Since the couch serves as a focal point for most household activities, it is only natural for the upholstery to sustain significant wear and tear. Steam cleaning is one of the greatest cleaning techniques for couches that eventually need to be cleaned to get rid of dust, stains, and general filth. The steam’s high temperature helps get rid of stains and smells while killing dust mites that feed on dead skin cells. Discover four easy steps to steam cleaning a couch.
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How Frequently Should a Couch Be Steam Clean?
After spills and stains occur, they should be cleaned up as soon as possible. Certain types of stains can be removed with a handheld steamer. A general cleaning should be performed every season or as needed if the couch is used frequently, even if the upholstery should be vacuumed once a week to get rid of dust.
Prior to Starting
Prior to beginning any cleaning procedure other than weekly vacuuming, it’s critical to determine the sort of upholstery fabric used on the couch. Furniture manufacturers started labeling upholstery with the best and safest cleaning methods in 1969. One Look for the tag behind the cushions or couch, then follow the cleaning instructions.
Code W: Water-based cleaning solutions can be used to clean the fabric.
Code S: To get rid of stains and dirt, the fabric needs to be dry cleaned or cleaned with a solution that doesn’t contain water.
Code W-S: Water-based or solvent-based cleaning solutions can be used to clean the fabric.
Code X: When you notice the “X,” stay away from all cleaning supplies. Only a professional cleaner or a vacuum should be used to clean these textiles. Any household cleaning solution may result in shrinkage and discoloration.
If there isn’t a tag, test the steamer and cleaning supplies in a discrete location to observe how the fabric responds to treatment.
How To Steam Clean a Couch
Clear the debris and dust
To get rid of dust and allergies like pet dander, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. You can also use equipment to clean the surfaces. Using the upholstery brush, vacuum down the frame on both sides and each cushion starting at the top of the couch. To clean the joints and spaces between non-detachable cushions, use the vacuum’s crevice tool.
Remove Stains
Use paper towels to blot away as much moisture or greasy residue as you can if the stains are new and liquid. To remove as much of the mess as you can from solids like mustard or ketchup, use the edge of a credit card or a dull knife. The stain will be pushed further into the cloth fibers if you rub the region. For dried solids, loosen the dried material with a soft-bristled brush and then remove it with a vacuum.
Treat Stains First
Use a commercial upholstery cleaner according to the directions on the label to pretreat the stains. In a small bowl, combine one cup of warm water and one-fourth cup of dishwashing liquid to make a do-it-yourself upholstery cleaning. Make some suds with a whisk or an electric mixer.
Using a microfiber cloth dipped in the suds, gently massage the area that is discolored. As the stain spreads, keep going to a fresh spot on the fabric. To remove any remaining cleaning solution, dab with a fresh microfiber towel dipped in clear water.
Clean the couch using a steam
To fill the steam cleaner with water and perform basic maintenance, refer to the user’s manual. Keep the steamer head near the fabric’s surface. Use overlapping strokes in a grid arrangement to ensure that no part of the couch is missed.
To help remove any extra water from the couch, you might be able to utilize the water suction feature on a steam carpet cleaner with a detachable head. Test it in a concealed location to ensure that the suction won’t harm the cloth.
Dry With Airflow
Before using the couch, let it dry after cleaning. It is preferable to speed up drying by introducing air movement, such as a circular fan. Water spots and odor problems are less likely to occur the faster the fabric dries.
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