How To Clean A Sofa/Couch Without A Steam Cleaner (4 Alternatives Explained)

TABLE OF CONTENT

1. Access The Type Of Fabric Upholstery
2. 4 Ways To Clean The Sofa Without A Steam Cleaner
3. Try Vinegar Solution
4. Baking Soda And Brushing
5. Using A Hair Dryer For Spot Cleaning
6. Wet Method
7. Final Words

You sit on your sofa, and it starts to stink, or you accidentally spilled something, and that stain is a big headache for you now. If a steam cleaner has been your go-to option for cleaning a sofa and clearing its stains. And now you have started to wonder if you can spot any alternatives, the answer is yes. There are multiple ways to clean a sofa or couch, whatever you call it, without the need for a steam cleaner.

Scroll through this article to educate yourself on the new methods of cleaning the sofa and maintaining it neat and clean to serve you better for years to come.

Access The Type Of Fabric Upholstery

Before you jump into the cleaning section, first check the care labels to understand if the particular cleaning method goes well with the fabric.

• Microfiber upholstery is a durable, stain-resistant fabric that can be cleaned quickly. You can use mild soap and water and mix it together. Use this solution for cleaning.
• Cotton upholstery that is removable can be machine-washed. Anyway, make sure you check the label.
• Synthetic blends can be cleaned using a mixture of mild detergent and water.
• Natural fibers including linen and wool, can be more delicate. So, it's recommended to spot clean with care with the help of a gentle cleaning solution.
  

4 Ways To Clean The Sofa Without A Steam Cleaner

First check if the fabric would go well with this type of cleaning method.

1. Try Vinegar Solution

As an excellent natural cleaner, vinegar solution can help break down stains, eliminate odors, and disinfect the fabric. Plus, it's considered safe for most fabrics. But you can't directly use it on the fabric; here's how you do it:

1. Mix one cup of white vinegar with 1 cup of warm water and take the solution in a spray bottle. If you don't have such a bottle, take a microfiber cloth.
2. First, spray the upholstery with the solution, but don't soak it.
3. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, and finally, clean the area with a microfiber cloth. Then, let it air dry.
   

To handle tough stains such as grease, ink, wine, etc, follow this method:

1. Take half a cup of white vinegar and half a cup of baking soda and mix them together to make a paste.
2. Apply to the stained area and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Gently scrub the stained area using a soft brush or sponge.
4. Finally, wipe the area with a damp cloth and let it air dry.

Note: Always spot test on a hidden area first to ensure it doesn't damage or discolor the fabric.

2. Baking Soda And Brushing

There's no doubt that baking soda can do wonders, be it serving as a deodorizer or stain remover. 

What makes it absorb and lift organic stains from wood and upholstery is its fine, porous texture that absorbs stains. Plus, it reacts with organic compounds such as food, coffee, or any of that kind of stain and breaks them down for easier cleaning. In addition, it serves as a gentle scrubbing agent without damaging the surfaces.

To treat your upholstery and fabric, it's best that you:

• Sprinkle the baking soda powder over the fabric sofa and let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes before you vacuum it up to remove the dirt and odor along with the residue.
• For deep stains, try mixing water with baking soda and apply the paste to blot the area.
  

3. Using A Hair Dryer For Spot Cleaning

You can use a hair dryer for spot-cleaning upholstery but with caution. This can act as a tool to dry the fabric faster rather than actually cleaning it.

So, after spot-cleaning a small area on your sofa using a water-based cleaner or vinegar, you can use a hair dryer to speed up the drying process. Quick drying allows you to avoid water rings or streaks.

For delicate fabrics, ensure you have a low heat setting to help the fabric dry without getting damaged.

When not to use a hair dryer for fabric upholstery cleaning?

Avoid using it on heat-sensitive fabrics and with solvent-based cleaners. And remember that a hair dryer won't clean the stain itself, but only helps dry the area.

4. Wet Method

Here's one of the viral hacks to clean a sofa without a steamer:

1. First, you should start by vacuuming your sofa so as to get rid of the loose dirt, pet hair, and dust that's accumulated.

2. Once the vacuuming is done, take a laundry detergent pod(mild) in a bowl and start pouring boiling water to dissolve it.

3. Next, take a microfiber cloth and tie their opposite ends to make it look like a scrub brush and dip it into the detergent solution.

4. Then, wriggle off the excess water slightly so that it doesn't leave much water trace.

5. Now, use the cloth to scrub the sofa cushions and frame. This action helps not only remove excess dirt but also eliminates the strain.

6. After repeated cleaning steps, rinse the cloth and repeat the scrubbing process using clean water to remove any residue.

7. If you feel that you have done enough cleaning, stop there and let the sofa dry. Once it dries, it will look neat, clean, and smelly, too.

This viral hack got some nice responses from the TikTok audience, and some comments read that it's one of the best alternatives to steam cleaner and suits those fabrics that aren't machine washable. While washing the cushion covers in the washing machine is the simplest alternative for those with unremovable cushion covers.

And, of course, this method isn't the ideal one for leather. Plus, it's important to check your sofa's care guidelines before you try this hack.

Note: Some sofas have "S" or "X" fabric codes, meaning they shouldn’t be cleaned with water-based solutions.

Final Words

Cleaning a couch without a steam cleaner is totally doable with the right approach. Start by vacuuming to clean the sofa. Then, use a simple mix of warm water and mild detergent solution, clean the sofa using a microfiber cloth, scrub gently, and wipe away residue with clean water. Let everything air dry properly before use. Always check your couch’s fabric code first to avoid damage.