How to Clean Microfiber Furniture

The greatest thing about microfiber upholstery is that they are fairly easy to clean since they are made to typically be stain-resistant. Microfiber materials contain multiple tiny fibers which are condensed into a very small area and it’s because of the fiber density why these types of materials are resistant to stains. For the most part, cleaning microfiber upholstery typically involves using a vacuum cleaning over it to remove soil. However, if this is not enough and there are actually markings on your furniture, check the label on your furniture to see what type of cleaning-agent can be used on it.

Below we’ll break down the steps to help you clean your microfiber furniture and get it looking brand new all over again.

Check the Tags

Before you begin, it is important for you to check the tags on the couch. You’ll run into either one of the letters below which will give you instructions on what type of cleaning agent should be applied.

  • W: Water-based cleaning agents or foam can be used.
  • S: Solvent based cleaning agents should be used.
  • SW: Solvent and water-based cleaning agents can be used.
  • X: Professional Cleaning: You should seek the help of a professional to clean your furniture.

Cleaning Furniture with a Water-Based Cleaner

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  • Now, there isn’t much water-based cleaning agents out there on the market. However, this is not a problem because it can be easily made with some stuff you’ll generally have in your house anyways. To make your own cleaning agent, fill a spray bottle with water, and add no more than 2-3 drops of dish washing liquid. And ensure you don’t use powder. Swirl the bottle around to mix in the detergent, then add about a cap of white vinegar and 1-2 pinches of baking soda. This will help to fight any existing odors in your sofa. Now shake the bottle and you’re ready to clean.
  • Now, you want to vacuum the sofa to remove any loose dust and debris. Do this with the soft brush attachment for your vacuum cleaning. If you don’t have one, use a soft brush to brush out the loose debris and dust.
  • Next, you want to dampen a sponge, or cloth with the cleaning agent you just made. Make sure the sponge or cloth isn’t dripping though, so wring it out if necessary.
  • Start by rubbing down the spot you want to clean and continue to rub until you see the spot starting to clean up. However, apply to only a small spot initially to see how the surface reacts to the cleaning agent.
  • When the surface is dry, gentry brush it down with a brush to restore the texture of the surface once again.

Cleaning Furniture with a Solvent-Based Cleaner

  • Firstly, you need to find the right solvent based furniture cleaning agent and we’ve done the hard work for you already in writing reviews on the best one, so check out our list of the best furniture cleaners here.
  • Once you have a furniture cleaner, you want to vacuum the sofa to remove any loose dust and debris. Do this with the soft brush attachment for your vacuum cleaning. If you don’t have one, use a soft brush to brush out the loose debris and dust.
  • Next, you want to spray a small area that needs to be cleaned to test the cleaning agent. Test it on that spot and use a brush or sponge and start rubbing the fabric gently until you see the spot starting to go away.
  • When the surface is dry, gentry brush it down with a brush to restore the texture of the surface once again.

To learn more about how to clean various types of upholstery, check out our main upholstery cleaning page.