Couch cushions can quickly become one of the dirtiest spots in our homes due to frequent use. They accumulate spills, stains, dust, pollen, pet and human hair, dander, and other environmental soils. To maintain cleanliness, it’s essential to clean couch cushions regularly.
Routine cleaning involves using a vacuum with an upholstery brush attachment. Ideally, vacuum your couch cushions at least once a week. If you have pets, kids, or face high dust levels, more frequent vacuuming may be necessary. For a more thorough cleaning, deep clean your couch cushions every six months.
In this guide, you’ll find instructions for both routine and deep cleaning methods, as well as valuable information on how to protect your cushions from damage caused by improper cleaning practices.
Understanding Couch Cushion Types
Before cleaning your couch cushions, it’s crucial to check the care tag sewn onto an inconspicuous area of the sofa, typically the underside of the seat. This tag contains a universal cleaning code represented by one of four letter symbols, indicating the appropriate cleaning method:
- W = Wet/water cleaning only
- S = Dry solvent cleaning only
- SW = Dry solvent and/or wet cleaning
- X = Professional cleaning or vacuuming only
Take note of the specific code and follow the corresponding cleaning method. Additionally, special care instructions may be included on the tag. To ensure the cleaning products won’t damage your couch cushions, perform a spot test on an inconspicuous area before applying any cleaning techniques outlined in this article.
What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools
Tools for Routine Cleaning
- Vacuum
- Crevice tool attachment
- Upholstery brush attachment
Tools for Deep Cleaning
- Vacuum
- Upholstery brush attachment
Tools for Cleaning Non-Removable Cushions
- Vacuum
- Upholstery brush attachment
- Upholstery cleaning machine
Materials
Supplies for Routine Cleaning
- Light-colored cloth
- Mild detergent
Supplies for Deep Cleaning
- Liquid laundry detergent
- Towels
Instructions
Routine Cleaning for Couch Cushions
To keep your sofa cushions fresh and clean, regular vacuuming is essential. Follow these steps to maintain the cushions and remove any stains or soiled areas:
- Vacuum the Cushions Using a vacuum with an upholstery brush attachment, thoroughly vacuum the cushions to eliminate crumbs, hair, dust, dander, and other debris. Be gentle and work in the direction of the fibers to avoid damaging the fabric. If the cushions are removable, flip them over and vacuum the sides and bottoms as well.
- Clean Seams with a Crevice Tool Switch to the vacuum’s crevice tool and clean along the seams of the cushions, where crumbs, hair, and dust tend to accumulate.
- Spot-Treat Small Stains Prepare a mixture of water and a small amount of dish soap or mild liquid laundry detergent to create suds. Dip a light-colored cloth in the suds and gently apply the detergent to any stained or soiled areas, following the direction of the fibers. After removing the stain, rinse the cloth with clean water and wipe the area again to remove any soapy residue.
How to Deep-Clean Removable Couch Cushions
Deep cleaning couch cushions is essential, especially for households with pets or children. Follow these steps to give your sofa cushions a thorough cleaning every six months or as needed:
- Vacuum the Sofa Cushions Remove the cushions from the couch and vacuum all sides using a vacuum with an upholstery brush attachment. If your cushions have removable slipcovers, take them off and either machine-wash them separately in cold water or hand wash them along with the cushions.
- Prepare Detergent Solution Fill the bathtub about one-third full with cool water, providing enough space to fully submerge the cushions and move your hands through the water. Add 1-2 tablespoons of liquid detergent, using your hands to dilute and distribute it evenly in the water.
- Submerge and Agitate Cushions Place the cushions in the detergent solution and use your hands to completely submerge them. If the cushions are large, wash only 1-2 at a time. Make a pumping motion with your hands to agitate the cushions, allowing the detergent to penetrate their fibers and release dirt and grime. Let the cushions soak in the solution for 10-15 minutes, then repeat the pumping motion.
- Rinse the Cushions Drain the detergent solution and press down on the cushions to extrude soapy water. Refill the tub with clean water and continue the pumping motion to remove more suds. Repeat this process, draining and refilling as needed, until the water runs clear and all suds are gone.
- Remove Excess Water While still in the tub, press down firmly on the cushions to extrude as much water as possible. Gently squeeze the cushions and use the pumping motion to push out excess water, avoiding wringing or twisting to prevent damage to the fill. Wrap the cushions in clean, dry towels and press down again to absorb more water.
- Air Dry the Cushions Allow the cushions to air dry completely before placing them back on the couch. For even drying, use a flat mesh drying rack or flip the cushions over regularly. Using a fan or dehumidifier nearby can speed up the drying process.
How to Deep-Clean Non-Removable Couch Cushions
Carpet and upholstery cleaning machines are an effective way to deep clean couch cushions, especially when they are non-removable. They work by injecting a cleaning solution deep into the fibers and then using suction to extract the solution, along with dirt, pollutants, and stains, out of the fabric.
Here’s how to use an upholstery cleaning machine to clean your couch cushions:
- Vacuum the Couch Cushions Before using the upholstery cleaning machine, start by vacuuming the sofa cushions with the upholstery brush attachment. This will remove loose environmental and body soils, such as dust, pollen, and hair.
- Prepare the Machine Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prepare the upholstery cleaning machine. Fill the water tank with the appropriate amount of water and add the recommended upholstery cleaning solution.
- Perform a Spot Test Even if the care tag on your couch cushions indicates it is safe to use an upholstery cleaning machine, it’s always a good idea to perform a spot test in an inconspicuous area first. This will ensure that the cleaning solution and the machine won’t cause any damage to the fabric.
- Work in Sections Divide the cushions into sections and use the upholstery cleaning machine to clean each section thoroughly. Move the nozzle in straight lines to cover the entire surface. For heavily soiled cushions, you may need to make more than one pass. You’ll know the cushions are clean when the solution extracted from them runs clear.
- Allow Cushions to Dry After cleaning, allow the couch cushions to air dry completely before placing them back on the couch. To promote even drying, consider using a flat mesh drying rack or flip the cushions over at regular intervals. You can also use a fan and/or dehumidifier nearby to speed up the drying process.