You’ve discovered the ideal used couch. Congratulations! It’ll look great in your home—after you remove the bacterial evidence of it being in someone else’s home, a thrift store, a delivery truck, and who knows where else. You really want to ensure the new addition to your seating arrangements is clean and sanitary before making it a permanent fixture in your living space. With all the potential germs, bugs, dust, dirt, and any other potentially harmful unwanted things, it is a must to properly clean and sanitize your new-found used couch. If you have children, pets, or allergies, cleaning and sanitizing the used couch is best.
It may take effort to clean a used couch thoroughly, but there is a better time to go for the room spray and call it a day. Consider this: You’re going to rest your face on the cushions of that object. You bought the couch, not the odor, and you won’t be sorry for working to get it back to its former glory. You want a pleasant-smelling couch or no smell at all. Suppose there is a potential to remove any odor before placing it in your living space or on your face. In that case, the best practice is to take time to thoroughly clean your new furniture.
Continue reading for some of the finest cleaning and sanitizing tips for a used couch.
What You’ll Need
- Brush with bristles
- Gloves
- Dishwashing liquid
- Baking powder
- Handheld vacuum cleaners or vacuum cleaners with nozzle attachments
- Optional enzyme-based cleanser
- Optional handheld steam cleaner
- Vodka or Vinegar
- A spray bottle
Step 1: Remove Dirt and Debris
If you have a new couch that needs some TLC and it’s a nice day, start the cleaning process outside. UV rays kill bacteria, and working outside keeps you from inhaling decades of dust.
Similarly, cleaning a used couch is a terrific time to start, even if you never use gloves. When combined with cleansers, dust and spores can do a number on your hands, so cleaning with new gloves is the safest and most sanitary option.
Grab a handheld vacuum or a vacuum with a nozzle attachment and make your first pass over the couch and into its crevices to remove any crumbs, hair, or other debris. Agitate and dislodge caked-on debris, such as melted chocolate or (ideally) other delicacies, with the bristle brush.
Now is also an excellent time to try spraying the used couch with a non-toxic bug spray, especially if you live in a city. Allow it to sit for 24 hours before vacuuming again.
Step 2: Cleaning Preparation and Planning
Remove anything that can be removed, such as pillows, cushions, and covers, to treat and clean separately.
If the tag on your couch has the designation W-S, it can be cleaned with water and water-free chemicals. Wash anything detachable on high heat to prevent shrinkage and dry it in the sun. If your couch’s tag has the letter S, which stands for “solvent,” it’s time to take it to the dry cleaners if spot treatments have failed.
If the tag on your couch has the code X, avoid using foam or liquid cleaning solutions, as they may cause shrinkage or stains. To clean these couches, only use a vacuum or a dry cloth. If it isn’t enough, get professional assistance and consult a couch cleaning service.
An in-depth description of the various fabric codes for couches may be found here.
If your vintage couch lacks tags but you know the manufacturer or model, use Google to do your research. The vintage furniture world is welcoming, so if you’re stuck, feel free to seek guidance from your local Baughman dealer.
Step 3: Remove Stains
Combine one cup of warm water, white vinegar 1/4 cup, and a tablespoon of mild dish detergent, castile soap, or other non-scented light soap in a spray bottle or small basin. Spray or pat the solution onto the stain, but don’t saturate the fabric (otherwise, you’ll end up with an enormously different color than you started with).
Before moving on to more visible places, always perform a spot test underneath the couch or beneath its cushions, especially if you’re using a heavy-duty cleaner.
Using a clean, moist cloth, blot the spot. Allow it to dry before repeating the process.
If the metal legs on your vintage modular sofa have improved, soak the area in white vinegar (if possible) or eliminate rust with lemon juice, salt, mild dish soap, and ammonia.
Step 4: Remove Any Odors
Remove the cushions and apply a fine layer of baking soda to the couch if feasible. Work the baking soda into the material, corners, and cracks with a dry bristle brush. Allow the baking powder to soak up any moisture for a few hours.
Most scents can be eliminated by spritzing your couch with water, vinegar, or vodka. You can also use an enzyme cleanser to remove stubborn odors and stains. Just ensure you get the right cleaner for your couch’s material.
Rent a Steamer for a Deep Clean (Or Smelly Couch)
Renting a steam cleaner for an upholstered couch is calling in the powerful guns. The heat assists in lifting and removing old stains, killing bacteria and bugs, eliminating pet scents, and refreshing the fabric.
Allow the steamer to dry everything you can reach on the couch before repeating as needed. Suppose you choose to leave the steaming to the professionals. In that case, professional cleaning costs vary depending on your couch type and location. Still, rates start around $75 for more petite sofas.
However, just because your couch is made of fabric does not imply you can steam it. Cleaning Code S, as in “solvent,” indicates that water may shrink or discolor the cloth.
How to Clean a Leather Couch
To clean crevices, use a vacuum nozzle attachment. Using a clean, white microfiber cloth, remove light stains with dish soap and water or a specialty leather soap called saddle soap.
When working with leather, never use liquids on an oil stain. Instead, sprinkle baking soda on the affected area and let it sit for a few hours before wiping it clean with a microfiber towel.