Microfiber is a synthetic fiber finer than one denier or decitex/ thread. The diameter of its microfiber is really small, less than ten micrometer. It is smaller than the diameter of a strand of silk. Due to it thin strand, microfiber can be made to look like suede or leather.
It becomes an attractive and affordable fabric for sofas and couches. Moreover, microfiber is durable and repels water. Therefore it suits for furniture. Microfiber is known for its supreme stain resisting ability and it is chosen as most wanted furniture at home. It also makes colors pop and looks rich in their vibrancy.
Contents
How to Clean a Microfiber Couch Home Remedies
If you know how to treat microfiber couch properly, it will last years longer. Although microfiber is known as pretty stain-resistant, it does not mean, it is completely resistant to dirt and all stains. You need to clean your microfiber couch regularly, especially when a stain appears.
The first thing you need to do is reading the furniture tag to know if water can be used to clean this or not because not all furniture can be cleaned by water. By that, you will decide what method you use to clean it. Here are some methods to clean a microfiber couch.
General Maintenance
Clean your microfiber couch regularly with a quick vacuum. Do not use a high powered vacuum attachment. It could pull at the fabric and cause it to wrinkle. You should vacuum your couch once a week to loosen dirt and restore the fabric.
Make sure that the surface is always clean, free from crumb, dust, pet hair or anything that may harm the fabric. Maybe you can apply a rule where a pet cannot sit on the couch, so it will help control pet hair. If there is any stain, try to clean it as soon as possible with a microfiber cloth, slightly dampened. By this, it can keep your couch better.
Step 1. Check the Code
Before you clean the microfiber couch, you should check the code on the couch tag. So you know whether we can use water or not clean the couch. Here are the codes: “W” means water. Obviously, we can use water to clean it, “S” means solvent. You cannot use water for this, but you can use solvents, such as rubbing alcohol or a consumer dry cleaning solution. “S-W” means you can use either water or solvent.
If you have a “W” code, you can wash your couch using water. Read the instruction before you wash the couch. If your couch is removable, you can bring it to launder, or clean it by yourself using cold water gently, then dry it and brush to restore. However, if your cushion is not removable, you can use soapy water, brush the spot with a stiff-bristled brush as it dries.
If your code is “S” “S-W” or no code, use alcohol to clean your microfiber couch. Brush it straightly then blot with a clean white sponger scrubby sponge. Let it dry completely. It should happen very fast since alcohol evaporates quickly. You can use vodka, for example, to remove the stain and brush fabric with a natural or white stiff-bristled brush.
Step 2. Cleaning
After you discover the code of your couch, now you know how to clean it. Before you use water or alcohol to clean your couch, first you should vacuum the sofa. Use a low powered vacuum attachment to prevent from any damage of the couch. Then, scrub the stains with a clean, dry brush.
Basically, it is better to clean microfiber couch without water. Even if it is allowed, start to clean your couch by scrubbing it. This will make your work lighter because it helps to lift crusty spills from the fabric. Scrub gently so you can maintain the fabric.
Before you start to clean it using a solution, have a test first. Pour a small amount of the solution onto a clean washcloth. Spray it on the tainted area, gently scrub at a small portion and wait. You need to wait until the fabric dry to decide the solution is correct or not.
If the solution does not cause any damage, you can clean your couch thoroughly. Use a clean washcloth or sponge and gently scrub. Do not saturate the sofa with water. Just use only a few drops and reapply if needed.
After spraying the sofa, make it dry using a blow dryer. Use it after you finish cleaning. Hold the dryer six inches away from the spot until it evaporates completely.
Step 3. Fluffing
One problem faced after cleaning the sofa is to return its fluffiness. Yes, cleaning microfiber can make the fiber feels stiff. But don’t worry, you can make your couch fluffy again using this simple method. Just rub gently the stiff fibers with a clean, soft scrub brush or the scrubby side of a clean sponge. It will make it soft and plush again. After that, you can reassemble your couch or arrange it back together. It will look new and attractive.
Protection
After you have finished cleaning your microfiber sofa, treat your sofa pretty well and regularly. Do not wait until it is dirty to clean it. Spray on fabric protector to keep a spot free longer.
The protection is varied depends on the need and use. Apply it according to the instruction stated in the product. There are many solutions to remove the spot from your sofa using simple material.
- Apply Lysol. Spray a small amount of the product onto the stain. Blot the stain with a clean cloth until it is gone. Blow dry and use a soft-bristled brush to make it fluffy again.
- Apply baking soda and water. Mix baking soda and water in a bowl. It looks like a thick paste. Apply it and leave it for a minute, then blot it, until it is dry.
- Clean grease stains with WD-40. Apply it or if you do not have it you can use dish soap. Apply it in the small amount. Rinse with water and remove it.
Microfiber Couch Cleaning Hacks
Having chewing gum on your sofa is annoying. Rub a cube of ice on the chewing gum until it is harder and pull it off. Now you can remove chewing gum from your couch easily, fully clean without broke it.