How to Clean Microfiber Sofas: Everything You Need to Know

February 1, 2024 | UpFront Home Services | Upholstery Cleaning

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Microfiber sofas are popular for their durability, stain resistance, and soft texture. However, if you want them to last for years to come, you must clean them regularly. With the right cleaning methods and products, you can effectively clean them without damaging their fabric.

The microfiber material has dominated the textile industry since the 1990s. You’ll find that many clothing and accessory pieces are made from microfiber and considered high-quality, but this fabric is also often used for making furniture such as sofas.

In this guide, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions on how to clean microfiber sofas, along with necessary precautions and considerations. Also, we’ll help you determine whether you can clean it yourself or would benefit from professional help.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Microfiber Sofas

Learning how to clean microfiber sofas isn’t necessarily difficult. However, you need to implement some effective cleaning and maintenance practices with the combination of using the right products to ensure a spotless surface. Here’s how you should do it:

Check the Manufacturer’s Instructions

Before you begin, don’t forget to check the manufacturer’s instructions or the care tag attached to the sofa. Some microfiber sofas come with specific cleaning codes such as “W” for water-based cleaning, “S” for solvent-based cleaning, “WS” for both water and solvent-based cleaning, or “X” for vacuum only. Understanding these codes will help you determine the appropriate cleaning method for your sofa.

Gather the Necessary Tools and Products

Although microfiber is an intricate and smooth fabric, it doesn’t need hard-to-find machines and cleansers to restore its intricate appearance and polished style.

If you don’t want to pay professional cleaners to do the hard part of the job for you, it’s possible to accomplish great results on your own. To effectively clean your microfiber sofa, you’ll need the following tools and products:

Vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment
Soft-bristled brush or white sponge
Distilled water
Rubbing alcohol or clear alcohol-based solvent
Spray bottle
Clean white cloths
Mild dish soap
Bucket

Vacuum the Sofa

If you use a vacuum to clean your microfiber sofa, the upholstery attachment is your best friend. It can help you remove any dirt and dust that may be stuck on the sofa’s surface. Be thorough in checking small spaces where pet hair or crumbs may accumulate. This initial step will prevent dirt from being rubbed into the fabric during the cleaning process.

Spot-Clean Stains

The most difficult part of cleaning a microfiber sofa is the removal of stains. Accidents, like spilling coffee on your carpet or furnishings, can happen regularly. But don’t worry. There are two effective ways of spot-cleaning stains on microfiber sofas:

Water-based Cleaning. Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with distilled water in a bucket to create a cleaning solution. Next, dampen a clean white cloth with the solution and softly blot the stained area. Don’t rub too vigorously to avoid spreading the stain. Continue blotting until the stain is lifted, then use a dry cloth to absorb any excess moisture.
Solvent-based Cleaning. Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol or clear alcohol-based solvent into a spray bottle. Proceed by lightly spraying alcohol on the stain and gently blotting it with a clean white cloth. During this process, avoid oversaturating the fabric. Instead, continue blotting until the stain is removed, then allow the area to air dry.

Clean the Entire Sofa

After spot-cleaning any stains, it’s time to clean the entire sofa to maintain a uniform appearance. The most important step is filling a spray bottle with distilled water. Lightly mist a section of the sofa with the water, but avoid soaking the fabric.

You can use a soft brush or a white sponge to rub the dampened areas in a circular motion. Make sure to do it gently. This will help lift dirt and restore the fabric’s texture. Before you use the sofa again, ensure it’s completely moisture-free.

Brush and Fluff the Fabric

Once the sofa is dry, you need to brush the microfiber fabric once again to restore its fluffiness. Brushing in a circular motion will also help maintain the fabric’s texture and appearance.

Microfiber Sofa Maintenance Precautions and Considerations

The popularity of microfiber sofas continuously rises due to their comfort, durability, and aesthetic appeal. However, to ensure that your microfiber sofa retains its quality and remains in tip-top shape for years to come, it’s important to follow some maintenance tips.

Here are some useful tips and precautions to consider for maintaining your microfiber sofa:

Regular and Proper Cleaning

If you don’t treat them properly, microfiber sofas can easily get damaged. This can cause the furniture piece to become useless and uninviting because no one wants to lounge on a dense and filthy-looking sofa in their home.

Before using any cleaning solution on your microfiber sofa, ensure it’s safe for the material. You can test the product on a hidden area of the sofa to ensure you avoid causing discoloration or potential damage to the fabric. Microfiber is delicate and shouldn’t be treated with bleach, ammonia-based cleaners, or abrasive brushes because they can ruin the quality of the fabric.

Apart from the products used during regular microfiber sofa cleaning, you must consider some external factors that can negatively affect the quality. Avoid exposing your microfiber sofa to direct sunlight. This is because powerful sun rays can cause the color of your microfiber sofa to fade over time. However, you can prevent it by simply using curtains.

Cushion Maintenance

You can always fluff and rotate its cushions for even wear and tear on your microfiber sofa. This also prevents permanent indentations from forming on its surface. Practicing this easy maintenance step may prolong the lifespan of your microfiber sofa, retaining its plump and comfortable feel.

If the cushion covers of your microfiber sofa are removable, see if they can be safely washed in a washing machine based on the manufacturer’s instructions. Follow the recommended washing and drying instructions carefully.

Professional Cleaning Treatments

In case of persistent or difficult stains, you should consider seeking professional help, as these services can help you avoid potential damage to the fabric.

Regular maintenance is essential to keeping your microfiber sofa looking clean. But, professional cleaning treatments are also beneficial. Consider hiring a cleaning service once a year to remove stubborn stains and restore the fabric’s fresh look.

By following these step-by-step instructions and considering the necessary precautions, you can effectively clean your microfiber sofa and keep it looking fresh and inviting for years to come. Taking care of our house furnishings also makes the atmosphere more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning a microfiber sofa can be a straightforward process if done with the right methods and tools. Another aspect of discovering how to clean microfiber sofas is taking necessary precautions so that you can maintain their durability.

Regular vacuuming, spot cleaning of stains, and gentle overall cleaning are essential steps to keep your sofa looking its best. Being mindful of the manufacturer’s cleaning codes and recommendations will help you choose the most suitable cleaning approach for your specific sofa.

You can always hire experienced professional cleaners like Upfront Home Services to ensure that your microfiber sofa remains a comfortable and attractive centerpiece in your living space.