How to Easily Clean Microfiber Couches Without Harsh Chemicals

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I’m at it again, a new challenge to find the best way to clean a couch naturally. As many of you know I am a big fan of using natural ingredients to clean my home. When it comes to different types of upholstery I was looking for the best solution that didn’t involve using any sort of solvent-based cleaner or upholstery cleaner.

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Well, to put this to the test, I cleaned my friend’s microfiber sofa. Why is this a key piece – who would risk ruining their friend’s couch?!!! So I found a way to safely clean her couch with items I already had at home along with a little elbow grease and I wanted to share the results with you. This will come in handy to clean any piece of microfiber furniture or anything with microfiber upholstery or microfiber fabric. So here are the simple steps!

Start by vacuuming your couch. I started by using my crevices tool and this tool gets in all the creases. My friend's couch's cushions were all attached. I went in every crease that couch had. If your cushions are not attached - remove the cushions and get in all the creases all over the couch.

How do you clean a fabric sofa?

How do you deep clean a couch?

*Before beginning it’s a good idea to know what type of fabric is on your couch. There are usually sofa tags with care instructions or manufacturer’s instructions on your couch with the correct cleaning method. The care instruction tag will specify the proper care and if it can be cleaned with water or must be dry cleaned, etc.

The first thing to do is to use a vacuum cleaner and vacuum the entire surface of the couch. I started by using my crevice tool, paying particular attention to all the creases. My friends seat cushions and back cushions were all attached. I went in every crease that couch had. If your cushions are not attached – remove the cushions and get in all the creases all over the couch. If you don’t have a crevice tool you can use any vacuum brush attachment.

Next I put on my vacuum's turbine tool - this is a little head that has an attachment that spins like a larger attachment you have on your carpet floor. If you don't have one of these attachments, it's okay just use the attachment that came with your vacuum. Vacuum every surface area of the couch.

Next I put on my vacuum’s turbine tool – this is a little head that has an attachment that spins like a larger attachment you have for your carpet floor. If you don’t have one of these attachments, it’s okay to just use the attachment that came with your vacuum. Vacuum every surface of the couch.

The next step is to deodorize your couch. Sprinkle baking soda on the couch and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. You can leave it longer if you wish.

How do you deep clean a smelly couch?

How do you remove odors from furniture?

How can I get dog smell out of my couch?

The next step is to deodorize your couch. Sprinkle baking soda on the couch and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. You can leave it longer if you wish. Baking soda is an odor eater or absorber and will do wonders for a smelly couch.

After the time is up, vacuum up the baking soda.

After the time is up, continue cleaning the couch by vacuuming up the baking soda.

Next I used a damp microfiber cloth to wipe the entire couch down. You would be surprised what that little cloth will pull out of your couch. I used the Norwex Evirocloth.

Next I used a damp microfiber cloth to wipe the entire couch down. You would be surprised what that little cloth will pull out of your couch. They type of microfiber cloth I used was the Norwex Evirocloth.

Use the microfiber cloth to spot clean some of your stains.

Use the microfiber cleaning cloth to spot clean stains.

If stains still remain, another option is to steam clean your couch. (If you don't have a steam cleaner you can use a very warm damp wash cloth and blot at your couch's spot.) Steam the couch and use the microfiber cloth to clean up the spots. The steam and heat allows for the stain to release.

How do I clean and sanitize my couch?

Can you steam clean a couch?

For tough stains, another option is to steam clean your couch. (If you don’t have a steam cleaner you can use a clean washcloth dampened with very warm water and blot at your couch’s spot.) Steam the couch and use the microfiber cloth to clean up the spots. The steam and heat remove stains. The steam will also sanitize your couch.

I also used the steamer to help revive some of the areas on the couch that were most used and the fabric had been "crushed" down. The steam brought those areas back to life.

I also used the steamer to help revive some of the areas on the couch that were most used where the fabric had been “crushed” down. The steam brought those areas back to life.

For a spot cleaner - mix together 1/8 tsp of dish or castile soap and 1 cup warm water in a squirt bottle.

If you have a stained area the best option is to make your own stain remover. Simply mix together 1/8 tsp of dish or castile soap and 1 cup warm clean water in a spray bottle.

Spray the spot cleaner on those really tough spots. Let sit for a minute to soak in.

Spray the spot cleaner on those really tough spots. Let it sit for a minute to soak in.

Then blot with your microfiber cloth. If the stain persists, repeat.

Then blot with your microfiber cloth. If the stain persists, repeat. This cleaning solution is handy to keep on hand for everyday use.

My friend's couch is all clean and she's going to be so excited when she comes home!

My friend’s couch is all clean and she’s going to be so excited when she comes home!

LEARN MORE ABOUT “WHY TO DEEP CLEAN AND ORGANIZE YOUR HOME” TO SAVE MONEY, FUNCTION BETTER, AND KEEP YOUR SANITY.

How To Clean A Couch Naturally Video

*As seen on Hometalk

Other simple tips:

  • Always use a clean cloth
  • Blot don’t use a circular motion
  • Check the care tag before starting to make sure it is okay with this synthetic material, and always test an inconspicuous area or inconspicuous spot.
  • A soft-bristled brush or dry brush like a lint brush is also great for some quick results
  • Don’t use a hard scrub brush
  • I like to use water-based cleaners
  • If you have a grease stain use the castile soap method to clean it.
  • You can see if your cushion covers can come off and be put in the washing machine (check that tag first)
  • When in doubt seek professional help
  • I like my vacuum to get the worst pet hair off, then use a lint brush or roller to get the rest off.
  • A microfiber couch is different from a suede couch and you’ll need to treat that very differently.
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I'm at it again, a new challenge of how to clean a couch naturally. Well, to put this to the test, I cleaned my friend's couch. Why is this a key piece - who would risk ruining their friend's couch?!!! So I found a way to safely clean her couch with items I already had at home, and I wanted to share the results with you.

Learn more about “Why to Deep Clean and Organize Your Home” to save money, function better, and keep your sanity. 

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18 Comments

  1. Great tips! I really need to do this! Thanks for sharing at Thursday Favorite Things!

    1. Thank you so much Pam, I hope this helps you get your couch clean too 🙂

  2. Great ideas, thank you! Our current couches here in our Prairie Home {41′ fifth wheel RV} are pleather so they are soooo easy to vacuum the pockets then wipe down with a cloth. Sometimes I do this daily. 🙂

    Pinning to my Cleaning board for everyone to see. <3
    Hugs,
    Barb 🙂

    1. Thank you so much Barb, and thanks for the tops on how to clean pleather 🙂 Thank you for sharing with your readers and stopping by.

  3. Great advice. It looks amazing now, your friend is very lucky.

    1. Thank you Julie, I am very pleased with how it turned out. Glad to give to one of my friends who gives so much to me as well.

    1. Thank you so much Donna, and I’m really happy with how it turned out.

  4. What a great post! I’m not sure many couches get such a lovely, thorough clean, and all using natural things to do it too! Thank you so much for sharing this post with the Hearth and Soul Link Party, Chas. Scheduling to share on the H&S Link Party page. Hope you have a lovely weekend!

    1. Thank you so much April and thanks for the sharing I truly appreciate it. My goal is to be effect and yet as natural as possible and I’m glad you enjoyed it. Have a great weekend as well.

  5. Chas,what a good friend you are! Thanks for all the great advice. We have a fabric couch from Pottery Barn in the pool house that could probably use some love. I never thought to use baking soda! Will be on my spring project clean up list this year.

    1. Thank you Mary, and maybe I need to come down and clean yours 😉 A great excuse to get together again and visit.

  6. Thank you for sharing at #OverTheMoon. We appreciate your shares. They have been Tweeted Pinned. Have a lovely week. I hope to see you at next week’s party too! Please stay safe and healthy. Come party with us at Over The Moon! Catapult your content Over The Moon! @marilyn_lesniak @EclecticRedBarn

  7. Congratulations! Your post was my Most Clicked at #OverTheMoon this week. Visit me on Sunday evening and see your feature! I invite you to leave more links to be shared and commented upon. Please be sure to leave your link number or post title so we can be sure to visit!

    1. Thank you so very much for letting me know and the feature Marilyn, I really appreciate it.

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