Keeping your white couch looking fresh doesn’t have to be a full-time job. Whether it's a smudge from everyday life or a spill that made your heart skip a beat, this guide will walk you through how to clean and care for your white couch, no matter what fabric it’s made from.
Understanding Fabric Types of White Couches
What type of fabric does your white couch have? Different materials require different cleaning methods, and using the wrong approach could damage it.
- Linen - a strong and breathable natural fiber that might be prone to wrinkles and shrinkage. Spot cleaning using a gentle detergent or detergent diluted in water is usually sufficient.
- Cotton - a common material for couches due to a balance of comfort and durability. A gentle fabric cleaner or a mixture of water and mild detergent works well.
- Polyester and Microfiber (Synthetics) - are often stain resistant and durable. Synthetic white couches may be cleaned with a mixture of water and a small amount of dish soap or detergent.
Getting Started on Cleaning A White Couch
Let’s keep that couch looking as good as the day you bought it with this step-by-step guide.
What you’ll need:
- Stain or spot remover
- Laundry detergent or dish soap
- Soft-bristle brush
- Microfiber cloths
- Vaccum cleaner
- Distilled water
What to do:
Cleaning a white couch involves a few key steps, depending on the type of stain and the fabric of your couch. This guide is designed to work well for most fabrics, including cotton, linen, and synthetic materials like polyester and microfiber.
A comprehensive guide for cleaning a fabric couch or a leather couch is also available for your reading.
- If a spill occurs, use a dry microfiber cloth to blot the spill immediately, absorbing as much liquid as possible from the white couch. Always blot, never rub, to avoid spreading the stain.
- For stains like dirt or dust that have settled, use a soft-bristle brush or a dry microfiber cloth to gently lift the particles from the fabric.
- After blotting as much of the spill as possible, spray the area with Puracy’s Spot Remover and agitate it with a soft-bristled brush before letting it air dry. You can try it in an unnoticeable area first to know if the product is right for your couch.
Now you’re ready to clean the white couch. Bring out your vacuum cleaner and use the upholstery attachment to clean the entire couch. Don’t forget the seams, crevices, and cushions.
Some couches with removable covers for the cushions can be washed in the washing machine using Puracy’s laundry detergent. Always check the care instructions before doing this step.
If you’re cleaning a white couch with a machine, use distilled hot water in the water tank of your machine. Then add Puracy’s Carpet and Upholstery Shampoo to create a diluted solution. Turn on the machine and start shampooing and rinsing according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you’re cleaning by hand, dilute the shampoo in a bucket of clean water. Dip a clean cloth in the solution, wring off the cloth, and wipe all surfaces of the couch. When done, wash the cloth until it’s rid of the solution and use that to repeatedly wipe the couch clean.
Tip: Distilled water is encouraged because tap water may have minerals that may make your couch fabric yellowish in the long run.
Pat the area dry with a fresh, dry cloth to prevent water spots or mildew. Ensure the fabric is completely dry before use.
DIY Cleaning Solutions You Can Try
In addition to the above methods, you can also use DIY cleaning solutions to address both dry and wet stains. Be mindful of the fabric type when choosing a solution.
- Baking Soda - for treating dry stains, you can mix baking soda with a small amount of water to form a paste. Apply it to the stain, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then vacuum it off. This method is great for polyester and microfiber material.
- Distilled White Vinegar - for wet stains on linen or cotton, mix equal parts white vinegar and distilled water. Apply to the stain, blot with a cloth, and dry thoroughly.
Proper Care and Maintenance
Maintaining a white couch requires regular care. Here are some tips to help keep your couch looking as good as new.
Vacuum your couch weekly to prevent dust and dirt from settling into the fabric.
Protect your white couch from everyday wear and tear by using washable slipcovers. They can be easily removed and cleaned, preserving the couch beneath.
The quicker you address a spill, the less likely it is to leave a lasting stain. Always blot, never rub, to prevent spreading.
If your couch has removable cushions, rotate them regularly to ensure even wear and prevent one side from getting dirtier than the other.
