Here’s how often to steam your sofa, plus the easiest way to do it.
Remove the grime and refresh your couch bysteam cleaningit.
The high heat kills dust mites and removes grease, stains, and odors.
Credit:Grant Webster
Steam cleaning is also excellent forsanitizing allergensand pathogens.
Learn how to steam a couch (and how often) to restore your seating to its former glory.
How to Steam Clean a Couch
1.
Credit:Grant Webster
Read the sofas cleaning instructions under the seat or cushion to follow the manufacturers recommended guidelines.
Theguidance usually comes with codes: “W” requires water-based cleaning solvents only.
“S” uses water-free solvents, and “WS” means water or solvent-based products.
Credit:Grant Webster
Code “X” means vacuum-only or seek help from a professional.
If there is no tag, do a test with gentle cleaning products.
When in doubt, mix 1 liter of water, a capful of white vinegar, and 1 tsp.
Credit:Grant Webster
baking soda in a spray bottle and apply it on an inconspicuous part of the couch.
The test indicates whether cleaning agents are too harsh or will cause staining or discoloration.
Cotton, polyester, nylon blends,microfiber, and velvet are excellent fabrics to steam clean.
Credit:Grant Webster
Remove Dust and Debris
Remove the pillows and cushions.
If the cases are removable and machine washable, throw them in for a cycle.
Use a vacuum to remove the rest.Vacuums with HEPA filtersefficiently capture dust and allergens, especially pet dander.
Credit:Grant Webster
If you have pets that shed, use a specialized vacuum for the best results.
Vacuum from top to bottom, along the seams, and between the cushions.
Pre-Treat Stains
While some stains are OK to steam clean oil-based and non-organic spills require special attention and treatment.
For new stains on upholstery, clean with dilutedliquid dish soap.
For stuck-on grime, use a soil emulsifier.
White vinegar and rubbing alcohol are suitable for oil-based stains.
However, remember to test all products on a small, inconspicuous area before applying elsewhere on the couch.
Avoid vigorous scrubbing or rubbing and instead blot stains.
Pre-Condition the Couch
To prevent the fabric from being stiff after cleaning, you may need to pre-condition it.
Spray soil emulsifier over the upholstery to help lift ground-in dirt.
you’re able to also spray on a thin layer of fabric shampoo.
Allow it to sit long enough to seep into the fabric before cleaning.
Both will come off when you steam clean.
Steam Clean the Couch
Start by picking the right steamer.
Select one appropriate for yourcouchs material.
Steam cleaners use high temperatures to clean and sanitize surfaces.
When the steam is released onto a surface, it loosens the dirt and gunk.
Sometimes, you gotta use the brush or scrubber attachments to dislodge tough stains and debris.
When you start cleaning, work in a predictable pattern to cover every square inch of the couch.
Clean from top to bottom, and use overlapping strokes to ensure you dont miss any spots.
Be careful not to linger too long on any particular area.
It could lead to waterlogging.
Air-Dry
After cleaning, allow the couch to dry in a well-ventilated area.
Leave the windows and doors open to allow air movement.
This step is critical to avoid mold growth.
Airflow speeds up the drying process.
After the couch is completely dry, give it another pass with the vacuum to remove any leftover residue.
Should You Steam Clean Your Couch?
The high temperatures ofsteam cleaningeffectively kill bacteria, germs,dust mites, and allergens.
This process does not require harsh chemicals that could discolor your couch and harm your health.
How Often to Steam Clean a Couch
Theres no one-size-fits-all approach to cleaning a couch with steam.
Thefrequency of cleaningdepends on what the seating is made of and how soiled it is.
Spills and stains should be cleaned up as soon as they happen.
Use a specialized vacuum to handle shedding hair and pet dander.
Deep cleaning should be done seasonally.
