Jade McgeeA couch quietly collects the evidence of daily life. Dust settles into the weave, body oils dull the colour, and the odd spill finds its way into the fibres long before you notice. The aim with upholstery cleaning is not to strip it back to “brand new”. It is to lift grime gently, protect the fabric’s texture, and avoid the two big hazards: watermarks and trapped moisture.
Start with the cleaning code, not the stain
Most upholstered pieces have a care label tucked under a seat cushion or along the base. Those letters are your first decision-maker.
A W code means water-based cleaning is safe. S indicates solvent-only products. WS allows either. X means vacuum only and no liquids.
Skipping this step is how people end up with tide marks, shrinkage, or a patch that looks permanently different to the rest of the couch.
Vacuum properly before you do anything wet
Dry dirt becomes a mess the moment you introduce liquid. Vacuum first, even if you are “just” treating a small mark. Use the upholstery tool and work slowly, paying attention to seams, piping and the creases where crumbs collect. Lift cushions and vacuum beneath them, too.
If pet hair is a factor, loosen it first with a slightly dampened rubber glove or a soft brush, then vacuum again. Regular vacuuming, ideally once a week, does more for a couch’s lifespan than occasional deep cleans.
Blot stains fast, and keep your hands gentle
When something spills, act quickly. Blot with a clean cloth or paper towel and press, do not rub. Rubbing forces the stain deeper and can roughen the surface, especially on woven fabrics.
For W or WS fabrics, start with the mildest option: lukewarm water with a tiny drop of washing-up liquid. Dampen a cloth, blot from the outside of the stain inwards, then blot again with plain water on a fresh cloth to remove any soapy residue. Finish by blotting dry.
For oily marks on S fabrics, a small amount of isopropyl alcohol can work, but only if you test first in an unseen spot. Apply it to the cloth, not directly to the upholstery, and blot slowly. If colour lifts onto your cloth, stop.
Use less liquid than you think you need
Over-wetting is the quickest route to water rings and sour smells. Upholstery foam can hold moisture for days, especially in humid weather, which encourages mildew. Work in small patches and keep fabrics only lightly damp.
Speed up drying with airflow. Open windows, switch on a fan, and avoid sitting on the area until it is fully dry. If the fabric feels damp beneath the surface when you press it, you have used too much water.
Steam can help, but it is not universal
Steam cleaning can refresh sturdy synthetic blends, but it is risky on more delicate fabrics. Velvet, some linens, and natural fibres can mark, flatten or shrink if the heat is too high or you linger in one place.
If you are using a handheld steamer, keep the passes short and keep the tool moving. Think of it as a quick lift of grime and odour, not a soaking treatment. If the piece is special, antique or easily marked, professional cleaning is often the safer route.
Be extra cautious with natural fibres and velvet
Cotton, linen and wool blends can be beautiful but less forgiving. Linen is prone to water marks if moisture is uneven. Wool can shrink with heat and agitation. With these, spot clean lightly and focus on preventative care such as vacuuming and prompt blotting.
Velvet needs its pile respected. Once dry, brush gently in the direction of the nap to restore the finish and prevent flattened patches.
Freshen without fragrance build-up
For an easy refresh between cleans, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda lightly over the upholstery, leave it for about twenty minutes, then vacuum thoroughly. It can help neutralise odours without leaving a heavy residue.
Go easy on strongly scented sprays. They often leave a film that attracts dust and can make fabrics look dull over time.
Know when to stop and call a professional
If you are dealing with set-in stains, persistent odours, water damage, or a fabric that reacts badly during spot testing, it is worth bringing in an upholstery cleaner. Aggressive DIY fixes can permanently change colour and texture, which is far harder to undo than a stain.
How often should you clean your couch?
Aim to vacuum weekly, treat marks as they happen, and plan a deeper clean every year or so depending on use. Busy family seating generally needs more frequent attention than occasional-use pieces.
A couch stays looking good through consistency, not intensity. Check the care code, keep liquids minimal, blot patiently, and prioritise thorough drying. That is how you clean upholstery properly, without damaging the very thing you are trying to save.
ALSO SEE:
A version of this article was first published on W&H.
