How can i wash couch cushions

Keep in mind, when you wash the covers, they may fade a bit. It is always smart to test an inconspicuous area before using any cleaners on your couch.

Precleaning The first thing you need to do if you need to clean your couch cushions is thoroughly vacuum the entire couch to remove crumbs, lint and dust. Minor Stains If you only have a few small, minor stains, you should try spot cleaning first. More Difficult Stains If you have a stain that is too big or too stubborn for scrubbing by hand, you will need to try a steam cleaner designed to be used on furniture. The Cover If your fabric tag tells you that the fabric is something that can be machine washed, you can unzip the cover and remove it from the cushion.

The Cushion If the stain has seeped down into the cushion, you may need to wash it as well as the cover. How to Clean Faux Leather. By Jennifer L. By Lauren Flanagan. Patio Furniture Cleaning Instructions. By Michelle Radcliff. By Mary Gormandy White.

Cleaning Suede with Woolite. Office Cleaning Contracts. Teacher Organization Ideas. How to Clean a Boat Hull. How Much to Charge for Office Cleaning. Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances. By Christy Rakoczy. Take note of solutions you can use and recommended cleaning techniques. Some common abbreviations for upholstery are: W: Use water-based detergent.

Get the right equipment for steam cleaning. A steam upholstery cleaner is specifically intended to deep-clean the fabric of your furniture and is available to rent at most local hardware stores. If you use a steam cleaner, allow your furniture extra time to dry, as the cushions take on a considerable amount of moisture through this process. Vacuum the couch again after the cushions and upholstery have completely dried.

Try the old-fashioned approach with a carpet beater. Using your carpet beater, firmly whack all your cushions on both the front and back. If you lack this tool, you can also use a clean broom, but you'll first need to take your couch cushions outside and place them on a clean surface. To prevent stains from grass or outside dirt, you may want to lay down a towel or drop cloth before setting your cushions outside.

This process can sometimes kick up considerable dust, so you may want to consider wearing a dust mask while doing this. Check your cushions for color fastness. Apply a wet paste of water and detergent to the cushion and allow it to stand for a few minutes and then rinse it clean.

If you notice discoloration after rinsing, you should not hand or machine wash. Create a dish detergent solution for cloth covers. Add equal parts mild dish detergent to cool water and agitate the solution until the soap and water mix completely to a whipped consistency. Now you can dip your sponge into the solution, wring out the excess moisture, and begin sponge-cleaning the cushion.

Use proper sponging technique. For most fabrics, long strokes will serve you best. Sponge the cushion from one end to the other, working against the nap to bring up stains and remove any deeply buried dirt.

Cleanse the cushion of all remaining cleaner. Clean your sponge of any detergent it may have and moisten it with clean water. Repeat the sponging process, cleaning once with and once against the nap to remove all detergent and optimally clean the fabric of your cushion. Speed the drying process with a fan. Though shock-heating treatment can cause your fabric to shrink, using a normal fan to blow dry air over your cushion will help speed the drying process.

Sponge cleaning can leave your fabric considerably wet; you should allow the cushion plenty of time to dry all the way through.

You can also speed up the drying process by blotting the cushions with a dry towel after you remove any remaining detergent. Method 4. Purchase your dry cleaning solvent. This can be a little confusing, as "dry" cleaning solvent is generally sold in liquid state.

The reason these solutions are so called is because these solvents are made without water. If you cannot find something suitable in your area, an online retailer might be the way to go. Open windows and doors. Dry cleaning solutions can have a very strong odor and can be harmful to your health if breathed in for extended periods.

A ceiling or box fan blowing fumes out an open window can help dissipate this smell. Prepare your cleaning rag. Putting your cleaner directly onto your cushion cover can do damage to the fabric, as these solutions are typically highly concentrated. To prevent this from happening, apply a small amount of cleaner to a clean rag, and follow any other instructions as directed. Spot-test to prevent unsightly damage. With your cleaner already applied to your rag, rub the rag on a part of the couch that is out of sight.

Allow the spot to dry for about 10 minutes. After that, take a clean piece of paper towel and press it into the fabric where you applied the cleaning solution. If the paper towel picks up dye or the fabric becomes discolored, the solution you bought may be too strong. Press clean your cushion. Rubbing your rag with the solution on it against the fabric of your cushion can be too abrasive in combination with a harsh cleaning agent. Taking frequent breaks and allowing the cushion time to dry between applications can help prevent over-saturation.

Remove the residual dry cleaner solution. Even trace amounts of dry cleaner solutions can have a negative effect if allowed to remain in the fabric of your cushions. After you have finished applying the solvent and allowed the cleaner to set for the amount of time indicated in the instructions, moisten a clean cloth and blot the areas you have cleaned.

Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow. Michelle Driscoll, MPH. Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer. Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1. Can I throw in the washing machine the cushion covers and the cushion from a polyester couch?

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 4. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Consider throwing a blanket or upholstery cover over the cushions to protect them. Your vacuum may have so many attachments that you're not sure which one is for upholstery.

That's okay! The upholstery attachment is the one with the bush around the suction area. The brush prevents fabrics on the sofa from getting sucked into the hose.

Be sure to pay close attention to divots and creases in the fabric. Crumbs and dust tend to gather in these areas. If you don't have slipcovers or you find stains on the arms and back of your couch, you'll need to spot clean.

Here are some options for spot cleaning:. Before you spot clean, test the solution you plan to use on a hidden area, such as where the fabric folds around the bottom of the frame.

It's best to test an area and wait 24 hours before determining if a solution is safe, since results can take time to appear. If your couch is made of leather, use a cleaner that is specifically made for leather and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Drying is the last step to a clean sofa. Let all of the areas you cleaned dry before anyone sits down.

You can speed up the process by setting a portable fan in front of the couch or by using a blow dryer set on low heat. Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic. We delete comments that violate our policy , which we encourage you to read. Discussion threads can be closed at any time at our discretion.