How to Clean A Microfiber Couch
Cleaning your microfiber couch can not only seem intimidating but flat out scary. The thought of damaging a large and likely a costly piece of furniture is enough to just live with a dirty couch! Let me calm your fears! Cleaning your microfiber couch is so much easier than I ever thought. Bonus! Cleaning your couch is a totally DIY project – no need to hire the professionals. If you can work a zipper and run your washing machine, you are good to go!
So after a lot of research and some “trials,” let me share with you the best way to clean your microfiber couch!
I won’t lie – I was really nervous about ruining our couch before I started. Thankfully we had an extra back cushion, so I had a test cover. *yay* I washed the cover that went with my backup before touching my other ones. I was thrilled when it came out looking brand new!
Benefits of having A Clean Microfiber Couch:
- Removes stains, dirt, and years of grime
- Removes any set-in odors – completely deodorizing your couch.
- Helps to un-stretch your covers. *Think of a pair of jeans. You know how if you wear a pair of jeans too many times before washing them they start to become loose? Once you wash and dry them, they are back to fitting nicely? Your cushions will do the same thing!
How to Clean A Microfiber Couch:
- Remove a back cushion and the seat cushion that goes with it. You’ll want to wash them in sets of two. This helps to ensure they get extra cleaning powers – and it will make sure you do not mix up their innards.
- Remove all of the stuffing from the back cover- and the foam from the seat cover.
- Wash your covers (See details on how to wash below)
- Dry your covers (See details on how to dry below)
- Re-stuff your covers – and put your cushions back on the couch
- Admire your beautiful couch!
While Your Covers are Washing:
While you are washing your couch covers, you’ll want to re-fluff your back cushion materials. This is a huge game-changer! Over time the stuffing will condense and become really hard – it will cause uncomfortable lumps and bumps in your cushions – as well as an overall look of old wrinkled cushions.
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See the difference!?
If your cushions still look and feel like they need more fill. You can supplement by adding some additional Poly-Fil. You can stuff more into the corners of your cushions to ensure that they look great. You can grab a whole 10-pound box of poly-fil for 20 bucks at Wal-mart. If you re-fluff your stuffing, you may not need any extra filling at all.
If your seat cushions are still saggy. You can very quickly wrap them in batting to give them a little more thickness. Just spray your existing cushion with some adhesive, and wrap a new sheet of batting around it before stuffing it back into your cover. *Our couch did not need the extra batting.
How To Clean A Microfiber Couch- MY Washing Machine Settings:
- Load Size – I put a back cover and a seat cover in the machine at a time. I set the load size to a “large” My cushions are pretty big, and I wanted to make sure there was enough water in the machine to completely cover them.
- Temperature- Warm/Warm
- Extra Rinse / End Of Cycle Sound – Yes and Yes. I want the additional rinse to make sure no detergent is left on the cushions – and I want the end of cycle alarm, so I am quick to get them in the dryer.
- Fabric Select – Hand Wash – I want to make sure they are treated carefully.
- Wash Cycle – I just used my normal wash cycle.
Cleaning A Microfiber Couch – Detergents
For my laundry soap, I used Tide Free and Gentle (powder)- NO Fabric Softener. I did give each cushion a light misting of OxiClean Stain Fighter – and a more substantial dose on the obvious stains. In addition to the laundry soap, I also used a little borax in the mix. This did make a big difference in how clean the cushions came out!
Important!! – Make sure that you start your water in your washing machine, add your laundry soap & Borax (If you have a light-colored couch – if your couch is darker DO NOT USE BORAX. Before you throw in, your covers make sure the soap is completely dissolved! I had to use my hand to mix it all up – and remove any borax clusters that had formed. I wanted to make sure that my covers would not rest on any soap. – If they did, they would come out with what looked like a grease stain.
How To Clean A Microfiber Couch – Drying
We are on our last step. I chose to put my covers in the dryer, along with a used bounce dryer sheet.
- Temperature – Extra Low / Delicates. I tried the air only option for one round – and it took forever, and there was no difference between air and extra low heat.
- Wrinkle Shield- Off *truth – I do not even know what this feature does… *
- End Of Cycle- On. Once again, I wanted to know as soon as it was done so that I could remove them immediately- otherwise, they can actually wrinkle. (The wrinkles will come out, but it might panic you at first glance)
- Time – This is not shown, but I set my timer to 20 minutes – they were nice and dry, wrinkle-free, and ready to be re-stuffed.
So there you have it! Everything you need to know about how to DIY Clean your microfiber couch. I was too scared to do anything to our couch for 7 years! I am kicking myself for waiting so long – but I am thrilled with the final results!!
But what about the parts you cannot wash?
Here is what I suggest for the parts of the couch you cannot throw in the washing machine:
Bissell Carpet Cleaner! Fill a carpet cleaning machine up with warm water and a little bit (Literally less than a TEASPOON) – of powered tide cleaning detergent.
Clean the couch using the carpet cleaner. It works great. It is also a great resource for cleaning up little spills throughout your entire house!
Hello, would you mind telling me exactly how much tide and borax you used when you washed your microfiber cushion covers? Thanks so much , Melissa adams
Three Coffee Scoops of Tide, and 1/4 cup borax (ONLY USE BORAX ON THE LIGHT MICROFIBER!!!)
This is what I mean by coffee scoop: https://amzn.to/2l2h6w6 – One scoop is equal to 1/8 of a cup
Would you know if rather than oxi clean I were to use shout? I have a dark colored microfiber couch! Possibly baKong soda as well?
I am not 100% sure – all I can suggest is that you read the label VERY carefully and make sure that the product does not have any whitening power in it!!
Hi I use arm and hammer liquid detergent. Will that be the same . thanks
Just make sure the detergent is mixed well with the water before putting the covers in the machine.
What about on the frame of the couch/ the part u cannot remove and put into washing machine? What did u use there? I’ve heard alcohol works?? I’m in the process of washing my microfiber couch as we speak and I’m DYING to have a couch that doesn’t smell like dogs……again……if only for a day or two…Lol.
Was your couch water solvent? I want to find an easy way to clean mine but it has an “S” not a “W” on its cleaning guide.
How did you get the long chaisev cushion off and then back on ? I have the same couch and color !
At first I was really nervous about this. BUT our sipper went down the back, and the side that looks like an “L”. With it being on the short end of the “L” I was able to get it on and off really easily.
Thank you for this great article! Helped so much, my couch looks like new again!! 🙂
Ahhhhh…..thanks for this, Lindsay! 9 years after our couch purchase, I felt the same shame. SHAME! This was my weekend project and the result is spectacular. My family room smells like Tide and looks brand new. One tip for others…after removing the covers, I also vacuumed the cushions themselves. Oh, the dust!
Thanks again!
Thank you for this helpful step-by-step. My microfiber couch was literally SHINY… I was thinking we would have to replace it soon, it was so embarrassing! But one cycle in the wash (I added a little powder OxyClean to the detergent and used a small amount of straight vinegar as the fabric softener) and it looks new again! This post saved me from buying a new couch–THANK YOU!!
Yay!! So awesome!
Should I wash the covers inside out?? My dog vomited on our couch and I CAN’T get the smell out 🙁 Thanks!
I didn’t, but you absolutely could! Lightly spray the area where they vomited with oxy clean – then immediately put into the wash.
Do not overload the washer, the smaller the loads with a full washer of water is best.
Lindsay, just want to thank you for these perfect instructions. I followed them with a microfiber raincoat I’ve had for many years. The label stated it was Dry Clean Only, but dry cleaning never removed all the stains. I followed your instructions to the last detail. Used Oxi-Clean, warm-warm setting, a mild detergent, tumble dry extra-low, and the coat came out looking like new. I am amazed. By the way, your couch looks gorgeous!
This makes me so happy!!! I am so glad you were able to get a sparkling coat! 🙂
Will be trying this tomorrow, actually. But on the couch cushion covers. The rest of couch doesn’t “come off”. Suggestions for this part? Our couch as well has been under battle with the kids. I’m worried I’ll have clean, tight, almost new looking cushions and not so much arms and back cushions.
I wish I had taken before and after pictures. I used your basic instructions and my slip overs came out like new. I was thrilled. The only thing I did differently was to liberally spray the dark stained worn out looking areas with Oxi Clean spot remover and used a soft brush to gently work in the Oxi Clean. They are beautiful.
Thank you!
Lindsay, thank you so much for the post! You saved the day with your step by step instructions on cleaning a microfiber couch. We have the same microfiber couch that had seen better days many years ago. We decided to make an attempt to clean it up for the holidays and it now looks amazing. We only wish we’d realized ten years earlier we could clean the cushion covers in the washing machine. Many thanks to you for helpful instructions on restoring our couch to new again!!
I can’t wait to try this. I have the same couch. The only thing I’m confused about is can I do this in a front loading washing machine. It sounds like yours is a top loader.
Thank you in advance for your reply.
Sherry
Hi i use arm and hammer liquid detergent. Do you have an idea how much to use. Also I have five seat cusions can I wash them together? Thank you
How hard were the seat cushions to get back on? I really want to try this but am afraid I won’t be able to get them back on without a fight.
Easy!
Thanks for the step by step, tips and confidence from your experience and everyone who tried it and left comments. Gave me the gumption to finally give it a go on a 10 yr old beige micro suede couch that our sweet old cat has started leaving butt spots all over. Attempts at spot cleaning resulted in removing the stains but spreading the smell, so I’m excited to get those cushion covers in the machine tonight… and then run the rest of them, after a pass with the vacuum. Hope it turns out as good as yours did!
Magic! cleaned up the nasty ones last night… and running the rest tonight. Thanks again!!
hi
Did you just spot clean the arms of the sofa ? what did you do?
Thanks.
Thank you for a helpful post. Don’t have a dryer, can I air dry?
Thank you for this post! My 14 year old microfiber couch looks good as new. I used a high efficiency washer and it worked just fine. I am thrilled with the results! Thank you, thank you!
I want to try this on my sofa cushions. I have a front loading machine so it is impossible for me to mix the detergents and the oxy. What would you suggest? Also my back cushions are not removable , ugg. I’m wondering if I could use my carpet cleaner on it?
I also had read a ton of blogs where people were either using rubbing alcohol or stain remover/carpet cleaner & a scrub brush & rag. I was honestly way more terrified just thinking about trying either of those options, than i was when I finally decided to just take the covers off & take my chances throwing them in the wash. They came out beautifully! I found myself on your page though, because since the last time I washed them, my husband started coming straight in from working outside or on the car & sitting on my couch!! Without even the thought of changing into clean clothes or putting at least a sheet down to protect against all the grease & oil he had covering him. I have a pretty bad OCD problem (I even have OCD ticks – which is basically Tourette’s) so, I freak out big time & have asked him multiple times to at least throw a sheet over the part of the couch he will be sitting on so he doesn’t stain/ruin them permanently. You’d think as bad as I flip he’d be to where he’d comply just to get me to shut up (nope)!
I guess you can see my concern of wondering if the wash alone will get out those stains as well as they’ve looked every other time prior. Also, I have one other question to ask you. Assuming your back cushions had zipper covers, if I have all pillows as my back cushions should I just cut them open where you can tell they previously stuffed & sewed the last opening gap; pull out all the stuffing & wash the outsides; then re-stuff with old stuffing (or put all new if preferred) & see back up? Or should I just wash them with the stuffing in them, as I have never washed the pillows before due to them having stuffing.
Thanks for the perfect instructions! I got brave after reading yours and the many other success stories. It took all day, but my couch is good as new!
Why are all the comments about the “couch frame” being ignored? I find that strange. Great article regarding the cushions. Very detailed and well put but not once in this article mentions the frame of the couch. What is the best solution for cleaning the frame. This is more important then the cushions because you can’t just throw a couch frame in the washer. I heard rubbing alcohol and water mixed disinfects well for this fabric but I want a nice, clean smell for my couch frame. What do you suggest. If Lindsay Butler can’t answer for some reason or doesn’t know the answer, can anyone else enlighten this thread? It would be very much appreciated, not just for me but the rest of group who asked! Thank you
Thanks!!! You saved my life! I was so nervous to wash the couch because I had no tag or care instructions and most certainly cannot afford a new couch. But that’s what I got… at least it looks like a new couch!!!! The only problem I’m having is stuffing the back cushions so they don’t look lumpy. Any suggestions???
I’m trying it now as I type. In the washer fingers crossed!
What a helpful article on laundry washing the microfiber sofa cushions and seats. Several of our showroom customers have pets that leave hair on the sofa, and they asked how to launder their sofa. I can share this with them! Thanks again, Lindsay.
How did you clean the arms?
Thank. You. Everything I read online said NOT to wash your microfiber cushion covers in the washing machine (they’re polyester, for crying out loud!) Our couch is also camel (“Chrome” is the manufacturers name for it, but it’s not gray at all. It’s a Jonathan Louis couch.) I did one of my covers to test it, closed the zipper, used liquid Tide to the “normal” level in my front-loader’s detergent dispenser, and added a mixture of 1/4 cup Borax with hot water, stirred & stirred (& it still never completely dissolved), and added that to my washer once the upholstery was thoroughly wet, since there’s no water to add it to at the beginning, in a front-load machine. Warm water, delicate cycle. I used the ‘casual’ cycle on low heat in the dryer, and it took 2 cycles to get it almost dry. I put it back on the insert immediately. It looks brand new! Yay! The only thing I will do before washing the rest of them is run the inside zipper-area seam allowances through my serger, to finish the seams, and stop the raveling. This tip of yours will make a huge impact on the way our family room looks. Thanks again!
I’m trying this as we speak. I actually started before I read your blog and all the extra tips will hopefully make my pet smelling/kid loved couch new again. Thanks so much!
Hi, I have some couches slightly darker than yours, but on mine the back cushions don’t open. Do you think I could still put them in the washer like that?
So glad I found this site as a major point I just watched my entire couch and it came out perfectly as wage point It is a dark Olive couch in there were no issues I even used spray and wash! I wish I xould post a picture on how great it came out! Should have done this sooner!
For those of you asking about the arms:
Haven’t tried the cushions yet. we’re up at the cottage and don’t have a washing machine…BUT the arms and front (on the frame) were in bad shape too – We just inherited a microfibre sofa from a friend of ours – she had a shedding dog and the sofa was pretty grimy – not just the cushions but the whole thing…
here is what we did with the body of the sofas and they look pretty awesome. We thoroughly brushed off the dog hair and vacuumed it with a shop vac – making sure to get all the crevasses. Then I dissolved some oxyclean in hot water and scrubbed, with a brush, all the bad areas. Came out right away. My husband followed behind me with some tide coldwater detergent in warm water… and scrubbed the whole thing.
As for rinsing, we were quite liberal – myself with cold water and a brush, and my husband following with a cloth and again (twice) with liberal amounts of water. (starting at the top and working down so the water drips onto parts we haven’t rinsed yet. I know leftover soap will attract dirt later…I think probably upholstery cleaner would be better in this respect but we didn’t have any on us. (I think a squeegee would really help at this point to squeeze out excess water but we didn’t have one of those either.)
Then we carried the sofas into the front yard (on the rocks and they are now baking in the sun – looking BRAND NEW.
Can’t wait to do the cushions as well and put it back together.!
My husband was not pleased I took this sofa in but now even he is impressed!
YOU COULD ALWAYS HAVE ONE PERSON SLOWLY POURING COLD WATER ON AS A RINSE AND ANOTHER PERSON RIGHT BEHIND YOU WITH A SHOP VAC SUCKING UP THE WATER, THEN LET IT SIT OUTSIDE IN THE SUNSHINE
Ha! I thought my friend was a brave genius when she told me she dared to clean her couch covers IN THE WASHING MACHINE!
I thought perhaps it’s too good to be true or the couch was either cheap or expensive, who knows? It looks brand new!
I decided to Google it for support and look what I found! I can’t wait to wash my couch and brag about it.
Just finished washing mine. Amazed at how well it worked! I too wish I had done this sooner! We’ve had our couch for 13 years and I have tried over the years to spot clean it but they never really got clean so I eventually just gave up. And with pets and three boys, they ended up a complete disaster. Figured we’d have to give in and buy a new couch, so thought it couldn’t hurt to try it. Here are my before and after photos!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/z5FSX7Lnc9pJoDeo9