintain the microfiber couch to help it last longer.
The general maintenance and cleaning practices for microfiber sofas include vacuuming them weekly. This will prevent dust and other particles from building deeper into the fibers. You must also avoid letting spills sit for too long on the couch, considering they are relatively quick to address anyway.
What Is The Best Cleaner For Microfiber Couches?
Microfiber varies in cleaning requirements, so the best cleaner for a microfiber couch can range from water-based to solvent-based products. Some safe home remedies for cleaning microfiber sofas include mixing dish soap and water to create suds or spot-treating stains with rubbing alcohol. Do note that it’s crucial to know the code of your upholstery beforehand to avoid issues.
Can You Use Vinegar To Clean Microfiber Couch?
Microfiber sofas that allow water-based solutions can use vinegar. Mix two cups of lukewarm water, two cups of white distilled vinegar, and four tablespoons of baking soda for a quick deep cleaning spray. It would be best to test any DIY cleaning solution on a small spot and wait for any discoloration before proceeding with cleaning.
How Do You Clean A Microfiber Couch With Baking Soda?
You can use baking soda to freshen a microfiber couch by sprinkling it on the furniture and then vacuuming it off after several hours or overnight. Baking soda will also help absorb residual liquid or grease on the microfiber for easier cleaning. And for stains, you can make a paste with baking soda and water.
Conclusion
You can get a microfiber couch if you want durability and ease of maintenance. To recap this guide on how to clean a microfiber sofa, you can use solvent or water-based cleaners, depending on the sofa’s cleaning code. Maintenance-wise, vacuuming the microfiber couch weekly should prevent dirt build-up within the fibers.
Did you find out everything you need in this article? For other tricky messes, check this tutorial on how to remove slime from the fabric sofa.