A white couch can be a beautiful addition to any home. But as anyone who has owned one knows, keeping it clean can be a challenge. Here are some tips for keeping your white couch looking its best.
How To Keep A White Couch Clean
Step 1: Vacuum Regularly
A weekly vacuuming schedule should help to keep your couch free of dust and dirt. Be sure to use a soft brush attachment to avoid damaging the couch material.
Step 2: Spot Clean Spills Immediately
Any spills should be blotted with a clean, dry cloth as soon as possible. You can try using a white vinegar solution or a commercial upholstery cleaner if you have more stubborn stains. Spot test the cleaner in an inconspicuous area first to make sure it won’t damage the material.
Step 3: Protect From Sunlight
Too much exposure to sunlight can cause fading and discolouration. If possible, position your couch away from the windows or use blinds or curtains to filter the light. To protect your couch, use furniture covers or slipcovers.
How To Clean Different Types of White Couches
How To Clean A White Leather Couch
If you’re the proud owner of a white leather couch, you know that it’s both a beautiful and delicate piece of furniture. White leather is susceptible to staining, so it’s important to take care when cleaning it.
- Vacuum regularly: This will help to remove dirt and dust before it has a chance to build up and stain the leather.
- Wipe spills immediately: If something is spilled on the couch, use a clean, dry cloth to wipe it up right away. The sooner you remove the spill, the less likely it is to leave a stain.
- Use a mild cleanser: When cleaning the couch, avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the leather. Instead, opt for a gentle cleanser and dilute it with water before applying it to the couch.
- Condition the leather: To keep the leather from drying out and cracking, apply a leather conditioner one or two times a year.
How To Clean A White Faux Leather Couch
Faux leather furniture is an attractive and durable option for households with pets or young children. Here are a few tips to help you keep your white faux leather couch looking its best.
- Vacuum your couch regularly using the upholstery attachment. This will help to remove any dirt or dust that has accumulated.
- Faux leather is resistant to staining, but it’s always best to be proactive. Spot-clean stains as soon as they occur using a mild soap and a soft cloth. Do a spot test first to ensure it does not damage the fabric.
- For tougher stains, mix equal parts water and white vinegar. Dab the mixture onto the stain with a clean cloth. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it away with a damp cloth.
- Once a week, wipe down your couch with a damp cloth to remove any body oils or sweat that may have built up during the week.
- Protect your couch from future stains by applying a leather conditioner to keep it looking smooth and supple.
How To Clean A White Fabric Couch
Over time, your white fabric couch can become stained and grubby-looking from daily use. Here’s how to keep it looking its best.
- Vacuum regularly using the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner. This will help to remove dirt and dust before it becomes embedded in the fabric.
- Spot-clean spills as soon as they happen using a clean, absorbent cloth. Gently blot the spill, moving from the outside in, until it is fully absorbed.
- For cleaning tough stains, mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a bowl. Using a clean cloth, dab the mixture onto the stain and allow it to sit for five minutes. Then blot the area with a damp cloth to remove the vinegar solution. Repeat as necessary until the stain is gone.
- Once a week, deep-clean your couch by mixing two tablespoons of laundry detergent in a bucket of warm water. Using a clean sponge, scrub the entire couch with the detergent solution. Rinse thoroughly by wiping down with a damp cloth.
- Use a dry towel to absorb any remaining moisture. Let your couch air-dry completely before using it again.
- Protect your couch from future spills by applying a fabric protector after each cleaning. A fabric protector helps create an invisible barrier against stains and dirt, making it easier to keep your couch looking clean in between deep cleanings.
How To Clean A White Suede Couch
While white suede may look beautiful in your living room, it can be one of the hardest fabrics to keep clean. Unlike other materials, suede is very sensitive to water and easily shows stains. With a little care and the right tools, however, you can keep your white suede couch looking as good as new.
- Start by vacuuming: Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to remove any dust or dirt from the couch. Be sure to go over the entire couch, paying special attention to the creases and folds.
- Treat stains immediately: If you see any stains on the couch, treat them right away with a suede-specific cleaner. Gently rub the cleaner into the stain using a circular motion. Let the cleaner dry completely.
- To remove tough stains, make a paste out of equal parts baking soda and water, and apply it to the stain with a damp cloth. Let it sit for 30 minutes before wiping it away with a dry cloth. For red wine or other tough stains, you may need to call in a professional cleaner.
- Use a suede brush: Once the cleaner has dried, use a soft-bristled brush to restore the nap of the suede. Brush in one direction only, moving from top to bottom or side to side.
- Apply a protector: To help prevent future stains, apply a suede protector to the couch. This will create an invisible barrier that will repel water and oils. Reapply the protector every few months, or as needed.
How To Clean A White Microfiber Couch
Microfiber couches are known for their durability and easy-to-clean nature, making them a popular choice for busy households. But while they may be resistant to stains, dirt and grime can still build up over time.
- Vacuum the couch to remove any loose dirt and debris.
- Create a mixture of warm water and gentle dish soap and use it to spot clean any areas that appear stained or dirty.
- Once the stains have been treated, you can use a gentle cleanser to clean the entire couch. Be sure to rinse the cleanser completely off with a damp cloth to avoid damaging the fabric.
- Allow the couch to air dry completely or use a hair dryer on a low setting to speed up the drying process.
How To Clean White Couch Cushions
If your white couch cushions are looking a little lacklustre, don’t worry — there are plenty of ways to clean them and get them looking new again.
Cleaning Leather Or Faux Leather Couch Cushions
- Vacuum the cushions with the upholstery attachment to remove any dust or dirt.
- Spot-clean any stains with a mild detergent and a soft cloth.
- For deeper cleaning, mix equal parts water and white vinegar, then use a sponge to gently dab the mixture onto the stained areas. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with clean water and blot dry.
- To remove tough stains, you may need to use a commercial upholstery cleaner — but always test it out on an inconspicuous spot first to make sure it won’t damage the fabric.
- Rinse with clean water and allow the cushion to air dry completely.
Cleaning Fabric Or Microfiber Couch Cushions
- Vacuum cushions weekly with the upholstery attachment to remove dust and hair.
- Spot-clean spills as soon as they happen with mild soap and warm water.
- If your couch cushions start to look flat or become stained, you can fluff them up by placing them in the dryer on low heat for 10-15 minutes.
- For cushions with removable covers, check if the fabric is machine-washable. If so, you can wash the covers in cold water on a gentle cycle. Otherwise, you can hand-wash them in cool water with a mild detergent.
- Once the covers are clean, let them air dry completely before putting them back on the cushions.
White Couch Cleaning FAQs
Are White Couches Hard To Clean?
No, not really. While any light-coloured furniture or fabric is hard to keep clean, it isn’t necessarily hard to clean. You just need to spot clean more frequently than you would with darker coloured furniture. Also, if you have small children or pets, a white couch might not be the best choice for you.
What Takes Stains Out Of White Couches?
It depends on the material of the couch. While there are a number of commercial products available to help remove stains, there are also a few household items that can do the trick. For example, dish soap is an effective way to remove greasy stains, while white vinegar can help to lift set-in stains. Hydrogen peroxide is also a good choice for removing tough stains. But it’s important to test it on a hidden area first to avoid damaging the fabric. If all else fails, you can always call in the professionals.
How Can I Get My White Couch White Again?
There are several ways to get your couch looking new again. First, start by vacuuming the entire couch with a brush attachment to remove any surface dirt and dust. Then, mix together a solution of equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle and use it to spot clean any stains. If the couch is really dirty, you may need to use a gentle upholstery cleaner. Once the couch is clean, help keep it looking its best by using slipcovers and taking care to avoid spills. With a little effort, your white couch can be white again in no time.
Schedule Regular Deep Cleaning
There’s nothing quite like sinking into a soft, comfortable couch at the end of a long day. But if your couch is stained and dirty, it can quickly become an eyesore. Give your sofa a good deep cleaning every few months. You can either hire a professional cleaner or consider buying a steam mop to clean your couch.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your white couch looking beautiful for years to come.
