How to Clean a Couch at Home: Step-by-Step Guide

The couch is the heart of the living room—a spot for watching movies, chatting, playing games, and enjoying snacks. But it’s also where crumbs, spills, and sticky spots can appear, from popcorn kernels hiding between cushions to juice stains from an accidental tip-over.

Before you get started with cleaning, double-check the couch’s care tags. These tags, usually found under the cushions, give you the best cleaning method for your specific sofa. Here’s a quick guide to the codes: 

W means water-based cleaners are safe
S means only solvent-based cleaners
W/S allows either water-based cleaners or solvent-based cleaners
X means no cleaning chemicals—only a vacuum or brush

Once you know your couch’s cleaning code, it’s also helpful to know its fabric type so you can clean it properly. Whether it’s cloth, microfiber, or leather, the guide below will walk you through what works best for each.

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Steps to Clean a Couch at Home

Step 1: Remove Cushions and Vacuum

First things first—take off the couch cushions and get rid of any crumbs, pet hair, or dust hiding underneath. A vacuum works wonders here! Just run it around the cushions and deep into any cracks where little bits might be hiding. If you have any special vacuum attachments, now’s the time to use them. For extra help with dirt, you can even use a soft brush to gently shake loose anything stuck in the fabric.

Step 2: Clean the Metal and Wood Details

Now, let’s make those wood or metal parts look fresh.

Mix a little warm water with soap
Dip a soft cloth in the mixture
Gently clean any metal or wooden sections

Step 3: Clean Couch and Cushions

Now that the couch is prepped, it’s time to clean the fabric and tackle any stains! Cleaning steps depend on what kind of fabric your couch is made from, so be sure to check the care label first.

  • Leather Couch

    Materials Needed: Vacuum, microfiber cloth, spray bottle, vinegar, mild dish soap, Leather Honey.

Vacuum the leather to remove dirt.
Lightly spray the leather and wipe in circular motions with a microfiber cloth.
Use a clean towel to dry.
Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle, or use mild soapy water.

Pro Tip: For extra care, try Leather Honey, a leather conditioner loved by thousands.

  • Suede Couch

    Materials Needed: Microfiber cloth, water, white vinegar.

Vacuum to clear dust.
Dampen a microfiber cloth and gently rub any stains.
Let it air dry completely.

Pro Tip: Test any cleaning solution on a small area first, and use a soft fabric brush for stubborn spots.

  • Microfiber Couch

    Materials Needed: Vacuum, microfiber cloth, spray bottle, vinegar, mild dish soap, rubbing alcohol.

Vacuum the couch thoroughly.
Mix a cleaning solution (1 Tbsp. dish soap + 2 cups warm water) and spray on stains.
Blot with a dry cloth, and fluff with a soft brush if it feels stiff after drying.

Pro Tip: Rubbing alcohol works wonders and dries without leaving water stains.

  • Fabric Couch

    Materials Needed: Vacuum, microfiber cloth, natural-bristle fabric brush, warm water.

Vacuum to remove dirt.
Dampen a cloth with warm water and gently rub in circles to clean.

Pro Tip: Only use water for wool couches to avoid damage.

  • Velvet Couch

    Materials Needed: Microfiber cloth, spray bottle, mild dish soap, steamer.

Mix 1 tsp. dish soap with warm water until bubbles form.
Dip a cloth into the solution and blot stains gently.
Let it dry for 30 minutes.

Pro Tip: Blot spills immediately with a cloth to avoid stains, and always dry velvet away from direct sunlight.

  • Silk Couch

    Materials Needed: Vacuum, microfiber cloth, mild detergent, vinegar, hair dryer.

Vacuum to remove dust.
Mix mild detergent with cold water or use a vinegar solution.
Blot any stains gently and avoid soaking the fabric.
Use a hair dryer to dry quickly and prevent water stains.

Pro Tip: Silk can be delicate; for best results, get it professionally cleaned.

Step 4: Let Dry

Once your couch is clean, let it air dry! This keeps covers from shrinking, which can happen with dryers. Silk and other delicate fabrics do best with a gentle drying method, like using a hair dryer, to avoid any color changes. Letting your couch dry completely will make sure it’s ready to be cozy again!

When in Doubt, Let the Clean Master Help Out!

Maintaining your couches can be more challenging than it seems. Despite regular care, persistent odors or stubborn stains can occasionally set in, proving difficult to remove with standard cleaning methods. That’s when a professional touch can be a lifesaver! If you need help freshening up your couch, Clean Master has you covered. Our Professional upholstery cleaners know how to do Sofa Cleaning to make your sofa look new. Ready for a clean couch without the hassle? Visit our appointment page for a free quote, and we’ll take care of the rest!

  • Mr. Murali Dharan

    With over 26 years of experience in the luxury and deluxe hotel sectors across Ireland, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, I am proud to lead Clean Master as Director, offering unparalleled cleaning solutions and exceptional client service. Whether it's a one-off clean or a customized package, Clean Master delivers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to the unique needs of both residential and commercial customers. Our expertise in office and commercial cleaning, along with specialist carpet and deep cleaning, ensures an enhanced and pristine environment in every space we service.

    My career journey includes distinguished roles such as Executive Accommodation Manager at Lyrath Estate Hotel and Group Executive Housekeeper at Kilkenny Rivercourt Hotel, where I was honored with multiple IASI Golden Awards. With a Diploma in Hotel Management from Bangalore and the Irish Training and Education Center, I am dedicated to elevating industry standards and consistently delivering unmatched service excellence through Clean Master.