How To Clean A Microfiber Couch: A Complete Guide

When was the last time you took a long, hard look at your microfiber couch? If it’s been a while, it might be time to give it a once over with a discerning pair of eyes. Notice anything? Maybe you’re seeing dirty armrests, a dark, worn spot on your favorite cushion, or that stain you completely forgot about. If your sofa is looking less than chic lately, we’ve got some tips for how to clean a microfiber couch.

What is Microfiber Fabric?

Microfiber is a synthetic fabric often used as upholstery for furniture. The fibers that make microfiber are extremely small, giving this fabric its very literal name. These tiny fibers mean microfiber is easy to clean, stain-resistant, durable, and fade-resistant, making it an ideal choice for high-use furniture upholstery.

While microfiber upholstery is more stain-resistant than some, that doesn’t mean all stains are avoidable. Water spots, grease, and other liquids can stain the couch and it’s important to clean them quickly and appropriately to avoid long-term damage.

Why Should I Know How To Clean A Microfiber Couch?

We all spend a lot of time in our living rooms and that means our living room furniture gets a lot of daily use. With all that use, it’s common for everyday dirt and dust, as well as spills and accidents, to accumulate.

While they might go unnoticed after looking at them every day, try to look at your furniture as if you were going to sell it tomorrow. This helps you notice things that might go unnoticed on an ordinary day.

While microfiber is easy to maintain, there are a few things you can do to ensure its durability. Cleaning microfiber fabric properly is one of the most important things you can do to maintain its long-lasting quality. To keep your microfiber couch in the best condition so it lasts for years to come, it’s best to clean it regularly. 

Step-by-Step Instructions to Clean a Microfiber Couch

Here are all the steps to giving your microfiber couch new life. These steps are tailored to W, S, W-S, and no-code microfiber fabric. Please always remember to test your cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area first and let it dry completely before moving on to a more visible area of your couch.

Step 1.) Check The Tags For The Fabric Code

There are different types of microfiber and each requires different cleaning methods. The process will depend on which of the following codes your couch has. Check your microfiber couch for the proper cleaning code and then proceed to step two for cleaning instructions.

Code W

A code W means you can clean the couch with a water-based cleaner, or even water itself. This fabric will not show water stains or water spots like some other microfiber couches will.

Code S

Code S means you should avoid water-based cleaners and you must use a dry cleaning solvent. Water-free solvents work here, but they are chemical-based and do require proper ventilation.

Code W-S

If you see code W-S, this microfiber couch can be cleaned with either water-based or solvent-based cleaners, giving you a bit more flexibility. 

Code X

Code X means you should not clean your microfiber couch at home. This fabric will not withstand water or solvent-based cleaners and should only be vacuumed. If you have tough stains, it’s best to call in a professional.

Step 2.) Gather All Of Your Cleaning Supplies

Before you get started it’s best to gather all of the supplies you’ll need. Based on your fabric cleaning code, here’s what you should grab.

Microfiber Couch Cleaning Supplies

• Vacuum with an upholstery attachment
• Spray bottle
• Soft-bristled brush or sponge
• Microfiber cloth
• Bowl of clean water
• Dish detergent (Code W, W-S fabrics)
• Rubbing alcohol (Code S, W-S fabrics)

Step 3.) Create The Proper Cleaning Solution

If cleaning with dish detergent on a W or W-S microfiber couch, use about two tablespoons to ¼ cup of detergent in a large bowl of warm water. Mix together to make soap suds. You can either leave it in the bowl or use a spray bottle for application. It’s best to also have a bowl of clean water on hand for rinsing.

If using rubbing alcohol, pour it into a spray bottle for easy use.

Step 4.) Spot Clean to Remove Stains and Worn Spots

First, give your microfiber couch a quick vacuum with the upholstery attachment. This removes all debris and makes it easier to clean the fabric. Next, using a soft sponge or bristled brush for tough stains, begin working the proper cleaning solution, either soap suds or rubbing alcohol, into the stain or area you wish to clean. Use a circular motion and don’t oversaturate the fabric.

For W or W-S fabrics, get a white microfiber cloth damp and use it to blot the soapy spot to begin rinsing it and lifting the stains. We recommend always using a white, clean cloth so you don’t risk transferring dye color onto your couch. If using rubbing alcohol, use a dry, white microfiber cloth to remove stains and help the rubbing alcohol begin to dry.

Step 5.) Vacuum The Fabric To Soften

Once everything has been cleaned, rinsed, and dried, use the upholstery attachment once more on your microfiber couch to fluff the fabric and remove any stiffness or wrinkles. Your couch should look as good as new. If the material still feels stiff or looks off, try using a soft-bristled brush or comb to loosen the fibers and soften the fabric. 

Key Considerations For How to Clean A Microfiber Couch

Heavily used furniture with fabric upholstery can collect dust, dirt, stains, and odors throughout its lifetime. While there are some easy and affordable steps you can take to clean a microfiber couch at home, there are still a few things to keep in mind.

Spot cleaning only takes care of noticeable discoloration on the sofa, but there can be underlying causes of odors or overall dinginess that home remedies and DIY cleaners may not fix. If you’ve had a microfiber couch for several years, it may be worth considering a professional cleaner.

Once you do have a clean couch, it’s well worth it to plan a strategy to keep it clean and maintain it using fabric protectors and come up with a weekly cleaning schedule.

Taking It To The Next Level: How To Protect Your Microfiber Couch From Stains

After cleaning your microfiber couch, it’s best to protect the fabric from future stains and grime. This will ensure your couch lasts longer and looks its best for years to come. After cleaning, use a spray-on protector for the fabric.

Scotchguard makes excellent options for a wide variety of fabrics. We do recommend that rather than creating a DIY fabric protector, it’s best to purchase one made specifically for your microfiber type. This will provide the best protection for your microfiber couch.

Alternatives To Cleaning Microfiber Couches

If the DIY cleaning approach is not quite cutting it for your beloved sofa, there are other options for you to consider. Store-bought fabric cleaners are still quite affordable and many are tailored to your specific microfiber fabric. You could also consider hiring a professional to come in and tackle your entire couch—taking this task completely off your own to-do list.

Commercial Microfiber Fabric Cleaners

It is worth noting that there are many commercial upholstery cleaning products on the market. These are absolutely fine to use as long as they fit your microfiber cleaning code. Many of these solutions are water-based, so be sure to read the labels carefully when selecting the correct cleaner for your couch.

As with DIY products, you should always test these cleaners on an unseen part of your couch to ensure they won’t cause any damage before using them to clean the more visible parts of your sofa.

When To Call In A Professional To Clean Your Microfiber Couch

If your couch is in rough shape, or you have fabric labeled with the X code, it’s best to call in a professional. Rather than spot cleaning, these pros offer steam cleaning and deep cleaning that may not be possible with a DIY cleaning method.

If your microfiber couch needs a bit more love than some occasional spot cleaning, bringing in a professional will help restore your couch to its like-new condition. Find a professional near you that offers cleaning on a wide variety of fabrics, they’ll know how to best clean your particular fabric.

Wrapping Up and My Experience With Cleaning Microfiber Couches

This article was created to give you easy, affordable instructions on how to clean your microfiber couch. We spend a lot of our time on our living room furniture, and oftentimes we spend a lot of money on those pieces.

In order to keep your furniture in the best shape and promote years of well-loved use, you have to stay on top of the upkeep and maintenance of these pieces. 

It’s best to vacuum your couch as often as you clean your carpet or rugs. Spot clean monthly for heavy-use furniture and consider cleaning it quarterly if it isn’t getting as much wear and tear on a daily basis.

If you are able to splurge, it may be worth hiring a professional to come in once per year to bring your microfiber couch back to its original glory. Be sure to use a fabric protector and enjoy your easy-to-clean, durable, and long-lasting microfiber couch for years to come!