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Can You Use a Carpet Cleaner on Your Couch?
Cleaning your couch just got a bit easier
Photo: MoMo Productions / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Photo: MoMo Productions / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Highlights
Many carpet cleaners are safe to use on upholstery, but it’s important to select the right cleaner for your specific type of couch.
Check your couch’s care tag to choose a compatible carpet cleaner.
Before applying carpet cleaner to your entire couch, test a small area and check for damage.
For very delicate fabrics, consider hiring a professional carpet cleaner.
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From its name, you might think that carpet cleaner is only good for cleaning carpets. But, you can use upholstery-safe carpet cleaner on couches. Here’s how to find out if carpet cleaner is compatible with your couch, along with ways to clean safely.
Can You Use Carpet Cleaner on a Couch?
Yes, many carpet cleaners are safe to use for upholstery cleaning. However, no couch (or carpet cleaner) is created equal. Some carpet cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can damage delicate couch fabrics.
Before using a carpet cleaner on your couch, it’s important to find out if a carpet cleaner is safe to use on your piece of furniture. You can confirm this by reading your couch’s care tag and the product details on your cleaner.
What Is Carpet Cleaner?
Carpet cleaner is a product specifically made to remove debris, stains, and odors from carpet and upholstery. Carpet cleaner comes in liquid, foam, powder, and aerosol form. While each form varies in its specific formula, cleaners contain enzymes, solvents, acids or alkaline ingredients that work collectively to remove tough debris.
How to Safely Use Carpet Cleaner on a Couch
Photo: gpointstudio / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
If you’re doing a DIY job on your couch using carpet cleaner, follow these tips for optimal results. For delicate fabric types that can be easily damaged, it’s best to hire a professional carpet cleaner.
Check the Manufacturer’s Cleaning Tag
Did you know that your couch comes with instructions on how to safely clean it? Similar to cleaning tags on clothes, manufacturers also provide details on how to best care for furniture. Start by locating the manufacturer’s cleaning tag. You can usually find it on the hidden side of a cushion, arm rests, side, or back of the couch.
Once you locate the tag, you’ll see one of four letters:
| Symbol on Tag | What to Use |
|---|---|
| W | Water-based cleaner only |
| S | Solvent-based cleaner only |
| WS | Water- and solvent-based cleaners |
| X | Avoid all cleaning products |
Vacuum
After learning how to clean your couch, the next step is to vacuum it. Vacuuming gets rid of loose debris, dirt, crumbs, and pet hair, helping the carpet cleaner to work effectively. Using a nozzle attachment, give extra attention to hard-to-reach crevices where debris and dust accumulate quickly.
Test the Cleaner
Before applying your carpet cleaner of choice on your entire couch, test the cleaner on a small area to ensure the cleaner won’t damage your couch. Apply the cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions while also keeping in mind your couch’s fabric type. If you notice any discoloration or damage, test out another cleaner before proceeding.
Spot Clean
If you have any stubborn stains, it’s best to treat them separately before cleaning the rest of the couch. Spot cleaning helps get tough stains out that the carpet cleaner may miss. This process will vary depending on your couch’s fabric type. Apply an approved cleaner to a clean cloth or sponge and gently blot the affected area until the stain is gone.
Clean Your Couch
Once you’ve spot cleaned successfully, you’re now ready to deep clean the rest of your couch using carpet cleaner. If you’re using a device, power it up according to instructions and prepare your carpet cleaner of choice according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Then, apply the cleaner to your couch and clean carefully. After you finish cleaning, use a vacuum or dry cloth to absorb any remaining moisture. Make sure to let your couch dry completely before use.
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