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It might be possible to wash your couch upholstery, but we don’t recommend it. Couches labeled with a “W” or “W/S” on the tag might be okay to wash gently with a couch cleaner or a homemade couch cleaning solution, but you have to be very careful not to get the padding underneath wet, as it will deteriorate and potentially ruin your couch. You should hire a professional upholstery cleaner to guarantee a safe, deep clean for your favorite furniture items.

You should avoid using a pressure washer on any surface or item that could be damaged by the high-pressure spray, as some materials are too delicate to withstand the force.

Key items and surfaces to avoid include:

• Electrical Components: Never pressure wash electrical systems, as water can cause short-circuits and create a safety hazard. This includes utility meters, breaker boxes, electrical outlets, generators, and HVAC or air conditioner units.

• Delicate and Fragile Materials: Fragile items can crack, shatter, or be stripped by the pressure. Avoid pressure washing windows, glass, light fixtures, shingled roofs (especially asphalt), and stucco.

• Painted, Stained, or Sealed Surfaces: Unless your goal is to strip the finish, do not pressure wash painted surfaces, stained wood (like decks), or anything with a protective seal that could be stripped away. Be especially cautious with older surfaces that may contain lead paint.

• Soft Woods and Certain Decking: Delicate surfaces like softwood, composite decking, and antique or wooden patio furniture can be etched or damaged. If you must wash wood, use a lower-powered pressure washer with a wide-angle nozzle to prevent damage.

• Living Things: Never use a pressure washer on people, pets, or plants. The force can cause serious injury and will destroy landscaping.

To remove odor from a leather couch, let's focus first on what not to do.

A quick Google search may suggest using vinegar to do the job—don't. The acid will dry out anything made of leather. A better DIY option is to sprinkle a little baking soda on your sofa and let it rest for a few hours. Afterward, vacuum it up with a soft-attachment brush. You can also try airing your sofa by opening windows or leaving it outside for a few hours in a clean, dry space.

If you or your pet are unlucky enough to enrage a skunk during extraction, don’t douse yourself in tomato juice—it only masks the odor. A more effective way to get rid of skunk smells is with a hydrogen peroxide solution which you apply to skin, pet fur, or clothing.