How To Clean A Couch With A Steam Cleaner? Step by Step

Last Updated on March 19, 2022

The couch is the most used furniture in any household. Be it watching TV, having coffee, taking naps, playing space for pets, etc. It is the place where you and your family spend some quality time. After being used that much, it also needs proper care and nurturing. You can easily see food crumbs, pets’ hair, dust, and whatnot on your lovely couch. Therefore, taking some time to clean it will bring back your sitting area in new condition.

Nobody likes dirty stains on their fabricated furniture. After a specific time, the couch starts smelling weird due to dirt, spots, and mold growth. Proper cleansing will eliminate all the issues out of the furniture. At this time, a steam cleaner comes to the rescue.

A steam cleaner for fabricated furniture is an excellent choice, and it has many benefits in this regard. Following are the plus points of steam cleaning your couch.

• Your couch will be free from bugs, mites, dander, and allergens. 
• Steaming will freshen up the cushion fabric and will keep it soft and conditioned as new.
• Such cleansing will make old stains come off effortlessly and remove the odor.
• It kills the bacteria that cause the cushion to smell bad and any other fungus growth inside the couch.
• After the whole process, you will feel your couch is brand new.

To start the cleaning procedure with a steam cleaner, you need to make sure that it will bear the process. Some couches have label mentioning X on it, which means the fabric can get damaged if you use water to clean it. For such furniture, you will have to get it clean professionally. Furthermore, as long as the couch has SW written on it. It means it is solvent and water friendly. If you do not want to end up with damaged couch material, then carefully read the instructions that come with it. 

Providing you are using any covers to avoid further stains on the couch. Before starting anything, you need to take them off. Keep the cushions aside. Now you will have a clear space to make the task easy. You have to work on them separately, so there is no corner left unclean. 

Once you have everything set in place, turn on the vacuum and start cleaning the couch thoroughly. This step will ensure that you do not have visible food crumbs, hairs, dander, and allergens on the couch surface. You have to use the upholstery attachment that comes with the vacuum. This attachment will work perfectly, even for the curves and deep corners of the furniture. After that, vacuum the cushions from each side.

Tip: If you have some time and want maximum results. You can use a brush to scrub off the dirt from the surface. This step will loosen up the dirt particles sticking inside the fabric of the couch. Also, it will remove any bigger particles that can clog the vacuum tube.

Note. Always use a brush with soft bristles for fabric, and make sure to reach every corner. It is the best time to inspect any cuts or tears in the outer layer of the couch. 

Old stains are difficult to remove. That is why you will require a heavy-duty detergent. Mix one part of detergent to four parts of water. Apply this mixture directly to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. The mark will loosen up. Now grab a clean cloth and try to remove the stain. You have to dab on it. Rubbing the fabric will spread the spot and make it look even worse. 

Note. Always patch test the mixture you use for cleaning purposes. Try it on the area which is not visible. Some ingredients can wash out the fabric colors.

Use a soil emulsifier to lift dirt and debris from the couch fabric. Gently spray all over the area covering the corners and sides. Apply fabric shampoo after letting the soil emulsifier set in for a few minutes. Make sure to apply a thin layer of shampoo and rub it with a brush or cloth.

There are various types of steam cleaners with different attachments available. For fabricated furniture, you will need an upholstery steam cleaner. Read the instructions on the manual beforehand. So you will get to know which attachment will work best for you. 

Firstly, figure out whether your cleaner will work only with water or if it requires a solvent. Fill the water tank with water or solvent accordingly. Fit the attachment on a steamer and turn on the machine. You have to wait until it reaches the temperature to create steam. 

Always start from the side area and check if it is working perfectly. Do not overfill the water tank. Otherwise, the fabric can get soaked too much. Work large spaces at the end and use simple strokes. For dirty areas, go for multiple strokes. You have to do the same with cushions. Clean one side first and let it dry. Now move to the other side.

Note. You can use essential oil drops in the water tank to make the couch smell fresh.

Do not keep the steamer in one place for a long time. You will end up with soaked fabric. And if you are using a solvent, it will be hard to clear too much solvent from the material.

After cleaning the couch, letting it dry is very important. You have to keep in mind several factors while doing it. If outside weather is dry, open the windows and check if you need to turn on the fan for quick drying. Use the couch when it is dry. 

You can also keep the cushions in sunlight. It will take less time to dry if you get direct sunlight in your room, and the couch will be ready to use.