How to Clean a Polyester Couch

Last Updated: July 29, 2021 References

Polyester couches require regular cleaning. Most polyester couches can be cleaned with cleaners you can purchase at a department store. In rare cases, polyester couches require professional cleaning. To clean, scrub your couch down with your chosen cleaner. Then, fluff the couch to keep it from becoming stiff. Make sure to test your cleaner on a small portion of the couch first to make sure it's safe to use.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Deciding the Right Approach

1
Decipher the couch tag. Polyester couches should have a tag, usually found somewhere underneath the cushions. The tag will have one of the following letters or letter combinations written on it: W, S, SW, or X. These codes let you know what kind of cleaners you can use on your couch.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- The letter W indicates water cleaning only, while S indicates solvent cleaning only.
- The tag SW means either a water or solvent based cleaner is safe.
- If the tag reads X, do not attempt to clean the couch yourself. Tags with an X label require professional cleaning.
2
Find the right cleaner. Choose the right cleaner depending on your tag. Cleaners are sold at department stores. You can also buy one online.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Couches marked "W" can be cleaned with an upholstery cleaner.
- Couches marked "S" should be cleaned with dry cleaning solvents.
- If your couch is marked SW, you can use either an upholstery or dry cleaning solvent cleaner.
Advertisement
3
Find a professional cleaner for a couch with an "X" label. Do not attempt to clean a couch marked "X" on your own. Unfortunately, couches with this label will require professional upholstery cleaners. Go online and find a professional cleaner within your price range if you need to clean a couch with the label "X."^{[3]
X
Research source}

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Cleaning Your Couch

1
Vacuum a couch and remove any crumbs. Before applying a cleaner, give your couch a good vacuuming.^{[4]
X
Expert Source

Alicia Sokolowski
Green Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 15 September 2020.} This will remove any crumbs or debris stuck in your couch's nooks and crannies. You can use the detachable upholstery brush, if your vacuum has one, to vacuum up things like pet hair, dirt, and debris. Make sure to get into hard to reach places, like between the cushions.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- If you do not have a vacuum cleaner, use a foxtail brush to sweep dirt and debris off your couch.
2
Spray down your couch with your cleaner.^{[6]
X
Expert Source

Alicia Sokolowski
Green Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 15 September 2020.} Take your chosen cleaner. If it is not already in a spray bottle, pour it into a spray bottle. Spritz down the surface of your couch with the cleaner. Get the couch damp. If you're only spot cleaning, only spritz your cleaner on spoiled or stained areas.^{[7]
X
Research source}
3
Blot down the couch. Once your cleaner is on, take a take a clean cloth. Blot or rub the cleaner into your couch.^{[8]
X
Expert Source

Alicia Sokolowski
Green Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 15 September 2020.} Target areas that are stained or soiled, blotting or rubbing the stains gently until they come off.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Most couch cleaners do not need to be rinsed off. You simply blot them into the fabric. If your cleaner needs rinsing, however, refer to the instructions on the package for directions.
4
Fluff the couch when you're done. Cleaners can make polyester couches feel a little stiff after cleaning. If your couch is stiff after cleaning, take a soft-bristled brush and gently rub it against the fabric after the cleaning solution has dried.^{[10]
X
Expert Source

Alicia Sokolowski
Green Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 15 September 2020.} This should give your fabric a soft, fluffy texture.^{[11]
X
Research source}

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Avoiding Common Mistakes

1
Test any cleaner you use first. You should never apply a cleaner before testing it. Some couches do not respond well to certain commercial cleaners. Apply your cleaner to a small patch of your couch that is not directly visible, such as a corner on the back of the couch. Wait a few hours and check the area. If you notice any discoloration or other damage, try a different cleaner.^{[12]
X
Research source}
2
Take safety precautions. Commercial cleaners can often be very strong. Use gloves when handling the cleaners. Clean in a well ventilated area. Open the windows, for example, when cleaning a couch in your living room.^{[13]
X
Research source}
3
Use a small amount of your cleaner only. A little cleaner goes a long and less cleaner will be less taxing on your couch. Only spritz on a light layer of cleaner. If stains do not come off the first time, you can always repeat the process.^{[14]
X
Research source}
4
Check labels first before purchasing a couch in the future. If you have a couch marked "X," it can be difficult to maintain. Calling in professional cleaners each time the couch gets dirty can be pricey. In the future, check the manufacturer's label before purchasing a couch and avoid buying couches with the "X" label.^{[15]
X
Research source}

Expert Q&A
Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow

Question

What can I clean my polyester couch with?

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

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

You can clean most materials with a mixture of 1 tbsp. of white vinegar, 1 tbsp. of laundry detergent, and 1 quart of warm water. To be sure, though, test the mixture in an inconspicuous spot first by gently rubbing it into the polyester fiber with a soft cloth. Allow the fabric to dry, then see how the test spot looks. If the fabric is unchanged, you can use the mixture to clean the rest of the couch.
Question

What cleaner do you use to clean a polyester couch?

Alicia Sokolowski
Green Cleaning Specialist
Alicia Sokolowski is a Green Cleaning Specialist and the President and co-CEO of AspenClean, a green cleaning company in Vancouver, British Columbia. With over 17 years of experience, Alicia specializes in creating a healthier, green alternative to chemical-based cleaning products and services. AspenClean develops and manufactures its own line of 100% Natural, EcoCert® certified, and EWG verified™ cleaning products. AspenClean’s glass cleaner was voted Parent’s Green Pick 2020 by readers of the Parents’ magazine. Alicia holds a CPA designation and a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce and Finance from the University of Toronto.

Alicia Sokolowski

Green Cleaning Specialist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

I recommend an all-purpose or kitchen cleaner. Natural cleaners will also work on polyester material.
Question

My 100% polyester couch has no tag as well. What should I use to clean it?

Community Answer

You should be safe if you mix 1 tsp of a washer detergent and 1 tsp of white vinegar in 1 quart of warm water and use that to clean your couch.

Warnings

Never rub cleaning solution into fabric. Doing so can stain the material.^{[16]
X
Expert Source

Alicia Sokolowski
Green Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 15 September 2020.}

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1