Here are the best ways to clean a light-colored or heavily soiled microfiber couch.
With its increasing use in making furniture, comes questions on how to clean furniture made with microfiber. This question is what we seek to answer. Join us as we discuss how best to clean microfiber couches. This read is well worth your time. We have tried to be as straightforward as possible too.
Microfiber is among the most durable materials for couches. The best part is dirt won’t stick easily too. However, when it does, you can be able to take care of it without being stressed out.
In other words, the cleaning tips we’ve included here are easily implementable.
Check Out The Cleaning Code
Microfibers come with cleaning codes. The manufacturers have certain cleaning codes attached to help cleaners keep it in good shape. So, when faced with a stain situation or when couches become dirty, it’s best to look out for these cleaning codes.
The problem, however, is that not all microfibers come with a cleaning code.
This can be so disturbing to the cleaner as the absence of code will mean you have to figure things out yourself. Before we go any further, it is important to get to the codes right away.
S- Clean With Solvent Cleaners
W- Clean With Water-Based Cleaners
X- Vacuum Clean Only
S-W- Clean With Either Solvent Or Water-Based Cleaners
Having listed the above codes, it’s necessary to briefly explain what microfibers are. These are made from both synthetic and organic materials.
The type of microfiber your couch is made with will determine the type of cleaning that is best for it.
Code S Solvent Cleaners
The S code for cleaning microfiber couches means that any non-solvent cleaners used on such furniture will ruin it.
So, what are solvent cleaners?
These types of cleaning agents are solvent-based. In other words, these cleaning agents are solutes dissolved in a carrying agent. The most simple definition for a solvent is a liquid that can dissolve other substances to form another compound, in this case, a cleaner.
Couches with an S code mean that the fiber material was made from either silk, cotton, wool, rayon, damask, denim, velour, or linen among others. These cannot be cleaned with other cleaners apart from solvent cleaners.
Therefore, the tools needed for the job will include a soft brush, an upholstery attachment, an “S” code cleaner of your choice, and a cloth or towel.
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Getting The Dirt Out
This solvent is applied to the soiled or stained areas of your couch(es). This is then toweled around these areas until the stain or oils are fully removed. While doing so, you will need to use your brush to agitate the area being worked on.
For best results, allow it to sit for between 6 to 10 minutes.
After working the solvent, a towel or cloth for drying is then used to remove or extract the solvent from the couch. Through this process, the stains are removed. You will need to also dry the couch. This should be dried as much as possible before using it.
Doing otherwise will easily attract more dirt.
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Types of Solvent Cleaners
There are several types of solvent cleaners. These can be purchased on online stores such as Amazon etc. A few of these cleaners include Kleenite Dry Spotter VS, Matrix Tri-Foam Shampoo, Chemspec Heavy Duty Soil Lifter with Biosolv, 3M Scotchgard Fabric & Upholstery Protector, and Chemspec Dry Fabric Cleaner.
Using water-based cleaners to clean solvent or oil stains won’t give you the results you seek. You’ll have succeeded in ruining your couch.
Code W Water-Based Cleaners
If you have microfiber couches with the W code, it simply means you need to only use water-based cleaners. Sometimes, you might not find the microfiber code on your couch.
If you’ve searched and can’t find it, try calling the manufacturer. You should be able to get the information you seek.
Only water-based cleaners can get rid of water-based stains. These won’t work on oil stains. So, using this code is crucial to clean out dirt or stains on your couch.
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Getting The Dirt Out
Using any water-based cleaner of your choice, make a foamy solution and apply it on the couch accordingly. Most cleaning agents come with instructions to guide users. Follow these instructions if you haven’t used such products before.
Another way to do this is by using your dishwashing soap.
Add some amounts of this, preferably a teaspoonful to a cup of water, and mix. Work it to form a froth and apply it on affected areas of your couch. This is done with a towel or cloth and should be rubbed and allowed to sit for like 5 to 10 minutes.
Next, use a clean rag to wipe off and pick up the suds on the couch. This should be done in such a way that the couch isn’t wet.
An extractor is a great tool for cleaning microfiber couches. This helps remove deeply embedded dirt and can be used in conjunction with certain water-based cleaners. Its ability to inject as well as its suction power helps provide deep cleaning.
Whatever cleaners you choose to use, the secret to its success is sticking to the information or rules.
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Types of Water-Based Cleaners
Water-based cleaners or de-greasers are of several types. If you know of some of these, then you don’t need to stress yourself. On the other hand, knowing some of these might be helpful if you have little knowledge about this area.
Some water-based cleaners to consider include Hydroforce All-Purpose Degreaser, Hydroforce Citrus HD Degreaser, Diggers Degreaser, Simple Green Original All-Purpose Cleaner and Degreaser, and so many more.
Each of these cleaning products has its use instructions.
X-Code Vacuum Clean Only
If you find the X code on your microfiber couch, the simple meaning is that you will have to use a vacuum. There are specific types of vacuum for certain types of jobs. For microfiber cleaning, it’s best to use handheld furniture vacuum cleaners.
These are specially designed for couch or furniture cleaning.
Also, these products come in different brands. If you have one, you won’t have to worry about incurring additional expenses to get rid of dirt on your microfiber couches.
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Types of Handheld Furniture Vacuum Cleaners
There are so many to choose from. To have an idea of what we are talking about, the following are popular products you can purchase for your cleaning needs.
Black + Decker Ultra Lightweight Upright Cleaner, Bissell Powerglide Lift-Off Pet Plus Bagless Vacuum, Hoover WindTunnel 3 Pro Corded Upright Vacuum, and Dirt Devil Power Express Lite 3-in-1 Vacuum, etc.
Find out what’s best for you.
Code S-W Microfiber Couch Cleaners
If your microfiber couch has the S-W code or label, then you have a wider cleaning option. In other words, you won’t have to worry about finding a specific type or class of cleaners (that is either solvent or water-based cleaners).
Whatever type of cleaning products you choose will get you the results.
There’s no need to mention the types of these cleaners as we’ve listed a few above. As long as it’s a domestic cleaning agent, it can be used in getting the job done.
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Getting Rid of Dirt
Whatever type of dirt, be it oil stains, dust, or water-based stains, the cleaning process is pretty much the same. Mix the cleaner as instructed in the directions for use label and work it using a white towel or cloth.
It is best to use a white towel to have a sense of how much dirt or stain is being removed.
This should be left for a few minutes before using another towel or cloth to clean the area. You also need a soft brush to agitate the area while cleaning. Your microfiber couch must be dry before it is used. You need a well-ventilated area for it to dry easily.
You must also be careful not to wet the couch during cleaning. At most, this should be damp.
What Happens When The Fabric Becomes Stiffened?
By its design, microfiber materials or fabrics are soft. However, this can get stiffened when dried after cleaning.
This is a real problem for many when cleaning their microfiber couches or upholstery. Your soft brush solves this problem easily. You only need to wait until the cleaned area of the couch is dry.
This should be followed by brushing the stiffened areas. When done, it should return to its original soft feel.
Vacuum Your Couch Regularly
After cleaning the stains and dirt off your couches, you will need to carry out maintenance cleaning at least every week. Vacuuming is the best way to go about this cleaning.
Do this as often as necessary and your couch should maintain excellent condition.
These are ways to keep your couches looking great. These methods are effective on both stains and dirt. However, you must first find out what the cleaning code is.
The best combination will be the S-W code which gives a much wider cleaning option. The condition of your couch will remain great for as long as you give it the care required.