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How to Clean A Microfiber Couch

This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. You can view my full advertising disclosure here.

Cleaning Tips

17 May
61.4K291 

The truth is, microfiber is a pretty durable, easy-to-clean fabric, which is why so many people choose to have it in their homes. Today I’m sharing an easy-to-follow tutorial on how to clean a microfiber couch. Admittedly, I wasn’t always doing it right, but I learned that adding distilled water to the cleaning process is the secret to getting microfiber looking good as new.

Cleaning Microfiber Couch with common household items

Today, I thought I’d address a question I got from a reader awhile back, and that’s, “How do you clean a microfiber couch?” Microfiber couches can sometimes look stained and worn, and much of that is because water actually stains microfiber; and water is the one innocent beverage we let our kids carry around without worry. So, let get that microfiber couch clean.

What You Need to Clean A Microfiber Couch

Items needed to clean a microfiber couch: Rubbing alcohol, distilled water, spray bottles, a sponge, and a soft bristle brush

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  • 2 Spray Bottles
  • Rubbing Alcohol
  • Distilled Water
  • Sponge
  • Soft Bristle Brush


How to Clean A Microfiber Couch

Before we start, I strongly encourage you to read the instructions for cleaning your microfiber couch, as it may discuss a different method than you see here (some microfiber states that you should not use water based products, while others state you should only use water based). As always, if you choose to try this cleaning tip, please test it on a small area of your fabric first, to make sure there is no change in color or appearance. Okay, here we go…

Start by pouring some rubbing alcohol into a spray bottle and generously spray it on the couch. Don’t be shy. Then, using a clean sponge, start scrubbing. If there are visible stains, scrub hard until they disappear. If needed, you can always spray on a bit more rubbing alcohol. You should be able to see the dirt lifting off onto the sponge.

Hint: Working one section at a time seems to be the easier way to go.

Dirty sponge after cleaning a microfiber couch with rubbing alcohol

(*Just as a little side story: My daughter left the cap off a bright pink gel pen, and got ink all over our microfiber couch. I’m not talking about a few streaks here and there… this pen leaked at least an 8 inch diameter stain). While I wasn’t so happy to see a hot pink couch, I was extremely excited that the rubbing alcohol actually got the whole stain out. Pretty impressive!)

Luckily, rubbing alcohol dries pretty quickly. Once it is dry, use a soft bristle brush to loosen the fibers.

Using a soft bristle brush to loosen fibers after cleaning a microfiber couch

This is always where I used to stop, but I thought I’d try a new approach using distilled water. Apparently, the rubbing alcohol is great at removing dirt and grime, but not so good at taking out water stains, which you can see in the image below. (This was taken after the rubbing alcohol application.)

Water stains shown after using rubbing alcohol to clean a microfiber couch

Pour some distilled water (not tap water!) into a spray bottle and spray it on the couch. Again, use a clean sponge to work it into the couch until you can no longer see the water stains. Allow it to dry, and then use the soft bristle brush to loosen the fibers.

And here are the results!

Before and After side-by-side showing a section of a microfiber couch after cleaning with just rubbing alcohol compared to cleaning with rubbing alcohol and distilled water. Using just rubbing alcohol results in water stains, however, using distilled water eliminates them

A definite improvement! I will absolutely be using this method from here on out.

And for the whole process…

Image collage showing the process of cleaning a microfiber couch: Left- microfiber couch before cleaning. Middle- Microfiber couch after cleaning with rubbing alcohol. Right- Microfiber couch after cleaning with both rubbing alcohol and distilled water

 

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Pinterest Image: How to Clean a Microfiber Couch with a Before and After Image of the cleaning process using only two ingredients!

47 Comments

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Comments

  1. Sandi H Getter says

    June 2, 2022 at 5:13 PM

    Best tip ever! I’m no longer embarrassed by my furniture! We have a dog that licks her paws and gets the couch wet. So thankful for the advice about distilled water.

    Reply
  2. Riley says

    September 9, 2021 at 3:08 PM

    I spent years thinking you couldn’t clean microfiber until we found a green-certified upholstery cleaner near us. They do such a good job! I’m looking for a spot treatment to use in between professional cleanings and I can’t wait to try your cleaning solution! Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  3. Alicia Hursley says

    June 10, 2021 at 8:29 AM

    I used to hate my microfiber couch before reading this. I inherited it from my mother in law and it’s always seemed so hard to actually keep clean. I mean, I’ve always had my local upholstery cleaner come out once a year and that works great but I wasn’t able to keep it clean in between their visits. Your tips have really saved me. Thank you so much for sharing.

    Reply
  4. Sadie says

    May 25, 2021 at 11:33 AM

    This post is going to be a lifesaver for us! When we bought our couch we didn’t know that water stains microfiber and knowing this somehow makes us spill even more haha once a year we have a professional upholstery cleaner give our couches and other upholstery a deep cleaning which is so great and takes away all of our spills and stains. I’m looking for a stain solution for in between professional cleanings though and this is going to help so much! Thank you!

    Reply
  5. Sarah says

    May 11, 2020 at 5:29 PM

    Thanks for sharing this process! I was given a sofa from my friend, and it needed some major cleaning work. I usually just get all my upholstery cleaned once a year by a local carpet cleaning company and they do great work. But for just one sofa, I thought I could clean it myself. Your method worked very well and I will definitely use it again. Thank you so much!!

    Reply
  6. Denise says

    March 23, 2019 at 5:35 PM

    In reading your directions to clean microfiber furniture you said to use alcohol. Then talked about distilled water. Are you saying is one or the other or the rubbing alcohol followed by the distilled water. And if it’s alcohol and then distilled water do you wait for the furniture to dry after using the alcohol before using the distilled water? Appreciate your feedback.

    Reply
    • Swill says

      May 3, 2019 at 12:52 PM

      This is what she said on another comment.

      Erin says

      August 17, 2018 at 8:14 AM

      You are actually using the distilled water and alcohol separately, so there is no ratio. You are simply going to spray on the alcohol, scrub, allow to dry. Then spray on the distilled water, scrub, and dry. It’s very important to check your cleaning instructions to make sure your couch can tolerate both of these liquids, and always remember to test in a small, out-of-sight area first to make sure your fabric is not affected.

      Reply
  7. airbnb clean says

    February 7, 2019 at 11:33 PM

    Fine results. Willing try this one. Thank you for posting.

    Reply
  8. Sarah Kite says

    December 26, 2018 at 11:46 AM

    Wonderful tips!! Amazing to see the difference between alcohol and then using distilled water.

    Reply
  9. Amy says

    December 1, 2018 at 10:56 AM

    Not only did the distilled water save my couch and loveseat, but also a pair of boots. I had a pair of faux suede winter boots that sat in a puddle of water leaving horrible water spots on them. The distilled water made them as good as new! Thank you!

    Reply
  10. Elizabeth says

    October 28, 2018 at 8:14 PM

    Can you put essential oil in the distilled water to make it smell better?

    Reply
  11. Melinda Swisher says

    October 20, 2018 at 4:15 PM

    Yep, this is a great way to clean micro fiber couch. Word for word. The couch is cream colored with 3 toddlers. I told my daughter this was not going to work with grandkids. And it’s a miracle cleaning solution. Thanks Grandma M.

    Reply
  12. GRETCHEN DENNIS says

    October 4, 2018 at 2:36 PM

    can i clean my micro fiber furniture with my rug doctor?

    Reply
  13. Joni Townsend says

    August 12, 2018 at 1:27 PM

    How much distilled water? What the ratio of distilled water to alcohol?
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      August 17, 2018 at 8:14 AM

      You are actually using the distilled water and alcohol separately, so there is no ratio. You are simply going to spray on the alcohol, scrub, allow to dry. Then spray on the distilled water, scrub, and dry. It’s very important to check your cleaning instructions to make sure your couch can tolerate both of these liquids, and always remember to test in a small, out-of-sight area first to make sure your fabric is not affected.

      Reply
  14. Office Cubicles bay area says

    August 1, 2018 at 10:07 AM

    thanks for tips

    Reply
  15. M Sica says

    July 10, 2018 at 4:04 PM

    I’ve found Mr. Clean Eraser to work wonders on microfiber.

    Reply
  16. Fatimah says

    June 26, 2018 at 1:44 AM

    Hi! Thanks for great tips! I’ve had my lounge suite deep cleaned and scotch guarded but it isn’t a water repellent and therefore still gets dirty pretty easily. I was advised to clean up immediately when anything falls but sometimes life happens and I don’t. If I use this method of cleaning would it forfeit my scotch guard guarantee? As easy as it sounds…. Microfiber is high maintenance especially with toddlers and I wouldn’t advise it for anyone. All the best!

    Reply
  17. Sophie Lane says

    June 21, 2018 at 9:21 PM

    Does it not smell horrible from that kind of alcohol?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      June 22, 2018 at 7:43 AM

      You will definitely smell the rubbing alcohol when cleaning, but the scent quickly dissipates as it dries.

      Reply
  18. Gia Tano says

    June 4, 2018 at 7:27 PM

    I have a light beige couch and Friend had grease etc on bottom of shoes he is mechanic
    Brand NEW Couch and it’s Stain Guarded but im afraid to try anything to remove the stains

    Will this method work ?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      June 5, 2018 at 7:53 PM

      Grease is tough, and typically would require something more than rubbing alcohol and/or distilled water. I would first check with your Stain Guard protection instructions to see if there is information specific to your situation. If not, I might try something like Dawn dish soap, which is great on grease. However, before trying any cleaning method, always test it on a small area that is out of sight. Check to make sure that there is not discoloration, fading, etc. in the fabric before applying to the problem area.

      Reply
  19. Vallie says

    April 5, 2018 at 7:41 AM

    I was staying at my daughters helping with my granddaughter because my daughter had had surgery. She had a recliner and chair with an ottoman that my granddaughter thought were her play areas. Granddaughter had ate ate and spilled on the ottamon and had used an ink pin on chair. I had just read this tip and thought it can’t hurt if it didn’t work. It did take some work but it was amazing how great it worked. I started with ottoman since they were getting ready to throw it out. I could not believe my eyes on how great it looked when it dried. The ink on chair all came out. I use the tip on all my furniture st my house now. Also makes the house smell fresher. Thanks for this tip.

    Reply
  20. Beth says

    January 27, 2018 at 1:46 PM

    This did not work for us, at all! However, the scrub brush I used has a white pumice stone on the back. The pumice stone not only took off the dirt but also the water stains! The scrubber afterwards gets it all done. I’m pretty sure it is working because it is literally lifting off the stained fibers but I’m ok with that, our couch was close to death and now looks brand new!

    Reply
  21. Rosalia Williams says

    December 29, 2017 at 10:49 PM

    I can’t wait to try this tomorrow, I’ll take pictures.

    Reply
  22. Lindsey says

    September 13, 2017 at 12:29 PM

    Is it okay to use regular bottled water?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      September 13, 2017 at 5:44 PM

      The reason I would recommend distilled water is because there are no other minerals in it that could discolor your fabric or leave behind residue. So, to answer your question, I would stick with distilled, not bottled.

      Reply
  23. Christine says

    August 28, 2017 at 12:01 PM

    Hello!
    I have a 4 year old microfiber sofa that needs to have the arms cleaned. Will the vinegar and distilled water method work on oils from a dog’s fur? The sofa color is eggplant. So would I still use white sponges to clean it? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      August 29, 2017 at 6:57 AM

      I’m a little more concerned about the color of the couch being eggplant. Because this process calls for using rubbing alcohol (not vinegar), I fear the color might fade and come off. I know alcohol works brilliantly at removing discoloration from dyes on counter tops, table tops, etc. I wouldn’t want that to happen to your couch. If you really want to try it, you could test the method on a small (unseen) area of the couch to make sure no color change occurs. Otherwise, you could try just using the distilled water and see if that works. Hope that helps.

      Reply
  24. Nicki says

    July 18, 2017 at 4:13 PM

    This worked so well!! Thank you! The alcohol lifted dirt and grime but I didn’t see much of an improvement until I used the distilled water, and now it’s like a different couch! I’m so glad I didn’t stop with just reading pins that said use alcohol as it wouldn’t have been enough.

    Reply
    • Erin Meyer says

      July 19, 2017 at 7:29 AM

      I KNOW! I used to just use alcohol and was never pleased with the results. Adding that distilled water does the trick. So happy to hear this worked so well for you!

      Reply
  25. Jill says

    July 14, 2017 at 9:13 PM

    I have the same microfiber sofa & loveseat as shown. But the bottom cushions have zip off covers. I always throw them in the washer with regular detergent (ALL or Tide). Set on perma press with very warm water. Let air dry and voila!
    The only problem is the back and arms. I will definitely do the vinegar and water on that.
    (Note: I have a new washer that doesn’t have an agitator. Not sure if that matters. But the fabric looks like New!!)

    Reply
    • Erin Meyer says

      July 19, 2017 at 7:31 AM

      I’m not sure I would have ever thought to put microfiber in the washer. My cushions don’t even come of the couch, so not an option for me, but glad to hear this works so well for you. Sounds WAY easier than scrubbing 🙂

      Reply
  26. Cindy Mullens says

    July 9, 2017 at 5:33 PM

    Thank you ! I am giving this microfiber cleaning a try tonight!

    Reply
    • Erin Meyer says

      July 10, 2017 at 6:18 AM

      Good luck! Just remember to test on a small area first 🙂

      Reply
  27. Libby says

    May 24, 2017 at 7:38 PM

    I am in disbelief at how well this works!!! Thank you so much!! We just bought a “gently used” couch that had quite a few more stains than we were expecting (read: entirely covered in stains and water marks). We were disappointed beacuse we spent $300 on it, but after a couple hours of work, it looks fantastic! The distilled water really changes everything. Thank you times a million.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      May 31, 2017 at 6:58 AM

      YAY!!! I am so glad this worked so well for you! Thanks for sharing your experience.

      Reply
  28. Judy says

    March 8, 2017 at 3:13 PM

    Well I own dogs, my son moved back in with me health issues, he brought his dog with him and he has peed all over my couch, will this work on my couch, the alcohol and the distilled wate, I can’t go out and buy a new couch his dog would probably pee on the new one, my son’s ex girlfriend let all her dogs pee and poop any where they wanted, That’s why they aren’t together anymore

    Reply
    • Erin Meyer says

      March 8, 2017 at 3:22 PM

      If you have a microfiber couch, this may work. As mentioned above, some microfiber is meant to be cleaned with only alcohol, and some with only water. You could check the manufacturer’s manual to see what they recommend. If you no longer have the manual, then you could try this method on a small area of your couch first (in a place no one really sees, like the back against the wall). This will gauge whether the fabric is negatively affected in any way. Good luck!

      Reply
  29. Julie Urena says

    January 30, 2017 at 6:03 PM

    My grandson got sick this weekend and threw up all over my couch. Gross. Will the alcohol take away the nasty smell that keeps lingering after I have cleaned with dish detergent?

    Reply
    • Erin Meyer says

      January 30, 2017 at 6:26 PM

      If you already have the vomit cleaned up, you could try this DIY Upholstery Deodorizer: https://www.lemonslavenderandlaundry.com/diy-carpet-upholstery-deodorizer/

      If you still have some cleaning up to do, I wrote a post about cleaning up after the stomach flu, because, just like you, my son threw up all over our microfiber couch (despite the bucket sitting right next to him): https://www.lemonslavenderandlaundry.com/cleaning-tip-tuesday-disinfecting-after-the-stomach-flu/

      Good luck! Hope your grandson feels better.

      Reply
  30. Tricia says

    August 23, 2016 at 8:18 PM

    All I can say is that I hate microfiber and would love to take my set outside and give it a cleasing by fire. It is the apolstery of the underworld and needs to be banished to the psame realm as the polyester pants from the 70”s.
    Still, I will most likely try this on the couch of the dammed to see if I can get some redemption out of it.

    Reply
    • Erin Meyer says

      August 24, 2016 at 9:29 AM

      Your comment cracks me up! Our microfiber couch is SO old, but it’s great to have with small children as it’s pretty durable and cleans up well.

      Reply
      • Jc says

        October 7, 2017 at 3:11 PM

        I agree. My puppy destroyed an almost new couch and loveseat. I replaced them with microfiber-the latest craze. My grown dog twice squeezed pillows out his dog door and into the backyard. There’s not one puncture mark present. The surface dirt cleaned up with little effort. With this information, I can keep my furniture for another 13 years.

        Reply
    • Sassy Pants says

      December 18, 2016 at 11:09 AM

      bahahahahaha! Thanks for the laugh this morning!

      Reply
  31. Aud4a says

    July 15, 2016 at 1:13 AM

    I can’t wait to try this.

    Reply

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Hi there! I'm Erin. Welcome to Lemons, Lavender, & Laundry, where we believe you can create a home you love... on a budget. [Read More...]

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