How to Steam Clean a Couch
This post may contain affiliate links which might earn us money. Please read my Disclosure and Privacy policies hereSteam cleaning a couch is an easy way to remove stains and dirt from the couch. This can be done by using a steamer or steam mop. However, it is also important to try and follow the instructions below to ensure that you don't ruin your sofa while cleaning it.
Why is steaming good for your couch?
Steaming a couch is easy to remove dirt, bacteria, and stains. Using a steamer is an Eco-friendly and easy way to remove fabric stains from your couch.
Unlike other machines that use chemicals, these devices boil water to generate steam for cleaning and sanitizing surfaces.
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Removing stubborn stains and dirt is easy to do with steam cleaning. This cleaning method not only cleans the surface but can also act as a sanitizer in many cases.
The hot vapors loosen and liquefy dirt, brightening the color of the fabric. Make sure that the upholstery you are planning to treat can withstand water-based cleaning.
Before we continue, please read this:
Fabric-made sofas require special care when cleaning them, as the materials could be damaged by excess liquid. In addition, leather, velvet, or other delicate non-fabric might be sensitive to water.
Please read the care instruction for the manufacturer's recommendation regarding cleaning methods for your couch.
Always start by testing in a less visible area to see what the treatment can do before steaming.
How to Steam Clean a Couch
Many people are hesitant to steam clean their couches because they don't want to ruin the upholstery.
There are a few things you can do to prevent this from happening. First, make sure that you have a couch with upholstery that can be cleaned using a steamer or steam mop.
Cleaning codes usually come with carpet and upholstery items. This information is usually printed on the tag, indicating what treatments are acceptable for that particular type of fabric material (i.e., leather or velvet) and construction.
S Cleaning Code
An “S” on a fabric label indicates that it should not be steamed or steam-cleaned. Instead, it should be cleaned with a solvent-based cleaner.
W Cleaning Code
If the care label of your item reads W, you may use a steamer or steam mop at any time.
X Cleaning Code
The X code indicates that water is a no-no in cleaning; it will cause permanent damage. Therefore, steaming this material is not recommended.
How to Clean Your Couch
Now that we have established if your couch is suitable for steaming, let's begin!
Test an Area of your Couch
Test your steamer on an inconspicuous area of the couch before you start to make sure that it works properly and that you know how much steam pressure you need to use for the cleaning process to work correctly.
Check the fabric for any discoloring or damage. Then, steam the area and wait 15 minutes to see if any damage has occurred. If not, you are good to go!
Vacuum your Couch
Now that you know your coach will be ok being steamed, it is time to vacuum the couch to remove loose dirt and dust.
Pretreat Stains
Make sure you pretreat the deep stains with upholstery cleaner spray to soften them up. Would you please read the instruction for the cleaner you are using at? They will require a certain amount of minutes before you have to blot the stain with a cloth.
Get the Steamer Ready
Make sure your steamer or steam mop is filled with water to the max line before you start.
Make sure that you have a sink or bucket nearby to dump the dirty water in as you clean and fill up your steamer again.
Take a dry towel with you as well so that when you're done cleaning, you can dry your couch off.
Start Cleaning
Now that you have treated your deep stains, it is time to start steaming your couch. You can begin by steaming your pillows if you have any.
Work one small area at a time, soaking up the remaining moisture as you go. It is important not to let too much water pool near the parts you’ve already swept to prevent your couch from getting soaked and taking longer to dry.
Let the Couch Air dry.
Once you have finished steam cleaning your couch, it is time to let it dry out. Of course, depending on how humid and the weather is, this process might take a little time.
You can open your windows and use a fan or blow dryer to speed the drying process along.
How Often Should I Steam Clean My Couch?
It is important to try and steam clean your couch every six months or so. This will help keep the dirt from building up and damaging the sofa's fabric over time. If you live in a particularly dusty environment, it might be a good idea to do this more frequently.
To prolong the life of your upholstery, you should clean it at least once or twice every two years if you have pets and kids.
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