W: wet/water cleaning only. You can use water or vinegar in your cleaning solution. S: dry solvent cleaning only. Use a dry solvent, like baking soda, or have professionals dry clean your couch. [2] X Research source SW: solvent and/or wet cleaning. Use a dry solvent, or vinegar or water. X: professional cleaning or vacuuming only.
If your cushions don’t have removable covers, vacuum them with a hand-held vacuum, or a brush extension on a regular vacuum cleaner. [4] X Research source
Steam can dissolve a lot of stubborn materials and leave your couch looking clean.
For fabric upholstery, mix . 5 cups (120 ml) white vinegar, . 5 cups (120 ml) rubbing alcohol, and 1 cup (240 ml) of water. [6] X Research source For leather upholstery, mix . 25 cups (59 ml) white vinegar and . 5 cups (120 ml) olive oil in a spray bottle. [7] X Research source For synthetic upholstery, mix . 5 cups (120 ml) white vinegar, 1 cup (240 ml) of warm water, and a splash of dish soap in a spray bottle. [8] X Research source For any of the mixtures, you can add some drops of lavender essential oil or lemon juice to freshen up the scent. Give the bottle a good shake, and you’re ready to spray. You can also use a store-bought deodorizer if you don’t feel like making your own. Products like Febreze work on most couch materials (except for suede and leather).
If you can, deodorize your couch on a sunny day, so that you can have the windows open, and so the couch will dry more quickly.
The vinegar might leave a lingering smell, but after a few hours it will dissipate. [10] X Research source
If your couch is made of fabric or velvet, it’s best to blot rather than wipe to avoid damaging the upholstery. [12] X Research source
If you’ve tried all these techniques, and your couch still stinks, consider calling a professional couch cleaner.
Use dabbing, blotting motions, instead of rubbing motions, so that you don’t rub it further into the couch.
If the cushions don’t come off your couch, just vacuum the whole couch.
Use a lint roller to help get any pet-hair that your vacuum misses. [16] X Research source
Let the baking soda sit on the stain for at least 15 minutes, and then vacuum up the baking soda. [18] X Research source
Use a clean, dry, absorbent rag to dry the parts you washed. [20] X Research source
Use a soft-bristled brush to work the solvent into really dirty areas. [22] X Research source Don’t dry-clean your couch if you live with an infant or somebody else with compromised lung function. [23] X Research source
