How To Clean Your Sofa Cushions
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Why Clean Sofa Cushions?
- How To Clean Sofa Cushions At Home (The Basic Way)?
- How To Deep-Clean Removable Couch Cushions
- How To Deep-Clean Non-Removable Couch Cushions
- How to Wash Couch Cushions in a Washing Machine?
- How To Clean Sofa Cushions Without Water?
- How To Clean Velvet Sofa Cushions?
- How To Clean Leather Sofa Cushions?
- How To Clean a Sunbrella Sofa Cushion?
- How Do You Clean Mold and Mildew in Sunbrella Cushions?
- Final Words
- FAQs
After spending your precious time and money on your best-looking sofa that drags you to a different world while lounging, an issue pops up.
It has started to smell foul-smelling.
Because you, a busy bee, caught up with other work and forgot the cleaning part. And you googled how to clean sofa cushions and landed on this page. Welcome :)
Though the sofa cushions are made to withstand everyday use, they can't serve you better unless you clean them regularly.
So, are you convinced to follow a sofa cushion cleaning routine? If yes, remember that you don't have to be a pro to clean sofa cushions. Or seek professional help. (unless something is critical). This blog has covered the best ways to clean sofa cushions.
Why Clean Sofa Cushions?
You don't always clean the sofa cushions properly. But you often do a shallow cleaning where you simply dust and vacuum the exterior parts. This is okay to some extent. But think about this scenario when liquid spills happen, and it soaks in. Here, dirt and pet hair can potentially break down the fibers. So regular cleaning is essential.
Now that you are pretty clear about the perks of regular maintenance of your sofa cushions, we will now move on to how to clean dirty sofa cushions.
Check The Cushion Material
Before getting started with cleaning your sofa cushions, identify your cushion material. It is highly important to know what material your sofa cushions are made of to know what cleaning methods and solutions you should avoid at all costs. Some Common Sofa Fabrics Are:
- Natural fabrics such as silk, linen, or cotton
- Synthetic fabrics such as vinyl, polyester, and microfiber.
- Suede or leather.
As for the suede or leather materials, you must hire a professional to get the cushions cleaned. But for other materials, you can do it yourself. No harm.
The problem is that some sofas come with upholstery or sofa cushions that can be removed or machine-washed. Meanwhile, some sofa cushion covers are non-removable and labeled as spot-clean only.
So, how you clean sofa cushions is also influenced by the upholstery material and removable and non-removable features.
Check The Cleaning Codes
- X: You must only vacuum and lightly brush the sofa. Using water and solvent is a no-no when cleaning.
- WS: Using water- and solvent-based cleaning solutions is fine.
- S: Strictly avoid water when cleaning your sofa. Instead, use a solvent-based cleaner.
- W: You can use both water-based and water-based cleaners.
How To Clean Sofa Cushions At Home (The Basic Way)?
If you want a clean, healthy-looking sofa, simply clean it regularly. As said earlier, we don't deep-clean sofa cushions often. A regular cleanup is enough unless you doubt if your cushions are spoiled.
Here's how to clean sofa cushions at home on a regular basis:
Step 1: Vacuum Your Sofa Cushions
Get your vacuum fitted with an upholstery brush attachment. Next, vacuum the sofa cushions to remove hair, minute dust particles, body soil, etc.
Ensure you work in the direction of the fibers to go with the flow and use a light touch feature to avoid damaging the fabric. If they are removable cushions, flip them over and simply vacuum the sides and bottoms.
Step 2: Use A Crevice Tool For Seams
Switch to the vacuum's crevice tool, which is one of the vacuum cleaner attachments that's used for cleaning tighter spots. Now vacuum along the cushions' seams and collect crumbs, hair, and dust.
Step 3: Spot-Treat Small Stains
While cleaning, if you find small stains, clean them immediately. Either take a few drops of liquid laundry detergent or dish soap and mix them with water. Use a small piece of cloth to apply the detergent to the stained area.
Once the stain-removing process is done, rinse the cloth with clean water and remove any residue.
How To Deep-Clean Removable Couch Cushions
While regular cleaning must be done on and off, deep cleaning sofa cushions is a must every six months. In particular, if you have kids and pets in the house, We will now teach you the best way to deep-clean sofa cushions.
Step 1: Vacuum Sofa Cushions
Before diving into deep cleaning, don’t forget to remove the sofa cushions and vacuum all sides of the sofa using a vacuum fitted with an upholstery brush attachment.
If the sofa cushions have removable slipcovers, remove and wash them using a washing machine or wash them by hand.
Step 2: Fill The Water Tub With Water And Detergent
Fill one-third of the water tub with cold water or up to a level that is enough for the cushions to be submerged. Next, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of liquid detergent and mix it in the water using your hands.
Step 3: Submerge Cushions In A Detergent Solution.
Now, place the sofa cushions in the detergent solution and submerge them completely using your hands. If needed, add extra water. If the cushion size is bigger, you can accommodate only 1 or 2 cushions at a time in the tub.
Make a pumping motion with your hands so that the detergent-mixed water soaks into the cushions. Only when it can release dirt and grime. Let the cushions sit in the solution for 10 to 15 minutes. Post that, repeat the pumping motion.
Step 4: Rinse Off Your Detergent-Soaked Cushions
Drain the detergent solution and take the cushions out. Now press down the soggy cushions to remove the water. Again, fill the tub with clean water, soak them, and, with the pumping motion, try to remove the dirt accumulated inside the cushions.
Repeat this process unless the bubbles are gone and the water runs clear.
Step 5: Extrude Excess Water
Remove the excess water as much as possible. By using the pumping motion, gently squeeze the cushions to push out excess water. But don't make harsh moves like wringing or twisting them, as it may cause tearing or breaking up the fill.
Wrap dry towels around them and press down again so that the towel absorbs more excess water.
Step 6: Allow Cushions To Air Dry
Now let the cushions air-dry. Once they are ready, put them back on the sofa. If you want to speed up the drying part, set up a dehumidifier or a fan near the cushions.
We have also covered on how to wash sofa bed cushion covers.
How To Deep-Clean Non-Removable Couch Cushions
Dealing with dirt is no joke, and cleaning non-removable sofa cushions can be tricky. But fret not. When the cushions are attached to the sofa, they can collect more dust and dirt. So to clean that carpet and upholstery, cleaning machines are used.
These machines are loaded with cleaning solutions that force the solution deep into fibers, and using suction, they can extract the solution along with dirt.
This process is the best way to clean non-removable sofa cushions and an excellent alternative to cleaning sofa cushions by hand. No sweat!
Follow the step-by-step guide for spot-cleaning non-removable cushions:
Step 1: Vacuum Couch Cushions
Before you get your hands dirty, vacuuming your sofa cushions is crucial to removing the extra dirt. Use the upholstery brush attachment to remove dust, dirt, body hair, etc.
Step 2: Prepare The Machine
Once the initial cleaning is done, prepare your upholstery machine. Fill its water tank with cleaning solution, not as you wish but following the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 3: Perform A Spot Test
Now it's time to act. Even if the manufacturer's tag says to use the upholstery machine on the cushion directly, it's best to do a spot test. So, a quick spot test in an inconspicuous area is needed to ensure it won't damage the fabric.
Step 4: Work In Sections
Don't randomly move the upholstery cleaning machine wherever you want. Start working in sections and move the nozzle in straight lines to clean the cushion's surface.
Next, soak the cleaning solution in the same way. Sometimes, cushions that are not cleaned regularly might need more than one pass.
How do you know if the cushion is clean? Well, when the solution extracted is clean and clear, it indicates that your cushions are clean.
Step 5: Let the Cushions Dry
Let the couch cushions air dry completely before starting to use the sofa. If you want to dry them quickly, set up a fan or dehumidifier. This way, you can clean sofa cushions if you can't remove filling easily at home.
How to Wash Couch Cushions in a Washing Machine?
If cleaning the sofa cushions is time-consuming and challenging, get help from your washing machine. Life becomes a lot easier if you have removable covers or smaller cushions.
A quick warning! Confirm if your cushion cover is machine-washable. It has a label marked "W" for water-based cleaners. Remove the cushion cover and clean it separately in the washing machine. Cleaning cushions in a washing machine is not possible if they are large.
Here's the step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Treat Stains
Either use a stain remover or a spot treatment solution to treat stains. For instance, if you have a urine stain, remove the cover and use water to wash it. Don't press hard or scrub to set in the stain.
Then, run the cover through a cycle with cold water and a cup of vinegar. Then, wash it with detergent using warm water and hang it to dry.
Step 2: Use Dye-Free Laundry Detergent
You may want to clean sofa cushions without staining them. If you have a colorfast sofa cushion cover, use a dye-free laundry detergent to make sure that the dye is not transferred to your upholstery covers.
Step 3: Use Cold Water And A Delicate Setting
We prefer washing cushions in a washing machine only when the stains are tough, and the cushions are very dirty. However, warm or hot water is a big no for this process. Only cold water will be easy on your fabrics. And strictly opt for a delicate cycle for your first wash in the washing machine.
Quick tip: Close the zipper of the cushion cover so that it doesn't get tangled or damaged.
Step 4: Air-Dry The Cushion
Avoid machine-drying the sofa cushions because chances are they will shrink or fade. Instead, drip dry in the shade, as direct sunlight could fade the fabric.
How To Clean Sofa Cushions Without Water?
If your sofa is allergic to water, one of the best ways to deep clean sofa cushions is by using baking soda. In particular, use it on wet stains.
Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda over the area and leave it untouched for 20 to 30 minutes. If sofa cushions are wet all the way, wait until the baking soda dries up.
If there are dried-on stains, use dry cleaning cloths to get rid of the dirt and stains. Since these clothes are pre-treated with a dry cleaning solution, they come in handy to have around.
Most dry cleaning cloths work by gently rubbing the stain to break it down. If needed, use a hair dryer to heat the area. The cleaning solution sheet needs activation.
How To Clean Velvet Sofa Cushions?
Velvet is a soft, rich-looking fabric that can potentially turn a place into a luxurious one. But while it looks fancy, it's actually high-maintenance in some cases. Dust, dirt, unexpected spills, or even sitting in the same spot too often can flatten or damage the fabric if it's not cared for properly.
So it's important to maintain them to keep the velvet sofa look rich, and it also helps extend its life and preserve that irresistible texture.
To clean velvet sofa cushions,
1. Vacuum the velvet upholstery. Go with appropriate attachments and lower power modes to be used on upholstery.
2. Blotting the spills ASAP is important. Take a nice dry adsorbent cloth and bolt it.
3. If you spot a dried stain on the velvet upholstery, take a soft cloth, soak it in a soap and water mixture, and blot the stain. Then, let it dry fully. If the stain is bright, you can use a solution of baking soda and lemon juice to tackle a stain-affected area. Carefully apply the mixture to the stain, then use a soft cloth to gently rub out the stain. Next, dab the area with clean water and allow it to air dry.
Quick note: What if the cleaning solution you prepare ruins your fabric? To avoid that, always test the cleaning solution on a hidden spot first.
4. Restore the velvet fabric. Once the velvet fabric is dry, take a soft brush and use it over the fabric to restore the pile. This gives an untouched look to the fabric and remains fresh.
5. Turn to professional cleaning if you want to deep clean sofa cushions or are simply not confident in DIY. It’s okay to ask for help.
How To Clean Leather Sofa Cushions?
Cleaning your non-removable leather cushions on your sofa is easy when you choose the right approach. Here's a step-by-step guide:
1. Start by removing loose dirt and debris using a dry microfiber cloth or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment.
2. Next, prepare a cleaning solution by mixing a few drops of mild soap with distilled water.
3. Now wipe the leather using a dip of microfiber cloth into the soaping water, wring it out so it's damp, and gently wipe the entire surface of the leather cushion.
4. As a final step, dampen another clean cloth with water and wipe the leather to remove any soap residue. Then, blot dry with a soft towel.
5. Condition the leather using conditioner to keep the leather soft and prevent cracking.
Need a detailed guide on this? Read our how to clean leather sofa guide.
How to Clean a Sunbrella Sofa Cushion?
Sunbrella fabric is a high-performance, durable material that's known for being fade-resistant, water-resistant, mildew-resistant, and easy to clean. They are super popular for outdoor furniture, boats, marine environments, and poolside and garden seating.
Even though Sunbrella fabric is resistant to dust and dirt, you can't resist them building up over time.
Follow the steps to clean Sunbrella sofa cushions:
1. Blot spills quickly. If it's liquid spills, blot it, and please don't rub it because it can smudge and create a mess. For oil-based spills, apply an absorbent like cornstarch, then remove it with a straight edge.
2. Prepare a cleaning solution to clean the fabric. Mix 1/4 cup of mild soap per gallon of lukewarm water.
3. Next, clean the fabric; use a sponge or soft-bristle brush to apply the cleaning solution to the fabric, gently agitating to remove dirt.
4. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
5. Finally, let the fabric air dry completely.
We have explained in detail on how to clean and care your outdoor furniture here.
How Do You Clean Mold and Mildew in Sunbrella Cushions?
If you have left the Sunbrella cushions outdoors for a long time without maintenance, it's quite natural to grow mold and mildew. Here's how to clean garden sofa cushions:
1. Prepare a solution of 1 cup of bleach and 1/4 cup of mild soap per gallon of water.
2. Next, take a microfiber cloth, soak it in the solution, and apply it to the affected area. Let it soak for 15 minutes, then clean with a sponge or soft-bristle brush. Rinse thoroughly and air dry.
Final Words
We hope this extensive guide on how to clean your sofa cushions was of some help. Always pre-clean your sofa cushions before the main cleaning process. Because it will make your work easier.
One last time, we would like to remind you of this: Before removing stains, test your cleaner on a non-visible area of your cushions and then proceed if there's no issue. Want to take a peek at our sofa collections - click here
FAQs
Can I use a steam cleaner on sofa cushions?
Yes, you can do that. Because steam cleaning can work well on some fabrics, especially synthetic upholstery. However, it's best that you check the care label first. Natural materials like velvet or linen aren't steam-safe. If you are doubtful about this, do a spot test or ask for expert recommendations.
How often should I clean my sofa cushions?
It recommended doing light cleaning such as vacuuming and quick wipe-downs once a week. As for deep cleaning or washing cushion covers, you can do it every few months or more often if you have some messy partners at home like pets, kids or if you suffer from allergies.
