Can I Steam Clean Microfiber Couch? Best Expert Answer

Last Updated on December 8, 2023 by Erik Sullivan

Your couch is one of the mostly used furniture in your living room that can take a lot of wear and tear. If you own microfiber couch than you’ll be happy to know that it’s more durable and stain resistant than other materials.

But, that doesn’t mean, you’ll be careless about your microfiber couch. To prolong the lifespan of your investment and to make your couch looks like new again, you must ensure proper maintenance of it.

Steam cleaning upholstery is one of the most effective and popular methods now a days. Many people often ask me- Can I steam clean microfiber couch without any damage?

Can I Steam Clean Microfiber Couch Without Watermark?

Yes! You can steam clean microfiber couch by using a steam cleaner or even a clothes steamer. Because, microfiber is usually made of polyester or nylon fabric which is safe for steam cleaning. And, unlike other fabrics, microfiber does not absorb liquid quickly.

However, there’re different types of microfiber fabrics. Some of them should not be cleaned by water base solution.

So, it’s important to know what types of cleaning method is safe for your microfiber couch or upholstery before using any cleaner.

Things to do before using a steam cleaner on microfiber couch?

Before using a steam cleaner on your microfiber sofa, you should do a few things to get the best cleaning result and avoid any damage.

Check the fabric tag: Since microfiber couch is prone to watermark, therefore you should be careful about using a steam cleaner on it. You can check the fabric tag that comes with your couch or upholstery.

This tag includes specific sign/letter which indicates the type of product you can use on your couch. If the tag includes a letter-

“W”, it means you can apply water based cleaner like- steam cleaner.

“S”, it can be cleaned by any solvent based cleaner.

“S-W”, you can apply both solvent and water based cleaner.

“X”, you should only vacuum it.

If your microfiber couch includes either “W” or “S-W” sign, then you can steam clean it.

Vacuuming the couch: This is really important. You can use a handheld vacuum or an upholstery vacuum with a soft brush attachment to get the job done effectively and efficiently.

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Vacuuming your couch will remove most surface dirt and dust including- pet hair and dander. Pay particular attention while vacuuming under cushions and around seams.

Spot cleaning heavy stains: Next, you should spot clean your sofa if required. Because, steam cleaning won’t be that effective to remove oil based stains from your couch.

I used to spot clean most of my microfiber furniture with rubbing alcohol which is very effective against most household stains. The process is very simple.

Just pour some alcohol into a spray bottle and spray the stain very liberally.

Next use a plastic brush/sponge to scrub the area. Scrub away until all the stain have lifted.

Let the couch dry properly.

After drying, brush the specific area with a soft brush to make the surface soft again.

How to Steam Clean Microfiber Couch? (Step by step)

Now, it’s time to apply steam on your microfiber couch. Follow the steps carefully:

Prepare your steam cleaner: If you’ve a handheld steam cleaner than you can start right away. Otherwise, you’ll need to attach the upholstery attachment with your floor steam cleaner. Next, pour some normal water into your steam cleaner and plug the machine with an electric outlet. Turn it on to produce steam. Don’t forget to select the low heat setting.

Apply steam on your couch: Begin steaming one section at a time, using gentle, even strokes. Allow the area to air dry before moving on to the next section. You can steam clean the bigger couches first to make the job easier for you. Don’t apply too much steam in one spots for too long.

Let the couch dry completely: After steam cleaning your couch let it air dry. Use a fan to speed up the drying process.

Benefits of Steam Cleaning Microfiber Couch

Deep cleaning of your couch and upholstery

Steam cleaning is very effective to deep clean your couches and other upholstery. The high concentration of steam can easily reach deep into the fabrics fibers to penetrate them and remove hidden dirt and debris. Besides that, a steam cleaner can clean heavily soiled microfiber couch in less effort and time.

Deodorizing your couch by killing bacteria

Steam cleaning can help to deodorize and sanitize your couches by eliminating odor causing bacteria. In fact, the heated steam can also help to release food odors, pet odors, and sweat smell from your sofa.

Natural way to clean your couch and upholstery

Steam can quickly clean and refresh your upholstery without using any harsh chemicals. Therefore, it’s safe for your kids and pets.

An easy to use and cost effective way

Using a steam cleaner is very easy. On top of that, it’s a cost effective way of cleaning your sofa since the process only require water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use baking soda to clean microfiber couch?

You can use baking soda to refresh and spot clean your microfiber couch. But it’s important to test it in an inconspicuous area before you start sprinkling it over the entire surface.

How long does couch take to dry after steam cleaning?

It can takes 5-24 hours for a couch to dry after steam cleaning it. The drying time may vary depending on a few factors like- the size of your couch, the current humidity level, the temperature etc. However, you can speed up the drying time by using a fan or blow dryer.

How often should you steam clean couch?

You should steam clean your couch as often as needed. Some people recommend every 6 months, while others say every year. It really depends on how often you use your couch and how dusty/dirty it gets. If it starts to smell bad or look a little too grungy, then it’s probably time for a steam cleaning session.

Can steam deodorize my couch?

Yes, steam can deodorize and disinfect your couch and other upholstery. The high temperature of steam can eliminate bacteria that causes odors in your couch.

Conclusion

In conclusion, steam cleaning a microfiber couch is a viable method for stain removal and general cleaning, but it requires caution.

Begin by checking the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure steam cleaning is suitable for the specific couch. Testing a small, inconspicuous area of the couch with the steam cleaner to observe any adverse reactions or watermarks is essential.

Using a handheld upholstery attachment or a low-pressure steam cleaner can effectively clean the microfiber, but it’s crucial to avoid saturating the fabric to prevent damage. Lastly, allowing the couch to dry completely after steam cleaning ensures the preservation of its texture and appearance.

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