How To Clean Microfiber Couch With Carpet Cleaner

How to Clean Microfiber Couch With Carpet Cleaner (5-Step Guide)

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Cleaning isn’t rocket science, but you still need the know-how if you don’t want to end up cleaning the same thing TWICE. Or not getting to clean it ever again because you ruined it.

Can’t blame you if you don’t want to listen to just about anyone out there! So here’s my take on how to clean microfiber couch with carpet cleaner, as someone who’s been in the industry for years.

TL;DR: yes, you can safely clean your microfiber or microsuede couch with carpet cleaner. Just use the upholstery attachment that comes with your carpet cleaner, and a few precautions.

The reason why many frown on it is because microfiber is so delicate a material. With fibers about 100x thinner than your hair, cleaning is understandably tricky, especially since it is very susceptible to watermarks.

In other words, cleaning it may feel like walking on thin ice.

So here’s how to do it right.

Things to Keep in Mind

First off, keep in mind what you can and can’t do. These reminders basically give you a fair warning to avoid ruining your sofa.

  • Always check your couch’s tag if there’s a W or W/S. This means it is safe to be cleaned by water. This is super important since you want to use a carpet cleaning machine.
  • While there’s a standard cleaning for microfibers, you should check if there are any specific instructions. Not all of them are the same, and what works for others might not work for your couch.
  • If you’re familiar with the colorfastness test, do it if it’s your first time cleaning this couch. Just rub wet white linen or cloth into the sofa (or the other way around)  and see whether any color transfers to the white cloth. This is very important when determining whether a fabric’s dye can transfer to a differently colored part of the couch, especially when treating stains, and you need to use some chemicals/solvents.

How to Clean Microfiber Couch With Carpet Shampooer

A Man Laying On Microfiber Couch

1. Get the Top Dirt Out of the Way

Same as when you are cleaning your carpet, you start with vacuuming your couch.

Suction all the dirt and debris that may be there BEFORE you start deep cleaning your carpet. This eases the work of your cleaning machine as you eliminate potential clogging.

You don’t want dirt and food particles giving your cleaning machine a hard time later on, do you?

Also, ensure that you get to the underneath of all the detachable or removable parts of the cushion. These are where the most build-up of dirt comes from.

2. On The Spot!

Start cleaning the spot where it is heavily stained. Be careful in applying pressure no matter how much you want to get rid of the stain.

Remember that you are working on a very delicate fabric, so you don’t want to ruin your upholstery just because of a blemish, right? Be gentle.

3. Spray Detergent All Over

After addressing the most soiled spot, spray or apply the detergent solution to the entire couch.

Depending on how dirty or stained your sofa is, you may let it sit for a few minutes. Otherwise, just go straight to step 4 after spraying.

A Woman Spraying Detergent Microfiber Couch

4. The Main Event

Gently work on the couch using the upholstery attachment and make sure to overlap each and every pass across all sections. This prevents stain lines on the microfiber.

You can repeat the process if you feel you haven’t achieved the desired result. However, avoid drenching the couch. Drying could be even more challenging! Plus you risk damaging the internal parts, especially the wooden ones.

5. Drying and Protecting

The suction function of the carpet shampooer will do enough extraction of excess water for the couch to air dry later on.

Once you feel that the dampness is gone, you can opt to use a spray-on protector.

How Often Should You Clean Your Microfiber Couch?

Microfiber couch is more stain-resistant than most other fabrics. This is exactly why a lot of homeowners prefer this – it just doesn’t get soiled as easily.

But, of course, a lot tend to disagree. Go ask households with children and pets if there’s any difference.

Since proper maintenance is usually the basis of the couch’s lifespan, it is essential to know when to do it.

Vacuuming should be done on a weekly basis, especially if there are kids and pets at home. 

Thorough cleaning, on the other hand, should be done monthly or at least every change of the season. Steam cleaning the couch is another option if you’re too afraid to use a carpet cleaner or shampooer.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Woman Laying On Microfiber Couch

Can You Use Woolite Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner on Microfiber?

Yes. Woolite Oxy Deep Stain Remover turned out effective in eliminating food stains. What’s even better is that it leaves no mark at all if you’re careful.

However, not all microfibers are the same, and it’s always safe to be cautious. Check the label of your couch and see cleaning instructions.

How Do I Clean a Microfiber Couch? (Alternative)

A safe way to clean a microfiber couch is to use rubbing alcohol. This is particularly true if your sofa is tagged “S” on the label, which means cleaning should be solvent-based. 

After vacuuming, spray the rubbing alcohol onto the couch, starting from the top. You should make sure to rub the microfiber with a soft-bristled brush or even a sponge while it is still damp.

You know how fast alcohol evaporates, right? This cleaning method also makes drying the microfiber much quicker and more convenient.

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