Many homeowners wonder if carpet cleaner can be used to clean their couch. After all, a carpet cleaning machine does such a great job lifting dirt and stains from carpets – can’t it work the same magic on upholstery? The short answer is yes, in many cases you can use your regular carpet cleaner to freshen up furniture too.
Checking What’s Safe For Your Couch
Before getting started, it’s important to check what cleaning methods are recommended for your particular couch fabric. Most furniture will have a care tag that lists either “W”, “S”, or “X”. “W” means it’s okay to use water-based cleaners, “S” means only use dry-cleaning solvents, and “X” means you need to hire a pro. If your couch is tagged “W”, then a carpet cleaning machine will likely work well. Just be sure to use the upholstery attachment and an appropriate cleaning solution.
Giving it a Test Run
Even if your couch care tag says it’s fine, do a little test spot first just to be safe. Look for an inconspicuous area like under a cushion and try out your carpet cleaner following the manufacturer’s instructions. Let the test spot fully dry then check to see if the fabric looks okay. No color change or damage? Then you’re good to go on cleaning the whole couch!
Prepping For Best Results
To get your couch really clean, start by vacuuming it well to pick up any loose dirt or crumbs. This will allow the carpet cleaner to really soak into the fabric rather than just pushing stuff around. For set-in stains, try spot-treating them first with a stain remover or baking soda paste before using the carpet cleaning machine. Pushing dirt and grime deep into the cushion fibers is what will have it looking fresh again.
Using The Carpet Cleaner
Fill the carpet cleaner’s solution tank with warm water and the recommended amount of cleaning formula. Attach the upholstery tool and turn it on. Work section by section, going over the whole couch surface with slow, overlapping passes of the tool. You may need to go over problem areas a couple times to break up stuck-on gunk. Keep the tool moving and avoid over-saturating any one spot. Once complete, your couch should look much cleaner!
Letting it Air Dry
After cleaning, it’s important to allow your freshly-cleaned couch plenty of time to air dry fully before using it again. Expect at least 8 hours, though 24 is even better. Leaving the cushions flipped over with fans blowing across the undersides can help speed the drying process. Be patient during this time, as sitting on a still-damp couch could cause mildew or damage to the fabric. The wait will be worth it for long-lasting freshness!
Alternative Cleaning Methods
If you’re concerned about using water on your couch or if the care tag says not to, consider renting a carpet cleaning machine with a dry cleaning attachment instead. These use absorbent compunds to lift away dirt without getting the fabric wet. Steam cleaning is another good option that involves no chemicals – just hot steam to break up grime. Both methods are gentler alternatives to regular carpet cleaners.
Maintaining That Just-Cleaned Look
To keep your couch looking freshly cleaned between deep cleanings, regularly vacuum any loose dirt and use throw blankets to protect it from everyday wear and tear. For spills, blot them up immediately instead of rubbing. Over time this will cut down on how often you need to pull out the big guns of the carpet cleaner or steam cleaner. Proper maintenance makes those deep cleanings last much longer.
Final Thought
With the right carpet cleaning machine and cleaning solution, along with some preparation and patience to let it dry, most homeowners can safely and effectively clean their couches at home. Just be sure to check fabric care tags first and spot test any products. With regular vacuuming and quick spill response between cleanings, you can keep that just-cleaned look lasting much longer.