Last Updated on November 16, 2023 by Erik Sullivan
Couches tend to get dirty really fast, especially if you have kids or pets in your home. But not to worry, there’s a quick and easy way to steam clean your couch using nothing but a clothes steamer!
Within a few minutes, your couch will be clean and looking like new again. Keep reading for instructions on how to steam clean couch with a clothes steamer.
Table of Contents
Why Should You Steam Clean Sofa?
Steam cleaning is a great way to clean almost anything in your home. In fact, it’s the safest alternative of traditional household cleaning methods that often use harsh chemicals.
A steam cleaner kills any germs or bacteria that have settled onto your sofa, bed, and other upholstery. The hot water from these devices disinfect as it clean, lifting dirt and hair into one swipe with their brush attachment.
Moreover, they produce high temperature of steam that does not contain much water, meaning faster drying of your couches. Beyond that the steam is highly effective for killing bed bugs, dust mites that mostly found in delicate surfaces.
A steam cleaner also does an amazing job of deodorizing your upholstery, baby bedding, sofa, and mattress.
How To Steam Clean Couch With A Clothes Steamer (Step by Step)
Step 1: Begin With Vacuuming your couch from all sides
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Take a handheld vacuum cleaner and start off vacuuming your sofa/couch. If you don’t have any handheld vacuum, you can use any household vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment.
The vacuuming will eliminate any dry particles, crumbs, and pet hair from the surface. Pay special attention to clean the sides of your couches as these are the hotspots of dust mites.
Step 2: Remove tough stains from your couch with a cleaning agent
If your couch has no stain on it, then skip this step.
Before applying steam on your couch, you must get rid of the oil based stains from your sofa/couch. Because, only steaming won’t help you to remove that kind of stubborn stain.
Things you should gather:
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Dish soap
- Baking soda
Follow the steps:
- Mix 1 tbsp of hydrogen peroxide and ½ tbsp. of dish soap with 2 tbsp of baking soda in a small bowl.
- Now take a piece of cloth and dip it into the mixture.
- Next, gently blot the spotty areas with the cloth. Don’t scrub.
- Repeat this process as necessary. The stain should be removed by this time.
Step 3: Now, it’s time to steam clean your couch
Fill up the water tank with water (distilled water only) and switch on the machine. Give it some time to produce steam. You can start steam cleaning your sofa from the top and work your way down.
Use short and slow strokes when applying steam on different section of your couch. Otherwise, the surface will soak the water. Make sure to clean both sides of your sofa.
Step 4: Let The Couch Dry
After you have steam cleaned your couch, it is important to dry it properly to prevent mold and mildew from developing. There are a few different ways that you can dry your couch, depending on the materials it is made of.
If your couch is upholstered in natural fibers like wool or cotton, you can air dry it by opening the windows in the room and setting a fan to blow across the couch. This will help to circulate the air and speed up the drying process.
You should avoid sitting on or using the couch while it is drying to prevent any dirt or moisture from being reabsorbed.
If your couch is made of synthetic materials, you can use a hair dryer set on the cool setting to help speed up the drying process. Again, be sure to keep the couch free of any dirt or moisture while it is drying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a couch take to dry after steam cleaning?
It depends on two factors – the drying process and the humidity level of your room. Usually, a steamed clean couch takes up to an hour to dry completely.
How often should you steam clean couch?
Generally, you should steam clean your couch every 4 months to keep it in good condition. However, you should vacuum it frequently to remove daily messes.
Is a clothes steamer suitable for cleaning a couch?
While clothes steamers are primarily designed for fabrics, they can be used on some couch materials to refresh and sanitize. However, certain upholstery types may not respond well to steam, so always test a small, inconspicuous area first.
What types of couch fabrics can be safely steam cleaned?
Fabrics such as microfiber, polyester, or certain synthetic blends are typically safe for steam cleaning. Always refer to the couch’s care label to ensure it’s suitable for steam and check for any specific cleaning instructions.
Are there any safety precautions to follow when steam cleaning a couch?
Always keep the steamer moving to prevent excessive moisture buildup in one spot, which could potentially damage the fabric. Avoid prolonged exposure in one area and maintain a safe distance from delicate trims or embellishments.
How long does it take for a couch to dry after steam cleaning?
The drying time after steam cleaning a couch can vary based on fabric type, humidity levels, and the amount of steam applied. It might take several hours for the couch to dry completely, so ensure proper ventilation.
Conclusion
In summary, steam cleaning a couch with a clothes steamer can be an effective method if approached cautiously. Begin by vacuuming the couch thoroughly to remove loose dirt and debris. Then, test the steamer on a small, inconspicuous area of the couch to ensure it doesn’t damage or discolor the fabric. Slowly move the steamer across the upholstery, applying short bursts of steam and using a brush attachment to agitate stubborn stains gently.
Lastly, allow ample time for the couch to dry completely before use, ensuring a fresh and revitalized seating surface. However, for deep and extensive cleaning, dedicated upholstery steamers or professional cleaning services might provide more comprehensive results.
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