Microfiber upholstery is a soft, durable fabric, and it's notoriously resistant to stains. It's great for folks who want a low maintenance cleaning schedule as well as families with kids or pets battling dirty paws and jam hands. While it’s easy to maintain, understanding your couch fabric makes it easier to commit to the right cleaning process for stubborn stains and smells (without adding a new problem like discoloration or water spotting). Quick cleaning, like weekly vacuuming, helps keep your microfiber couch looking fresh, but deeper cleaning methods are more useful for a dirty couch with spills or occasional stains.
Know Your Cleaning Codes
It's important to know if you can use water on your microfiber fabrics or not. Look for the cleaning tag or cleaning instructions.
- "W" indicates only to use water-based couch cleaners.
- "S" calls for solvent-based cleaners (i.e. rubbing alcohol, dry cleaning solvent, or denatured alcohol).
- "S-W" means both water-based and solvent-based cleaners are safe.
- "X" means that it should not get wet with any product.
Always do a spot test in an inconspicuous spot of your microfiber sofa. If you do use the wrong product, blot it excessively and then apply the correct solution (distilled water for W-tags, rubbing alcohol for S-tags) and blot throughly.
You'll Need
- A vacuum with upholstery attachment
- A soft-bristled brush
- A spray bottle
- Distilled water (the lack of minerals reduces chance of water stains)
- Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol)
- Mild dish soap
- Baking soda
- Microfiber cloths
- Fan or hair dryer
1. Vacuum and Prep the Couch
- Remove cushions and vacuum the entire sofa thoroughly using the upholstery brush nozzle.
- Pay attention to crevices and the underside of cushions where loose dirt, bits of food, and pet hair collect.
2. Identify the Fabric Type
- Look for the couch's cleaning tag.
- Codes like “S” are for for solvent-based cleaners and “W” is for water-based cleaners. This will give you specific care instructions as even plain water will cause water rings on the wrong fabric.
3. Spot Treat Stains for Water-Safe Microfiber (“W” tag)
- Mix a few drops of liquid dish soap with warm water in a spray bottle.
- Lightly spray this water-based solution on the dry stains and gently blot with a microfiber cloth. Avoid scrubbing, which can damage the fibers.
- Repeat for set-in stains. Use a white cloth to gauge how much of the stain is lifting away.
- Rinse away soap residue by blotting with a damp cloth and clean water.
- Now blot with a dry cloth.
- Note: W-tag items can handle steam cleaners but double check the accompanying commercial cleaning products before use.
4. Spot Treat Stains for Solvent-Clean Microfiber (“S” tag)
- Pour rubbing alcohol into a spray bottle.
- Lightly mist the stained area. For large stains, clean the couch in sections as alcohol evaporates fast.
- Blot with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Avoid scrubbing.
5. Dry the Fabric
- Let the couch air dry. Alternatively, set up a fan or use a hair dryer on the cool setting to speed up the drying process and avoid water spots.
- Dry the fabric completely.
- After drying, gently fluff the fibers with a scrubbing brush to return its soft texture.
Extra Advice for Removing Tough Microfiber Stains and Odors
- To absorb odors, sprinkle plain baking soda over the entire couch. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes (or overnight for strong odors). Get your vacuum cleaner to clean it up. For W-tag couches you can spray it lightly with white vinegar to really remove couch odors.
- Grease stains are unavoidable on high-touch areas. Sprinkle a light layer of cornstarch over the oil stain. Let it sit for 20 minutes and then vacuum. Blot with the appropriate cleanser (water or rubbing alcohol). Use a clean cloth to work it in with a gentle circular motion and then blot and dry with a blow dryer or fan.
- If pet accidents occur, try to tackle the fresh stain quickly by blotting with paper towels. Use an enzymatic cleaner designed to break down organic stains and odors. Make sure to use a water-based cleanser or a solvent-based product for your specific microfiber fabric type.
- For stuck-on food or chewing gum, place ice cubes in a zip lock bag. Place them on the spot until the food hardens. The food itself will lift off easily and then you can work on the tough stain underneath with the appropriate cleaning solution.
FAQ
What’s the best way to protect a microfiber couch from future stains?
Applying a fabric protector spray designed for microfiber can add a stain-resistant barrier to future dirt. Clean up loose debris, grease spots, and thoroughly dry before application. Reapply over the entire surface every six months or after a deep cleaning session to maintain protection.
What if I can't get the stains out?
If nothing you do lifts the stains, or if you have a piece of furniture with a X on it's cleaning tag, it's time to call in a professional. An alternative option is to buy removable covers and ignore the tough stains.
How do I keep microfiber furniture looking fresh between cleanings?
Regularly vacuum and use a lint roller for pet hair. A monthly sprinkle of baking soda will keep odors at bay. After cleaning, microfiber can sometimes feel stiff or look matted. To revive it, use a soft brush or a clean, dry sponge to fluff the couch fibers. Brushing in a circular motion can restore the velvety original texture of the fabric. Be sure to fluff up the seat cushions regularly, it does a to get a fresher couch.
