How to Deep Clean a Couch: Step-by-Step Guide for a Fresher Home

by Rigoberto Santaella - June 6, 2025

Your couch is one of the most important decorative elements in your home, as it’s the first thing people who live in and visit your home see and use. Since it’s frequently used, it’s always exposed to stains or dirt, so it’s essential to have simple and practical methods for how to deep clean a couch effectively.

There’s a solution to everything, so in this article, we’ll teach you some tricks to learn how to clean couch cushions, how to wash a couch, and how to tackle deep clean couch routines so your furniture can recover its original appearance without looking old and worn. We’ll explain how to deep clean a couch below. And remember, if you need help cleaning your home, Yorleny’s Cleaning Services has you covered.

Why Deep Cleaning Your Couch Matters

Health Benefits: Removing Allergens, Bacteria, and Odors

A clean couch improves air quality. Removing dust, allergens, and bacteria from your sofa improves the quality of the air you breathe in your home, reducing the risk of respiratory problems. By removing dirt and contaminants, you also create a healthier space for you and your family.

Sofa cleaning eliminates unpleasant odors, which can be annoying, especially when you have pets in the house.

Extending the Life of Your Furniture

When you learn how to deep clean a couch, this regular cleaning helps maintain the integrity of the fabric, preventing premature wear and tear. Clean couches look more inviting and can instantly refresh the look of your living room.

What You’ll Need Before Deep Cleaning Your Couch

The first thing you should consider when it comes to how to deep clean a couch is having the necessary tools for the task. Luckily, most can be found at any cleaning store.

Tools: Vacuum, Brushes, Steam Cleaner, Microfiber Cloth

The first thing you should consider when learning how to deep clean a couch is having the necessary tools for the task. Luckily, most can be found at any cleaning store.

• Duster
• Gloves
• Spray bottle or atomizer
• Microfiber cloth
• Vacuum cleaner
• Soft-bristled hair brush
• Natural sponge
• Container for warm or cold water

Products: Upholstery Cleaner, Natural Solutions, Conditioners (for leather)

Use a portable carpet cleaner like Bissell SpotClean ProHeat or a specialized upholstery cleaner like BISSELL Little Green for a thorough cleaning of a fabric or microfiber couch. These are great options when looking into how to deep clean a couch properly.

The Pink Stuff or Resolve Multi-Fabric Cleaner are fantastic choices for more localized stains. It is advised to use a specialist leather cleaning and protection, such as a Furniture Clinic to protect the surface during the deep clean couch process..

Step-by-Step: How to Deep Clean a Fabric Couch

Learning how to deep clean a couch properly doesn’t have to be a chore. Follow these simple steps to refresh your furniture and see a noticeable before-and-after difference.

Step 1: Vacuum and Pre-Treat Stains

Before diving into how to deep clean a couch, start by vacuuming your sofa and cushions. Couches often hide coins, small toys, crumbs, and other debris. If you’re dealing with a stubborn stain, treat it using a stain remover like BISSELL Professional Stain & Odor Remover, especially if your couch is fabric.

Step 2: Clean with Soap, Steam, or Natural Solution

The best way to deep clean a couch is with a steamer. If you don’t have one, you can use a steam iron, or if you prefer, use more traditional methods, such as using a mixture of soap and vinegar diluted in water and wiping with a sponge or microfiber cloth. Just keep in mind the specific color and type of fabric your couch has.

Step 3: Rinse (if needed) and Let Dry Properly

Rinse gently if necessary, then let your couch dry fully. Outdoor drying works well, but avoid direct sunlight to prevent discoloration. Indoors, keep windows open or use fans for faster drying. A key step in how to deep clean a couch is ensuring it dries thoroughly to avoid musty smells.

How to Clean Couch Cushions (Removable and Attached)

Knowing how to deep clean a couch also means understanding the right way to clean its cushions, whether they’re removable or attached.

Washing Covers in the Machine

For removable cushions, learning how to deep clean a couch includes safely washing covers in the machine. Just be sure to use a delicate cycle with a mild detergent to prevent shrinkage or damage.

For non-removable covers, spot clean using a light soap and water solution. For a more thorough clean, use a mixture of baking soda and water to lift deeper dirt and odors from the fabric.

Spot-Cleaning Cushion Foam

Part of mastering how to deep clean a couch involves tackling cushion foam, which often absorbs stains and odors over time. Use a soft cloth and a gentle detergent solution to clean foam carefully—never scrub or oversaturate. For stubborn stains, a blend of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and laundry detergent can provide a powerful deep-cleaning boost.

Deodorizing and Drying Tips

To fully understand how to deep clean a couch, don’t skip deodorizing and proper drying. Try these proven methods:

• Use baking soda: Baking soda is a natural absorbent, which means it has the ability to attract odors when used correctly and will help you clean and eliminate unpleasant odors from your sofa.
• Use vinegar: If your furniture is starting to smell due to more complicated stains or dirt, a little baking soda won’t be enough. Use a 1:4 vinegar solution.
• Use activated charcoal bags: Although activated charcoal is a little more complicated to use than baking soda and white vinegar, it’s also a very effective odor eliminator. The most important thing to remember when using it is to make sure it doesn’t come into direct contact with your couch cushions or pillows, as this can stain them.
• Let the sun shine in: The UV rays in natural light will kill odor-causing bacteria, refreshing your sofa with nothing more than an afternoon in the sun. Just move the furniture closer to the window and let the sun’s rays do all the work.

How to Steam Clean a Couch Like a Pro

The first step in learning how to deep clean a couch with professional steam cleaning is to vacuum thoroughly, removing any dust or solid debris. Use the appropriate upholstery attachments and fill the steam cleaner with demineralized water. Test a small, hidden area first to ensure the fabric can handle the heat and moisture. Then, clean the couch using smooth, even strokes, and allow it to dry completely for the best results.

Choosing the Right Steam Cleaner

There are professional steam cleaners that cost over $100, like the Dupray Multi-Purpose Steam Cleaner, which not only cleans furniture but also floors and grout. If you want a more affordable option, you can consider the Conair ExtremeSteam Handheld Garment Steamer. In both cases, for deep cleaning your couch, the result will be the same.

Tips to Avoid Damaging Upholstery

To avoid damaging a sofa’s upholstery, it’s essential to clean and care for it regularly. Vacuuming the sofa weekly is recommended to remove dust and debris. Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade and damage the fabric. Using sofa covers or protectors can help prevent spills and stains.

When to Call a Professional Couch Cleaning Service in Florida

Even if you’ve learned how to deep clean a couch, there are times when doing it yourself just isn’t enough. From persistent stains to lingering odors and allergy concerns, your furniture may need more than a basic refresh.

Signs You Need Professional Help

If your couch has deep-set stains, unpleasant smells, pet hair buildup, or hasn’t been cleaned in over a year, it’s probably time to call in the pros. Water damage, mold growth, or fabric discoloration are also signs that DIY methods won’t cut it. Knowing how to deep clean a couch is useful—but knowing when to hand it off to experts is even better.

Benefits of Choosing Yorleny’s Cleaning Service

At Yorleny’s Cleaning Service, we specialize in home and office cleaning. Our team knows how to deep clean every part of your home, including your couch, removing allergens, stains, and odors without damaging the upholstery. Based in South Florida, we know how to address the unique challenges that moisture and daily wear and tear present to your home’s furniture.

Ready to see and feel the difference? Contact us today to schedule your professional couch cleaning!

FAQ: Deep Cleaning Your Couch

Can I deep clean my couch without a steam cleaner?

Yes, you can use a combination of vacuuming, spot cleaning, and possibly hand shampooing to thoroughly clean a couch without a steam cleaner. While these other techniques rely on cleaning agents, solvents, and scrubbing, a steam cleaner employs heat and water to remove grime.

What’s the safest method for microfiber or suede?

A mild, non-abrasive cleaning solution—ideally one made especially for microfiber or a light detergent diluted in water—is the safest way to clean suede and microfiber. Both materials’ fragile fibers can be harmed by harsh chemicals, bleaches, and scrubbing.

How often should I deep clean my couch?

You should deep clean your couch every six to twelve months, you should give your couch a thorough cleaning with an upholstery cleaning machine or steam cleaner. However, you might need to clean the couch more frequently—possibly every three to six months—if you have small children or dogs, or if you use it frequently.