How to Clean a Microfiber Couch in a Few Easy Ways

Whether you’re obsessed with keeping things neat or find yourself sweeping up crumbs on a regular basis, knowing how to clean a microfiber couch is probably high on your list. Microfiber is a popular fabric choice for couches since the material’s thin strands give the appearance of suede or leather at a fraction of the cost. And while microfiber is durable, dust, spills, and pet hair buildup can wreak havoc on your favorite furniture piece. But don’t panic. Learn the best ways to clean your microfiber couch, along with some tips to keep it looking new for longer. 

Why Is It Important to Clean Your Microfiber Couch?

Whether the kids spilled their juice cups or you spilled your wine, it's important to treat furniture stains right away for a few reasons. 

Cleaning your microfiber couch will help it last longer and look better throughout its life span. Plus, you’ll have more luck removing stains if you clean them immediately. Another bonus of keeping your couch clean is that it’ll be easier to resell if you decide to get a new one.

How to Prep to Clean a Microfiber Couch

Check the tag for its cleaning code before determining what to clean your microfiber couch with.

• "W" means you should use a water-based solution (dish soap works for this).

• "S" means you should use a solvent-based cleaner. 

• "S-W" means you can use either.

• "X" means you should vacuum only. 

If you can't locate a tag, opt for a solvent-based cleaner just to be safe. Since microfiber is polyester-based, anything that works for polyester will work for microfiber, making rubbing alcohol a great choice for a solvent-based cleaner.

How to Clean a Microfiber Couch

Not all microfiber couches can handle the same cleaning method. Depending on its cleaning code, you might need a water- or solvent-based solution or a handy vacuum cleaner. Let’s look at a few methods to learn how to properly clean your microfiber couch. 

Use Rubbing Alcohol for S or S-W Cleaning Codes

Rubbing alcohol is an unsung hero for removing stains on your microfiber couch. It’s a solvent-based cleaner that is safe for couches with an S or S-W cleaning code. This couch cleaning method is best used for tackling stains. We recommend contacting an upholstery cleaning pro if your entire couch needs cleaning.

1. Remove everything from your couch and vacuum every crack and crevice.

2. Put rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle and spritz the stains. 

3. Once the couch is damp, gently rub it with a microfiber cloth until the stains disappear. 

4. Blot the remaining solution out of your couch using a dry microfiber cloth. 

5. Use a fan to speed up the drying process. 

6. Once dry, use a soft-bristle brush and rub the area in a circular motion until the fabric feels normal again.

Use Soap for W or S-W Cleaning Codes

Grab your soap and scrubber, and get ready to remove stains from your couch. Cleaning your microfiber couch with soap might take some elbow grease, but the results will be well worth it. This method is only for furniture with W or S-W cleaning codes. 

1. Thoroughly vacuum your couch from every cushion to the cracks and crevices in between. 

2. Combine 1/4 cup of liquid dish soap with 4 cups of warm water in a large bowl.

3. Mix the solution until the top layer is full of soapy suds. 

4. Fill a second large bowl with only water. 

5. Dip a soft-bristle brush in only the suds, not the water, and gently scrub them over your couch (don’t saturate it). 

6. Rinse your brush in the bowl with only water to keep your suds clean. 

7. Use a damp microfiber cloth to remove the remaining solution from your couch. 

8. Continue this process until your microfiber couch doesn’t feel soapy anymore. 

9. Use a dry microfiber cloth to remove more liquid.

10. Let it air-dry or use a fan to speed up the process. 

11. Once dried, use a scrub brush or wet-dry vacuum upholstery tool to get the couch fabric fluffed out again.

Spot-Clean

Looking for a way to clean a stain that just happened? It can seem like your couch is doomed. However, if you act fast, you can prevent it from becoming a stubborn stain you’ll need professional help to remove later. 

1. Immediately blot up as much liquid as possible with a microfiber cloth or paper towel. Don’t rub it, which can make the stain worse.

2. If there’s still a stain, use rubbing alcohol for couches with S cleaning codes. 

3. For couches with W or S-W cleaning codes, combine 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 cup of rubbing alcohol and put it in a spray bottle. 

4. Spritz the solution on the stain and let it sit for two minutes. 

5. Gently dab the stain with a microfiber cloth until the stain is gone. 

6. Use a dry microfiber cloth to remove the solution from your couch. 

7. Let the spot air-dry. 

You might need a spot treatment solution if your homemade solution didn’t remove your stain. Choose a solvent- or water-based spot treatment based on the specifications listed on your couch’s care tag and follow the instructions noted on the product you choose. Most spot treatment products will instruct you to apply the cleaner, wait for a specified amount of time, and then dab the product (and hopefully the stain) up.

How to Prevent Staining on Your Microfiber Couch 

From kids to pets, stains happen. In fact, adults have even been known to spill coffee or cocktails here and there. Luckily, there are ways you can prevent staining on your microfiber couch. 

• Use TV or dinner trays if you eat on your couch to help prevent spills.

• Enforce a clear-liquid-only rule for drinking on the couch to limit staining. 

• Switch out traditional glassware for cups with lids (yes, sippy cups for adults are a thing!) to ensure no one spills on the couch.

• Spot-clean your couch quickly to prevent long-term staining.

• Keep rubbing alcohol or spot treatment cleaners on hand to treat stains quickly.

• If your couch has an “S” or “X” tag, don’t use water to clean spills, as this can damage the fabric.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Clean a Microfiber Couch

Cleaning your microfiber couch can be an afternoon task on your cleaning to-do list. However, if you don't have the time to do it yourself or think your couch stains need some professional help, consider calling a furniture cleaner near you. The cost of furniture upholstery cleaning runs from $50 to $500, depending on how many pieces you want to be cleaned and their material.

Julia Pelly contributed to this piece.