How to Clean Microfiber Furniture

Co-authored by Raymond Chiu

Last Updated: February 3, 2022 References

Microfiber is a synthetic fiber that mimics the look of suede or leather. This makes it an attractive, affordable option for couches, chairs, and ottomans. Fortunately, if your microfiber furniture has gotten dirty, you can clean it at home. Rather than paying expensive fees to have your furniture cleaned professionally, you can do it yourself using a vacuum, the appropriate cleanser for your fabric, a sponge, and a dry bristle brush. In no time, your microfiber furniture will look and feel like new.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Assessing Your Microfiber Furniture

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Read the instructions. Someplace on your microfiber furniture, there should be a small tag with a letter or letters.^{[1]
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Research source} This small code will explain how you are to clean your microfiber furniture.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Raymond Chiu
House Cleaning Professional
Expert Interview. 15 October 2019.}
- ”W” means you must use a water-based solution.
- ”S” means you must use a solvent-based cleaner.
- ”S-W” means you can use either a water-based or solvent-based cleanser.
- ”X” means you can only use a vacuum. (No water or solvent-based cleansers of any kind).
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Treat no tag like an “S” tag. If you are lucky enough to find a “W” tag on your microfiber furniture, you can use most cleaning solutions (or even soapy water). However, by and large, most pieces of microfiber furniture will bear an “S” tag. If you are not able to locate a tag on your furniture, you should treat this like an “S” tag to avoid damaging your microfiber.^{[3]
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Select the right product. Once you have determined which types of cleansers are appropriate for your furniture, you can select the right product for you. Many of your options will be products you already have at home. Alternatively, store-bought cleansing solutions will be available at many grocery stores and home improvement stores.^{[4]
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- Water-based cleansers include: gentle soap, mild dish detergent, carpet cleaner, and upholstery shampoo
- Solvent-based cleansers include: rubbing alcohol, clear alcohol like gin or vodka, and dry-cleaning solvents.
- Once again, if you have an “X” tag, do not use water or solvent-based cleansers.
EXPERT TIP

Bridgett Price
House Cleaning Professional
Bridgett Price is a Cleaning Guru and Co-Owner of Maideasy, a maid service company that services the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area. She holds a Master of Management from the University of Phoenix, specializing in digital and traditional marketing.

Bridgett Price
House Cleaning Professional

Try liquid dish soap or rubbing alcohol if you're not sure what cleaner to use. For most upholstery, fill a bucket with warm water and add liquid dish soap, then dip the cloth in that solution and clean the area in a circular motion. If there are any visible stains, blot the area, instead. If there are tough stains, like ink, fill a spray bottle with 90% rubbing alcohol and spray down the stain, then blot the spot until it's gone.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Cleaning Your Microfiber Furniture

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Vacuum. The first step in cleaning your furniture is to remove particles, dirt, and hair using a vacuum.^{[5]
X
Expert Source

Raymond Chiu
House Cleaning Professional
Expert Interview. 15 October 2019.} If your furniture has removable cushions, remove these and vacuum on all sides of them, as well as underneath. If you own pets or if your furniture is particularly dirty, you may need to go over it with a vacuum more than once.^{[6]
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- Use an upholstery attachment to lift out dirt as best you can.
- If you do not have an upholstery attachment, you can use a dry bristle brush.
2
Perform a spot test. Once you have selected the appropriate cleaning product for your furniture, it is a good idea to do a spot test to ensure that this product will not cause damage or stains.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Raymond Chiu
House Cleaning Professional
Expert Interview. 15 October 2019.}
- Dab a bit of cleanser onto a sponge or washcloth, and apply it to an inconspicuous location.
- Wait 15-20 minutes for this area to dry.
- If there is no stain or spot, you can go ahead and use this product.
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Place liquid cleanser in a spray bottle. Whether you will be using a solvent-based solution--like rubbing alcohol--or a water-based one--like dish soap and water--place this cleanser into a bottle with a spray top. Then, mist one area of your furniture piece.^{[8]
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Scrub. Select a sponge that is either light-colored or roughly the same color as your microfiber furniture to reduce color transfer when scrubbing. Using a vigorous motion, scrub the furniture where it has been misted. You should be able to see dirt and stains coming off onto the sponge. When you finish with one area, mist and repeat someplace else.^{[9]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Finishing the Process

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Blow-dry any wet spots. If any wet spots remain after scrubbing your sofa, use a blow dryer to eliminate them. This will reduce any chance of stains on your furniture.^{[10]
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- Use the blow dryer on its lowest, coolest setting.
- Hold the blow dryer 6” away from the fabric.
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Fluff your furniture. In order for microfiber furniture to look its best, it needs to be “fluffed” after cleansing. Otherwise, this fabric can become dull and stiff.^{[11]
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- After your furniture is clean and dry, grab a dry bristle brush.
- Rub the fabric in a circular motion all over the furniture.
- You should be able to watch the fabric become fluffier and more attractive as you go!
3
Spray “fabric protector” on your furniture. Once your sofa, chair, or ottoman is clean and dry, use a spray-on fabric protector to help keep it that way! These products are available at most grocery and home improvement stores.^{[12]
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- Holding the can upright, keep the nozzle about 6” away from the fabric.
- Release the spray using a slow, sweeping motion. Allow to dry.
- Add a second coat. Remember: two light coats are better than one heavy coat.
- Reapply after every cleaning.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do you clean a sofa?

Raymond Chiu
House Cleaning Professional
Raymond Chiu is the Director of Operations for MaidSailors.com, a residential and commercial cleaning service based in New York City that provides home and office cleaning services at affordable prices. He has a Bachelors in Business Administration and Management from Baruch College.

Raymond Chiu

House Cleaning Professional

Expert Answer

Check the tag of the sofa to know its proper care instructions. Choose a product according to the instructions given on the care tag. First, vacuum the sofa to remove dust and debris. Then use the product to clean the dirty areas.
Question

Which product is usually safe for cleaning sofas?

Raymond Chiu
House Cleaning Professional
Raymond Chiu is the Director of Operations for MaidSailors.com, a residential and commercial cleaning service based in New York City that provides home and office cleaning services at affordable prices. He has a Bachelors in Business Administration and Management from Baruch College.

Raymond Chiu

House Cleaning Professional

Expert Answer

It is safe to use rubbing alcohol to clean most types of sofas. Except if it is stated otherwise on the tag.