The couch is a central piece of most people’s homes and gets more use than most other furniture!
As such, it can, unfortunately, gather a lot of germs, bacteria and other nasty substances so it’s important to regularly clean & disinfect your couch (and couch covers) to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses.
This guide will show you the best ways to disinfect your couch to keep you, your home and your family safe and germ-free.
Disinfecting A Couch
It is very tempting to just spray some bleach or any spray cleaner you might have lying around in your cleaning cupboard straight onto your couch.
While these products may be effective at killing germs, they could also damage your sofa, depending on the material it is made from. This article will be discussing the best cleaning solutions for all kinds of couches, sofas and lounges – based on the upholstery type.
| - | Products Mentioned In This Article | A Quick Look | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
ONE OF THE BEST EVER  | Dyson V11 Torque Drive Cordless Handheld Portable Vacuum |
| Check Latest Price |
 | Nutricost Baking Soda |
| Check Latest Price |
 | Distilled White Vinegar |
| Check Latest Price |
 | HAVENLAB Deionized Water | Check Latest Price | |
 | Dr. Bronners - Pure-Castile Liquid Soap |
| Check Latest Price |
 | Tolco High-Quality Spray Bottle - 8 oz. |
| Check Latest Price |
 | Mothers Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Brush |
| Check Latest Price |
 | MR.SIGA Microfiber Cleaning Cloths |
| Check Latest Price |
 | Rubbermaid Commercial 2.5 Gallon Bucket |
| Check Latest Price |
 | Leather Honey Leather Conditioner |
| Check Latest Price |
First Step – Look At The Label
Your couch should have a ‘cleaning code’ label that contains a code to guide you on how to clean it safely.
- If your label has a ‘W’, this means you can use water-based products to clean your couch.
- An ‘S’ means only water-free cleaning products can be used.
- ‘S/W’ is probably the easiest code to work with, meaning water-based, foam-based, or dry-cleaning products can be used to clean your couch.
- If you see an ‘X’, this means you can only vacuum your couch and brush at it lightly to remove dirt. You should not use any cleaning products.
Vacuuming A Couch
You should vacuum your couch before spraying any cleaning agent on it. This will remove any loose dirt or debris that could be lingering and may get worse when a wet cleaner is applied. You must ensure you are vacuuming your couch using the right attachments, otherwise, you risk damaging the upholstery.
Use the crevice tool to safely and easily get into small spaces like under cushions and armrests and then the upholstery attachment if you want to clean the back of your couch, cushions and other large surfaces.
Brushing Your Couch
Brushing your couch is also an efficient way to get rid of any dust. If you don’t have a brush handy, you can use a sponge instead. Make sure you do not scrub too hard as this can scratch the fabric.
It’s best to use a soft-bristled brush, or specific upholstery brush, to avoid any potential damage. You should also brush in the grain direction of the fabric.
Eliminating Germs On A Sofa
If your couch allows it, you can use a simple solution of water and soap to clean your sofa.
Simply mix some warm water and mild dish soap or laundry detergent into a spray bottle. Shake the bottle so the mixture combines, and you’re ready to start spraying.
Work in sections, spraying the solution and then wiping at the damp area to get rid of bacteria and dirt. If your sofa has removable cushions, you can remove these and spray them separately.
Once you have covered the whole sofa, let it air dry for a few hours. It is best to open the windows close by to do this.
How To Disinfect A Fabric Couch With Vinegar
Vinegar is another great way to disinfect your couch (and disinfect your carpets while you’re at it). It’s a natural product that kills germs and bacteria quickly.
Mix equal parts vinegar and water together in a spray bottle. Stand around a foot away from your couch and spray the solution over the surface. Make sure you are reaching all the little corners and crevices of the couch.
Once you have covered the whole sofa, let it sit for half an hour and air dry before adding any of the cushions or blankets back on.
Disinfecting A Leather Couch
Leather couches are very durable, but they can still become dirty and unsanitary if left uncleaned.
Depending on the cleaning code, you can use one of the disinfectants listed above to clean it as you would any couch. After that, you can use a leather cleaner to help restore the look of your leather furniture. Simply apply the cleaner to a cloth and rub the spot where the stain appears.
Let the liquid sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse the spot with hot water. Repeat this process until the stain disappears.
You can also use a leather conditioner to soften and protect the leather. Apply the conditioner to a lint-free towel or microfiber cloth and gently work it into the leather. Leave the leather alone for several minutes, then clean it with a fresh towel.
You can also use the water and vinegar method to clean a leather sofa – again if the cleaning code allows it. Simply combine the water and vinegar in a spray bottle, and use a sponge or cloth to wipe the sofa down.
Use a towel to wipe off the residue when you are done, and allow it all to air dry.
How To Disinfect A Microfiber Suede Couch
Microfiber suede couches are popular choices for many people. They are easy to maintain and clean, but they can sometimes develop stains like any couch. We can’t stress enough that before cleaning, be sure to look at what cleaning code the label has.
If there is a ‘W’ on it, then you can combine some water, dish soap, and baking soda into a spray bottle and spray the sofa to disinfect it.
If there is an ‘S’ on the label, then mix some water with some rubbing alcohol into a spray bottle. Spray this mixture onto the sofa, and wipe at it with a sponge or cloth as you go.
No matter which mixture you have used, let the sofa air dry and then use a soft brush to brush on the sofa lightly. This will freshen up its fibers.
Sanitizing a Polyester Couch
Polyester couches, as you might imagine, are made out of polyester fiber. These couches are usually more affordable than other types of couches and generally quite robust.
If the sofa permits it, mix water and vinegar with some laundry detergent in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the sofa, and once covered, wipe it down with a soft cloth.
Again, once you are finished, use a soft brush on the sofa to loosen the fibers.
| - | Products Mentioned In This Article | A Quick Look | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
ONE OF THE BEST EVER | Dyson V11 Torque Drive Cordless Handheld Portable Vacuum |
| Check Latest Price |
| Nutricost Baking Soda |
| Check Latest Price |
| Distilled White Vinegar |
| Check Latest Price |
| HAVENLAB Deionized Water | Check Latest Price | |
| Dr. Bronners - Pure-Castile Liquid Soap |
| Check Latest Price |
| Tolco High-Quality Spray Bottle - 8 oz. |
| Check Latest Price |
| Mothers Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Brush |
| Check Latest Price |
| MR.SIGA Microfiber Cleaning Cloths |
| Check Latest Price |
| Rubbermaid Commercial 2.5 Gallon Bucket |
| Check Latest Price |
| Leather Honey Leather Conditioner |
| Check Latest Price |
Final Thoughts
When you’re in the midst of your normal cleaning routine, don’t forget to clean and disinfect your couch, sofa or lounge!
Most of us spend a lot of time on this piece of furniture so it is best to clean your sofa at least once every few weeks.
Check the label beforehand, and choose the most appropriate cleaning method for your upholstery.
Happy cleaning!