How to Steam Clean a Couch

Here's how often to steam your sofa, plus the easiest way to do it.

The living room sofa is one of the most loved furniture pieces, but it can also collect dust, food stains, hair, and other unpleasant things that need cleaning. Remove the grime and refresh your couch by steam cleaning it. The high heat kills dust mites and removes grease, stains, and odors. Steam cleaning is also excellent for sanitizing allergens and pathogens. Learn how to steam a couch (and how often) to restore your seating to its former glory.

How Often a Couch Needs Steam Cleaning

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to cleaning a couch with steam. The frequency of cleaning depends on what the seating is made of and how soiled it is. The soil level can vary by family size, pet type, humidity, and temperature in the room. Spills and stains should be cleaned up as soon as they happen.

Vacuum the upholstery at least once weekly to remove dust and debris trapped on the couch’s surface. Make sure you're doing it right. Use a specialized vacuum to handle shedding hair and pet dander. Deep cleaning should be done seasonally.

Related: The 8 Best Steam Cleaners of 2024 for All Your Deep-Cleaning Needs

Supplies for Steaming a Couch

• Dustpan

• Fabric shampoo

• Foxtail brush

• Homemade or commercial stain remover

• Microfiber cloth and scrubbing brush

• Soil emulsifier

• Steam cleaner for upholstery

• Vacuum cleaner

Step-by-Step Process for Steam Cleaning a Couch

1. Find the Best Way to Clean the Couch Surface

The type of upholstery or fabric determines how best to clean the couch. Read the sofa’s cleaning instructions under the seat or cushion to follow the manufacturer’s recommended guidelines. The guidance usually comes with codes: "W" requires water-based cleaning solvents only. "S" uses water-free solvents, and "WS" means water or solvent-based products. Code "X" means vacuum-only or seek help from a professional.

Tips

If there is no tag, do a test with gentle cleaning products. When in doubt, mix 1 liter of water, a capful of white vinegar, and 1 tsp. baking soda in a spray bottle and apply it on an inconspicuous part of the couch. The test indicates whether cleaning agents are too harsh or will cause staining or discoloration.

Cotton, polyester, nylon blends, microfiber, and velvet are excellent fabrics to steam clean. Although steam cleaning is not usually recommended for leather couches, a gentle pass with a steam cleaner and a microfiber cloth can loosen dye transfer or ink.

Consider using a professional service when cleaning delicate or antique furniture, removing stubborn stains or odors, and treating wood, leather, or suede. Any water-damaged furniture needs more than a steam clean, so plan for proper repair and restoration with a pro.

Related: Here's What to Know Before Steam Cleaning Anything

2. Remove Dust and Debris

Remove the pillows and cushions. If the cases are removable and machine washable, throw them in for a cycle. If not, use a foxtail brush and dustpan to remove large debris from inside the couch and atop the pillows and cushions. Use a vacuum to remove the rest. Vacuums with HEPA filters efficiently capture dust and allergens, especially pet dander. If you have pets that shed, use a specialized vacuum for the best results. Vacuum from top to bottom, along the seams, and between the cushions.

3. Pre-Treat Stains

While some stains are OK to steam clean oil-based and non-organic spills require special attention and treatment. For new stains on upholstery, clean with diluted liquid dish soap. For stuck-on grime, use a soil emulsifier. White vinegar and rubbing alcohol are suitable for oil-based stains. However, remember to test all products on a small, inconspicuous area before applying elsewhere on the couch.

Avoid vigorous scrubbing or rubbing and instead blot stains. Pre-treating couch stains calls for fewer passes from a steamer, which means less water in the fibers and quicker drying times.

4. Pre-Condition the Couch

To prevent the fabric from being stiff after cleaning, you may need to pre-condition it. Spray soil emulsifier over the upholstery to help lift ground-in dirt. You can also spray on a thin layer of fabric shampoo. Allow it to sit long enough to seep into the fabric before cleaning. Both will come off when you steam clean.

5. Steam Clean the Couch

Start by picking the right steamer. Select one appropriate for your couch’s material. Steam cleaners use high temperatures to clean and sanitize surfaces. When the steam is released onto a surface, it loosens the dirt and gunk. Sometimes, you need to use the brush or scrubber attachments to dislodge tough stains and debris.

Follow the user manual to determine the right amount of water and the correct temperature needed to treat your sofa. Some steam cleaners only require water, while others use cleaning solutions.

When you start cleaning, work in a predictable pattern to cover every square inch of the couch. Clean from top to bottom, and use overlapping strokes to ensure you don’t miss any spots. Be careful not to linger too long on any particular area. It could lead to waterlogging. Use fast, brisk strokes to lift stains from the fibers and limit the amount of water that seeps into the upholstery.

6. Air-Dry

After cleaning, allow the couch to dry in a well-ventilated area. Leave the windows and doors open to allow air movement. This step is critical to avoid mold growth. If you have one, turn on a ceiling or window fan or keep the HVAC unit on the fan setting. Airflow speeds up the drying process.

After the couch is completely dry, give it another pass with the vacuum to remove any leftover residue.

Should You Steam Clean Your Couch?

Yes. The high temperatures of steam cleaning effectively kill bacteria, germs, dust mites, and allergens. This process does not require harsh chemicals that could discolor your couch and harm your health. Steam cleaning can benefit people suffering from respiratory problems, and a seasonal steam cleaning can rejuvenate the appearance of the couch, so it looks fresh and clean.

Related: How to Clean Upholstered Furniture to Keep It Looking Spotless

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