There is something about the new year that makes me want to clean all the things. Maybe it is the act of putting away the Christmas decor and placing everything back to how it was before that pushes me to do it. Or maybe it is because everyone keeps getting sick and I want to feel like my house is sanitized. Either way, I always tend to deep clean my house in January. There's something that I think tends to get skipped over though..... Do you sanitize your couch as part of your deep cleaning routine? Well, maybe you should! :) Here's how to steam clean a couch!
This post is sponsored by Wagner. All opinions and ideas are 100% my own. This post contains an affiliate link.
How To Steam Clean A Couch
Upholstery harbors odors. Well, at least at my house with 4 boys and a dog it does! It also harbors all sorts of other things I'd like to not think about (like dust mites!). It is probably a good idea to sanitize your fabric couch every now and then. Or if you have been thrifting and found a great couch for your space, giving it the once over with a steam machine is probably a smart idea. I used the Wagner 915e steam cleaner.
Vacuum
If your couch has upholstery, the first thing you need to do is use a vacuum cleaner and thoroughly vacuum the entire couch. This removes any pet hair or loose dirt. If your couch has a strong odor, you can sprinkle baking soda on it and let it sit overnight. The baking soda absorbs most of the smell and it can then be vacuumed away. I have done this with my area rugs as well.
Check Fabric Type
Not all couches can be steam cleaned. Real leather couches should be cleaned another way and some delicate fabrics should also avoid being steamed. If you are not sure what type of fabric it is, or if your couch can be safely steamed, check the label. The care instructions should have a code indicating the type of cleaner that can be used. S for solvent, W for water, and an X means you can not safely use water.
If you are unsure or if the tag is no longer on the couch, test a small area on the back or somewhere hidden before doing the entire couch. If there is any damage or color fading, you will have to clean your couch another way. I am showing an example of an upholstered couch, but I have also successfully cleaned faux leather and vinyl couches with a steamer. I even steam cleaned my velvet bench many times.
Treat Stains and Spills First
Fill your steam machine with clean water according to the instructions. Wait for it to heat up. If you have any stains or spills, use the soft bristle brush attachment on the steamer to gently clean it off. The hot vapors will help loosen what is stuck. I move the stationary brush in a circular motion. Have a clean cloth handy to wipe away the mess. Stubborn stains may need to be addressed after the steaming process with cleaning solution or an upholstery cleaner for best results.
Steam Your Couch Clean!
I add the attachment with the cloth over it. It is what I use to steam my clothes or curtains. Start with the backs and couch cushions as they can be removed. Work in small sections at a time. Once the whole cushion is steam cleaned, check the pad and see if it needs to be replaced. If you don't have multiple cloth covers, you can use clean socks. I buy the little bootie socks to use as extra covers. Put a new cover over the steamer attachment as needed and move on to the next section of couch.
It really doesn't take that much time to do, and because of using a steam cleaning machine, not much water was used so the drying process will be quick as well. I love that I can avoid using harsh chemicals by using high-temperature steam instead. Once you are done, unplug the steam machine and allow it to cool before emptying any left over water.
Check out my post on 40 Ways to Use Your Steam Cleaner for more ideas on what to clean in your home!
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The whole cleaning process is fairly easy and you will be rewarded with a clean couch! I love to steam my chairs and pillows as well while I have the steam cleaner out. It is a great way to freshen up your home.
With a dog, a puppy and a 9 month old...the couch!!!! :-)
It would be nice to have a steam cleaner not only for inside the house but also to clean the car. Thank you, Stacy, for the giveaway!
It would be great to steam clean my couch and chairs. We recently got a puppy and she is definitely a new smell in the house.
Definitely the couch with two dogs and kids but it would be helpful in many other ways.
I love Wagner products. If you have pets this would be great!
I have a velvet couch that could use a steam clean.
I have kitties! I definitely need to steam-clean my couches. Thank you for the giveaway!
My off white couch looks so bad now! I’d love to try a steamer on it!
That looks like a dream! I would start with our couch for sure! Thank you for the opportunity!
I have a couch with non removable covers... And dust mites... I need this!
We Have twin 1-year-olds at our house! This would be so wonderful for all the spills, muck, and junk that comes along! Give us some refreshed places to sit!
Sounds like a safe way to clean sofa and chair that haven’t had anything but regular vacuuming in thirty-five years.
With 2 dogs and a kid, our couches and mattresses need a good cleaning. This would also be great to clean/sanitize dog beds! The Wagner 915e Steam Cleaner would be a blessing!
My couch needs a good cleaning and I was just wondering how I was going to do that!
Awesome idea! Would love to steam clean quite a few items in my home!
Looks like a great product!
I think having a steam cleaner would be wonderful. The couch would be a great starting place. Thank you so much for the informational
We have a love seat that my animals have pretty much claimed as their own. I really need to clean it and probably should at least once a month. There is only so much the vacuum and sticky rolls can do.
I would love to try a steam cleaner ! Just from what you posted it looks like you can steam clean so many things ! Thank you so much for the post and so cool Wagner is doing a giveaway- I heard their products are awesome.
My living room couch, chair and ottoman need a good steam cleaning. I would love to try this product. It sounds great.
My couch and chairs on our back porch.
My whole house needs cleaning! Starting with the bathrooms and the kitchen! Ugh!
My couch, the cat tower, recliner
With three Doxies, clean the couch and recliners.
My sofa needs cleaning.
I have 2 cats that loves to hang out on the couch so definitely the couch.
With my cats always on the couch, it can use a good cleaning!
My couch needs this!
Definitely the couch and also my office chair. And this steamer would be good for the bathroom too.
We have 2 recliners which both need steam cleaned.
everything needs cleaning in my house, it's an unending cycle
I need to steam my bathroom grout!
My whole house needs steam cleaning with two teenagers, 3 cats, a dog and a husband! But I would especially love to steam clean all of our mattresses. I don’t want think about what lurks there although I regularly vacuum and sanitize them.
I have a chair that needs a little tlc. And my car! I love steam cleaners!
My kitchen always needs cleaning.
I think I would try this on our fridge.
I have 4 sons, 3 dogs, 2 cats, and 1 daughter. Everything in my house needs to be deep cleaned, especially my couches.
Our couch and kitchen appliances.
The couches and carpets need cleaning
Doing a lot of new construction, so badly need help with steam cleaner!
Definitely the sofa, couch and chairs.
THIS would come in so handy to clean my sofa and loveseat that is well-loved by my longhaired cats :) ..
I’ve got dining chairs, a sofa, and side chairs that could all benefit from a good cleaning!
I want to steam my mattress.
We just got a new sectional today so want to keep it looking new…especially with kiddos and a dog
My floors and living room furniture could all use a good steam cleaning.
Ooh what a fun giveaway! My couch thanks you! It’s looking dingy!
That looks so fun!!! I’m steam cleaner obsessed!! It looks like such a great way to clean!!!
Thats a great a giveaway. Definitely good for deep cleaning those couches and chairs. Thanks for the opportunity.
Bathrooms—erase any trace of Covid!
Bathroom grout, kitchen floor grout and I’m sure I could find 100 more things to use it on!
Everything needs cleaning! We had COVID come through, so I've been cleaning non-stop. I also have a dog, so I definitely need to deep clean all soft surfaces.
Everything could use a good cleaning at my house between my family and pets! The couches would be first!
I'd like to steam my couches and my mattress.
I would definitely say the couch.
Definitely the sofa and bathroom