how to steam clean a couch

Cleaning a sofa can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be.  Different methods can be used, such as chemical cleaning, foam cleaning, carbonation and steam cleaning.

In this article I will focus on how to steam clean a couch or sofa using a steam cleaner.  The steam is very effective at cleaning even the dirtiest sofas, including stains and odors.

We’ll tell you exactly how to steam clean a sofa.  Follow the step by step method

How to Steam Clean a Sofa Step by Step

There are only three basic steps needed to steam clean a couch: vacuuming, steaming, and drying.  But there is something more.  Follow our step-by-step guide and your sofa will look brand new.

Can a sofa be steam cleaned?

Before you start steam cleaning your sofa, you should check the labels provided by the manufacturer.  This will help you determine if your sofa fabric is suitable for steam cleaning.

“W“

 If your sofa has a W code, you can only use water-based cleaners.  Hot water mixed with dish soap or detergent can work wonders, as can steam cleaners.

Always remember not to use too much water in excess as it can damage your upholstered sofa.  Also, avoid using harsh chemicals on sofas labeled W, as they will break down the fabric of your sofa.

“S”

This cleaning code means solvent, which means that only waterless solvent-based cleaners can be used on these types of fabrics.  Solvents such as isopropyl alcohol are ideal for couches with this cleanliness code.

“x”

Sofas with an X cleaning code are much more difficult to handle.  These fabrics can only be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner or brush, nothing else.  In the event of a spill or stain, you will need the expertise of a professional cleaner.

“WS”

You can use wet or dry cleaning methods on these sofas.

“O “

These sofas are made from organic materials, so they should only be cleaned with cold water.

Consult a professional cleaner before steam cleaning any sofa made from delicate materials.  This includes suede and velvet.

Brush and vacuum the surface vacuum sofa

     You won’t be able to clean an upholstered surface well if there is food or other debris left behind, as these particles can dirty your sofa even more when you steam clean it. 

Brush away everything you can see on the surface, then select the correct part to vacuum. 

First remove the cushions and vacuum all sides before moving on to every crevice and crevice of the chair or sofa. 

Take your time to remove as much pet hair, dust, allergens, food, dirt, and anything else that may have built up.  Don’t forget to clean the back and sides of your furniture.

Pre-treat stains by rubbing

Adjust the fabric before steaming

The last part of the preparations is to adjust the material so that it does not look rough and grainy.  Using a product like a fabric stain emulsifier will help lift all parts of the floor. 

Spray the sofa with this clay emulsion, making sure it gets into the crevices and sides.  Let dry for a few minutes, then add a very thin layer of fabric shampoo.

Scrub the upholstery well with a clean white cloth or brush, transferring these chemicals to the fabric.

Choosing the right steam cleaner

 Steam cleaners come in many varieties, with lots of useful accessories.  What it takes to clean a couch should be designed for spraying upholstery and fabrics.

An upholstery steam cleaner is designed specifically for upholstery.  It can be a portable or floor machine with accessories. 

Avoid carpet cleaning machines that come with an upholstery cleaning tool.  They are usually bulky and don’t work well on sofas, leaving them soaking wet.

 If you don’t want to buy a steam cleaner, consider getting one from your local hardware store.

Preparing the machines for cleaning

One of the benefits of steam cleaners is that you don’t need to use chemicals to get a good clean.  Many machines run on tap or distilled water Only.

Other steam cleaners use a water-diluted cleaning solution to thoroughly clean the upholstery. 

The ratio between the amount of detergent and water depends on the machine and the chosen cleaning solution. 

Always follow the dilution rate instructions to protect your steam cleaner and sofa.

Consult the manual to find out which accessory to choose for best results.  This could be in the form of a brush that stays put or perhaps a brush that swings.

Fill the tank, connect the machine and wait for it to reach the steam temperature.  Don’t try to steam too soon, as it will only show water, soaking the fabric.

Where to start cleaning

While it might be tempting to start with the large sofa frame, it’s the last place to clean.

 First, get all the loose pillows and removable pillows and start with them.

 You may only need to spray the side that appears.  If you need to do both sides, make sure one side is dry before doing the other.  Otherwise, they’ll take longer to dry and may smell musty.

 Using the spray bottle, spray the surface of the cushions with steam.  Use quick strokes all over the surface of the material.

If there are particularly dirty places, avoid keeping the steamer in one area for a long time.  Instead, repeat the motions consistently across the pad.

 Steam cleaning of large rooms

Now it’s time to move on to the larger surfaces of the sofa and the structure.

 You should clean it in small sections at a time.  Making large cuts all at once gives the water time to absorb into the fabric.  This increases the risk of damage to the coating..

You can always repeat the cleaning if there are spots where the dirt is particularly crushed.  You don’t need to let it dry first.  clean as often as necessary before letting it dry.

Let your sofa dry

Sofa drying takes time depending on many factors.  These include the time of day you choose to steam clean it as well as the weather.  Other factors are the humidity of the vapor and the possibility of having a breeze in the room.

 There are ways to speed up the drying process by using a fan to create the impression of a draft.  You can also open a window if the weather permits and there is no humidity.

The sofa will dry even if you don’t use any of these methods.  This will take time and the door to the room should be left open so there is no risk of mold .

If the stains are still visible, you may need to repeat the process or use a stain remover.

steam cleaning leather sofa

Leather sofas are a timeless option for any living room.  While their general wear and tear is part of their gorgeous aesthetic, they still require some maintenance to keep them looking amazing.

 Before cleaning a canapé à la vapeur, prepare a cleaning solution consisting of 1/2 cup of white vinegar and 1/2 cup of linseed oil from your eau de toilette, then use a damp chiffon to pour this solution south of the sofa.  Afterwards, let the leather dry for at least an hour before steam cleaning it.

Remove the seat cushions and start steam cleaning the back of the sofa, then work your way up gradually focusing on the insides of the sofa.

 Also remove any residual moisture with a soft, clean cloth and allow the leather upholstery to air dry by opening a window or running a fan to facilitate the drying process.

Steam clean a soft sofa

 There’s nothing like the charm of a plush sofa, so it’s worth keeping it clean to maintain its luxury.  Steam cleaning luxury furniture is a common practice and is sure to keep your upholstered sofa looking fresh and beautiful.

 Run your steamer over the velvet at a moderate, steady pace, without staying in one spot for too long, and check that your steamer is set to the lowest temperature to avoid heat damage. 

Use a soft brush to confirm that none of the lint fibers are tangled or tangled, to keep the upholstery squeaky clean.

If you want to clean a squashed plush sofa, steam cleaning is probably not the best method for you, as steam can destroy the sofa’s squashed plush look.

What are the benefits of steam cleaning sofas?

Steam cleaning sofas has many benefits, including:

Effective in removing dirt and dust

One of the important advantages of steam cleaning is that the hot steam can completely remove the remaining dirt and dust from the sofa.

Takes less time

Compared to manual sofa cleaning, steam cleaning delivers great results in minutes.  Again, you don’t have to wait days for the sofa to dry.

Ability to kill bacteria

with steam cleaning, it can kill all microorganisms such as bacteria, germs, viruses, etc.  This may not be possible if you only use water and detergent for cleaning.

Remove stains and odors

A steam cleaner will give you amazing results if your sofa has stubborn stains or an unpleasant odor.

Frequently Asked Questions about steam cleaning your Sofa