It’s easy to understand how to clean futon sofa correctly because we have simplified it into two steps. In general, the maintenance practice for futons is dry, while deep cleaning uses the wet method. You’ll vacuum the sofa for the dry method, and you’ll spot treat the stains for the wet method.
Indeed, we must care for the futon regardless if it’s used as a couch or as a bed. For the latter, you can read this guide on how to clean a futon mattress. Keep this extra reference for backup, but for now, let’s get started with the methods for futon sofas.
How Do You Clean A Futon Couch?
Step 1. Vacuum the futon sofa
- Vacuuming the futon sofa weekly is the best cleaning practice you can do for maintenance
- You don’t need to wet the futon sofa often unless it is soiled, stinky, or has stains
- Remove the covers and other accessories on the couch and wash them separately
- Vacuum the futon sofa thoroughly with an upholstery attachment to easily target the crevices where dust and dirt tend to accumulate
- Sprinkle baking soda all over the futon sofa and let it sit for an hour to help with freshening it
- Baking soda will also deodorize the futon and absorb any residual moisture that can cause a damp smell or mold growth
- Vacuum the baking soda off and disinfect the futon sofa further by aerating it outside
- Allow the sofa to ventilate for an hour or two before reusing it
- Wash the futon covers and pillows according to their label indications
Step 2. Treat the stains on the futon
- Deep cleaning the futon sofa uses the wet method that you can do monthly
- The frequency of cleaning the futon with the wet method will still depend on how you use it and if it’s soiled or stinky
- If you recently spilled anything on it, absorb the excess liquid with some paper towels and treat the affected area immediately
- The cleaning solution for treating stains on the futon couch depends on the stain itself
- Most stains should be easily removed by mixing dish soap and water
- Collect the suds with a sponge and dab the affected spot
- Never soak the futon or oversaturate it with any cleaning solution because it can make drying difficult
- When dabbing the stains off, do not scrub or use heavy pressure as it can spread the mess more or cause the liquid to sink deeper into the futon
- After the stain is removed, remember to blot the area to remove the residual moisture
- Air-dry the futon or place it somewhere with a fan to hasten the drying process
- Vacuum the futon once dried
How Do You Take Care Of A Futon?
Vacuuming the futon weekly and treating it with mild soap and water every month will keep it clean. However, there are other practices you can do to help your futon last longer and maintain its structural integrity. This includes using a slatted surface for support, distributing wear, ventilating, and using a protector.
Using the futon with care
Prevent mold growth and the odor by using a slatted surface to support your futon sofa. The spaces underneath will allow air circulation and help your sofa last longer as it won’t be compressed. If you’re also using the futon for sleeping, rotate it now and then to distribute the wear.
Freshening and disinfecting futon naturally
Besides sprinkling baking soda on the futon and then vacuuming it off after an hour, make it a practice to place the sofa outdoors at least once a week. The natural sunlight will not only disinfect and deodorize the futon, but it will also rejuvenate it back to its proper form. This is because moisture can affect the futon’s loft, and ensuring that it’s always dry will help it feel comfortable for longer.
Protecting the futon from stains and moisture
Use the proper cover on your futon sofa. You can quickly make a sofa slipcover according to its size, and this will protect it from dust and stains. It’s relatively inexpensive and easy as you can also use old bed sheets or curtains.
Can You Put A Futon Mattress In The Washer?
The futon mattress itself should not be placed in the washing machine. It’s quite bulky so getting it soaked will make drying problematic. Furthermore, most futons are quilted with wool that tends to shrink in the washing machine.
On the contrary, read the futon covers or if your mattress has a removable casing. They are often machine-washable but follow the manufacturer’s instructions diligently. This might include using the gentle cycle, cold water, and mild detergent.
How Long Do Futons Last?
Futons can last up to ten years maximum. However, this duration depends on its quality and how you use and care for it. If the futon loses its structure and cleaning can’t restore its color or remove the odor, it’s time to replace it.
Conclusion
Do you use your futon as a couch? In this article, we have discussed how to clean futon sofa to maintain its form for longer. To recap, vacuum and ventilate your futon sofa weekly and treat stains with mild soap and water as soon as possible.
With proper care and use, your futon can last as long as ten years. We hope this article has helped you achieve this life expectancy, and if you have any more questions, let us know in the comments!