How to Get a Stain out of a Microfiber Couch

Microfiber is a very low-weight synthetic fiber. It is either used as non-woven material or woven into fabric for couches, resulting in upholstery that is water-resistant, soft and absorbing. Unfortunately, microfiber responds to stains differently than conventional upholstery, so stain fighting solutions could ruin the look of your microfiber couch. Microfiber should not be soaked in water or touched with harsh cleansers. Always check your couch manufacturer's label, and use household cleaners accordingly. Read on to find out how to get a stain out of a microfiber couch.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Food Stain Removal

  1. Image titled Get a Stain out of a Microfiber Couch Step 1
    1
    Soak up excess liquid with white paper towels immediately after the stain was created.
  2. Image titled Get a Stain out of a Microfiber Couch Step 2
    2
    Put a drop of hand dish washing soap, like Dawn, on a white cloth.[1]
    Advertisement
  3. Image titled Get a Stain out of a Microfiber Couch Step 3
    3
    Pour 1 drop of water on the liquid to activate it.
  4. Image titled Get a Stain out of a Microfiber Couch Step 4
    4
    Rub gently on the microfiber food stain until it is removed. This should work on oil-based food.
    • Do not use this process on microfiber couches that indicate "S" on their care tag. This means no water-based solvents should be used.
    5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Ink Stain Removal

  1. Image titled Get a Stain out of a Microfiber Couch Step 5
    1
    Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a white towel. Use 90% rubbing alcohol since it will be the most effective at lifting the stains.[2]
  2. Image titled Get a Stain out of a Microfiber Couch Step 6
    2
    Rub or blot the stain gently with the towel. Be sure to contain the alcohol to only the stained portion of the couch.
  3. Image titled Get a Stain out of a Microfiber Couch Step 7
    3
    Wipe it clean of any excess alcohol.
  4. Image titled Get a Stain out of a Microfiber Couch Step 8
    4
    Repeat 2 to 3 times until the stain is removed.
    • This method also works to remove water rings, lipstick or other oil-based stains. Water that has soaked into microfiber fabric often causes a darkening of that area. Work the rubbing alcohol gently into that area.[3]
    5. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Smell Removal

  1. Image titled Get a Stain out of a Microfiber Couch Step 9
    1
    Sprinkle baking soda on the stain.[4]
  2. Image titled Get a Stain out of a Microfiber Couch Step 10
    2
    Let it sit for 5 minutes to soak up any liquid.
  3. Image titled Get a Stain out of a Microfiber Couch Step 11
    3
    Vacuum up the soiled baking soda.
  4. Image titled Get a Stain out of a Microfiber Couch Step 12
    4
    Reapply baking soda if the spill or smell remains.
    • This method should work for urine stains. Use a solvent in addition if the stain is not completely removed.
    5. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Gum Removal

  1. Image titled Get a Stain out of a Microfiber Couch Step 13
    1
    Wrap ice cubes in a plastic bag.
  2. Image titled Get a Stain out of a Microfiber Couch Step 14
    2
    Apply the cold bag to the gum until it hardens.
  3. Image titled Get a Stain out of a Microfiber Couch Step 15
    3
    Tug at the gum from the corners. Try to pull it off in 1 piece.
  4. Image titled Get a Stain out of a Microfiber Couch Step 16
    4
    Reapply the ice if the gum is not fully hardened.
  5. Image titled Get a Stain out of a Microfiber Couch Step 17
    5
    Finished.
    6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

  • Question
    How do you know which product to use on a microfiber couch?
    Raymond Chiu
    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
    Raymond Chiu
    House Cleaning Professional
    Expert Answer
    Check the care instructions given on the tag of the couch. It will tell you which type of products you can use for cleaning it.
  • Question
    Which is a safe option for cleaning sofas?
    Raymond Chiu
    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
    Raymond Chiu
    House Cleaning Professional
    Expert Answer
    Rubbing alcohol is a safe option for cleaning sofas unless the tag of a particular sofa mentions that it is not suitable for it.
  • Question
    How do I remove engine grease from my microfiber sofa?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Use Dawn dish soap in a carpet shampooer. When the cleaning is all done, dry it with a blow dryer.
Advertisement

Warnings

Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • Baking soda
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Soft white towels
  • White paper towels
  • Vacuum
  • Ice
  • Plastic bag
  • Dish washing detergent
  • Water

You Might Also Like

How to
Remove an Ink Stain from a Couch
Remove Dried Blood Stains from a Couch
How to
Remove Dried Blood Stains from a Couch
Remove a Urine Stain from a Leather Couch
How to
Remove a Urine Stain from a Leather Couch
Dismantle a Recliner Sofa
How to
Dismantle a Recliner Sofa
Fix a Sagging Couch
How to
Fix a Sagging Couch
Repair a Tear in a Leather CouchHow to Restore a Leather Sofa: Fix Tears and Rips
Remove Odors from a Couch
How to
Remove Odors from a Couch
Restore a Leather Couch
How to
Restore a Leather Couch
Separate a Sectional Sofa
How to
Separate a Sectional Sofa
Repair a Faux Leather Sofa
How to
Repair a Faux Leather Sofa
Drape a Throw over a Sofa
How to
Drape a Throw over a Sofa
Open a Sofa Bed
How to
Open a Sofa Bed
Make a Sofa Slipcover
How to
Make a Sofa Slipcover
Keep Couch Cushions from SlidingHow to Keep Couch Cushions from Sliding
Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ Raymond Chiu. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 15 October 2019.
  2. ↑ Bridgett Price. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 23 May 2019.
  3. ↑ Raymond Chiu. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 15 October 2019.
  4. ↑ Raymond Chiu. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 15 October 2019.
  5. http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-microfiber-furniture/#MicrofiberStainRemoval
  6. http://www.shelterpop.com/2010/09/10/how-to-clean-microfiber-fabric/
  7. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microfiber

About This Article

Raymond Chiu
Co-authored by:
Raymond Chiu
House Cleaning Professional
This article was co-authored by Raymond Chiu. 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. This article has been viewed 439,860 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 12
Updated: June 25, 2022
Views: 439,860
Categories: Couches and Sofas
Article SummaryX

If you've got a stain on your microfiber couch, you can get it looking new again with some dish soap and water. If you’ve spilled food or drinks on your couch, first, soak up as much of the liquid with a paper towel as you can. Then, put 1 drop of dishwashing soap and a drop of water on a clean towel. Gently rub the stain until it comes out. If you’ve got something else on your couch, like ink, you can use rubbing alcohol to remove it. Pour a small amount of alcohol on a white towel, then gently rub the stain until its clean. To learn how to get odors out of your microfiber couch, read on!

Did this summary help you?
Advertisement