In addition to your bed, sofas are probably one of your home’s most utilized furniture pieces. Since most household gatherings are around the seating area in your living room, this is among the most accessible spots within your home to accumulate dirt and stain, whether it’s from spilled glasses of wine, a child playing on furniture, or the paws of your furry friends. Upholstery, such as couches, can also trap undesirable odors when they’re not maintained regularly.
However, couches can be different in contrast to bedding, which can be easily put in the washing machine. Sometimes, cushions let you throw the covers into the washing machine, while some require spot cleaning using mild detergent.
For a comprehensive guide on the best way to wash your sofa cushions, we spoke to Jackie Hirschhaut of American Home Furnishings Alliance. Here’s everything you need to learn about cleaning your sofa cushions.
Jackie Hirschhaut is the Vice Director of Marketing and Public Relations of the American Home Furnishings Alliance, which partners with the most reputable furniture manufacturers in the nation. Jackie was also an editor for upholstery at the trade magazine for home furnishings.
How Often Should You Clean Your Couch Cushion Covers?
When cleaning your sofa cushions, the frequency will depend on how frequently the couch is used and how often you deal with stains. In general, it is recommended to clean your couch’s cushions every six months or less However, you may need to increase the frequency of cleaning when you’re dealing with busy living rooms.
Hirschhaut also suggests several additional tasks you can add to your sofa cushion cleaning checklist, which can be completed every month. “The general rule of thumb advises that cushions are vacuumed monthly to remove dust and light dirt as a means of extending the good looks of the seating,” Hirschhaut states. “In addition, cushions should be flipped and fluffed each month to maintain the integrity of the seat core and avoid excessive wear and wrinkling of the cover fabric.”
Hirschhaut recommends hiring an expert professional to clean your couch every once a year for better cleaning.
How to Easily Clean Couch Cushion Covers
One of the most straightforward ways to clean your sofa cushion covers is by using soap and water. This method is effective with all spills.
Prep the Area
Clean up any dirt that has accumulated on the cushion of your couch. After that, rub the spill using a dry and clean cloth.
Make a Cleaning Solution
Make a cleaning solution using an amount of 1/4 cup of mild enzyme detergent, such as dishwashing liquid per cup of boiling water. Put the key in an aerosol bottle and spray the stain or spill.
Brush the Cushion Cover
Utilizing a sponge or a soft bristle brush, apply using the mixture to the affected area But be sure not to scratch. If you are cleaning up spills, be sure that you wipe the stain instead of rubbing it. Rubbing will only increase the depth of the color.
Rinse and Repeat
Please get rid of soap residue by giving it the aid of a gentle rinse with water. Blot off the excess moisture with an unclean sponge or cloth. Let the fabric dry completely and repeat the process when needed.
How to Clean Covers That Can Handle Bleach
Sure, cushions for couches can be cleaned using bleach without harming the fabric. Here’s how to remove them.
Prep the Area
Blot (don’t rub) liquid spills using a dry, clean cloth and then brush off any loose particles.
Create a Bleach Solution
Make a bleach-cleaning solution consisting of 1 cup of bleach and one teaspoon of mild soap for each gallon of water.
Mist and Wait
Spray a thin mist of the bleach solution by using spray bottles. Let the answer be absorbed within the fabrics for about 15 minutes.
Lightly Scrub
Apply the solution to the affected area using gentle scratching of the site with a sponge or bristle brush.
Ensure you work from outside the stain towards the inside to avoid spreading the paint. Also, be sure to wash your brush or sponge frequently.
Rinse and Air Dry
Blot thoroughly and wash the fabric in liquid until the stain has been removed. Make sure that all bleach has been removed from the material. Then allow the cushion to dry completely.
How to Clean Different Types of Couch Cushion Fabric
Our previous methods are easy and quick cushions for your couch cleaning options, But be aware of the material you’re working on. If you want to do cleaning spots, examine your couch’s cleaning code specific to each type of fabric. Be sure to conduct a spot test in a non-splash location before beginning any of these methods for cleaning.
Test cleaners or other solutions on a small section of the cushion to determine colorfastness which refers to the ability to resist color fade or running.
Cleaning Code S
The cleaning code “S,” which is “solvent,” means that the fabric must be dry-cleaned. Hirschhaut suggests using a water-free, mild solvent or dry cleaner if you have to clean a spot. It would be best to stay clear of steam and water-based cleaners since they can result in shrinkage and staining.
Cleaning Code WS
Cleaning code WS indicates that you can mix an agent for cleaning with water and a water-free solvent or dry cleaning product. Don’t over-saturate any stain or spot. If you’re working on pile fabrics, use an unmetallic, stiff-bristle broom to keep your cushion looking brand new, as per Hirschhaut.
When cleaning codes S and WS, wash only in a ventilated area and avoid products that contain carbon tetrachloride and other harmful substances.
Cleaning Code W
Cleaning code W indicates that furniture can be cleaned using water-based solutions and is among the most straightforward fabrics to clean. Hirschhaut claims that you can identify clean code W fabric with the foam from cleaning agents such as mild detergents or non-solvent products for upholstery shampoo.
When you’ve applied your foam, apply it in a circular motion using a soft brush. After the spot has dried, vacuum it up, and you’re good to go.
Cleaning Code X
Cleaning Code X is one of the most challenging kinds of fabrics to clean, as it is not recommended to use liquid or foam cleaning agents, Hirschhaut suggests. Cleaning the material with a vacuum or gently brushing it using a non-metallic, stiff bristle brush is possible.
