Microfiber is a pretty durable fabric, which is why so many people choose to have it in their homes. The downside to microfiber is its propensity to look a little stained and dirty. The good news is, microfiber can be easily cleaned with two simple ingredients. Let’s look at how to clean a microfiber couch.
Several years ago I learned I was cleaning my microfiber couch wrong! I had been using rubbing alcohol as the sole cleaning ingredient. It did an okay job, but then I discovered that adding distilled water to the cleaning process made our microfiber couch look like new.
Below is the exact method I now use to clean a microfiber couch.
What You Need to Clean A Microfiber Couch
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Ingredients Needed to Clean A Microfiber Couch
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Distilled Water– Do not use tap water as it contains impurities that may further stain the couch
Supplies Needed to Clean Microfiber Furniture
How to Clean A Microfiber Couch
Before we start, I strongly encourage you to read the instructions for how to clean your microfiber couch, as it may discuss a different method than you see here (some microfiber states you should not use water based products, while others state you should only use water based products). 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. Please see our disclaimer statement for more information.
Since rubbing alcohol tends to evaporate quite quickly, I have found it best to clean a microfiber couch in sections.
Start by pouring some rubbing alcohol into a spray bottle and generously spray it onto a section of the couch. Once thoroughly sprayed, use a clean sponge to scrub the couch. If there are visible stains, scrub until they disappear. You should see the dirt lifting off the fabric onto the sponge.
Just 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 an 8 inch diameter stain. While I wasn’t happy to see a hot pink couch, I was extremely excited that rubbing alcohol actually got the whole stain out. Pretty impressive!
Once you have thoroughly scrubbed the section where rubbing alcohol was applied, move onto the next section to allow the first section to dry. Continue to repeat the process until you have scrubbed the whole couch. Allow the rubbing alcohol to dry completely (which shouldn’t take long as it tends to evaporate quite quickly). Once dry, use a soft bristle brush to gently loosen the fibers.
This is where I used to stop… until I learned how distilled water can clean a microfiber couch even better. Rubbing alcohol is great for removing dirt and grime, but it’s not so good at taking out water stains, which you can see in the image below. (This was taken after the rubbing alcohol application.)
To clean water stains on a microfiber couch, pour some distilled water (not tap water!) into a spray bottle and spray it on the couch. Again, work in sections. After spraying, use a clean sponge to work it into the couch until you can no longer see the water stains. Allow the distilled water to dry completely, and then go over the couch with a soft bristle brush to loosen the fibers.
And here are the results!
A definite improvement!
And for the whole process…
How to Clean A Microfiber Couch
Ingredients
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Distilled Water
Supplies
- 2 Spray Bottles
- Clean Sponges
- Soft Bristle Brush
Instructions
- Pour some rubbing alcohol into a spray bottle and generously spray a section of the microfiber couch
- Use a sponge to scrub the microfiber. You should see dirt lifting from the couch onto the sponge
- Repeat this process on each section of the couch; then wait for the rubbing alcohol to dry
- Once dry, use a soft bristle brush to loosen the fibers
- Fill a different spray bottle with distilled water and spray the couch in sections, using a sponge to scrub any water stains you may have.
- Allow the distilled water to dry and go over the couch with a soft bristle brush to loosen the fibers.
Sage says
I can’t wait to try these tips out and see if they work on my couch. I swear microfiber always looks dirty!
Sandi H Getter says
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.
Riley says
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.
Alicia Hursley says
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.
Sadie says
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!
Sarah says
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!!
Denise says
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.
Swill says
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.
airbnb clean says
Fine results. Willing try this one. Thank you for posting.
Sarah Kite says
Wonderful tips!! Amazing to see the difference between alcohol and then using distilled water.
Amy says
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!
Elizabeth says
Can you put essential oil in the distilled water to make it smell better?
Melinda Swisher says
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.
GRETCHEN DENNIS says
can i clean my micro fiber furniture with my rug doctor?
Joni Townsend says
How much distilled water? What the ratio of distilled water to alcohol?
Thanks!
Erin says
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.
Office Cubicles bay area says
thanks for tips
M Sica says
I’ve found Mr. Clean Eraser to work wonders on microfiber.
Fatimah says
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!
Sophie Lane says
Does it not smell horrible from that kind of alcohol?
Erin says
You will definitely smell the rubbing alcohol when cleaning, but the scent quickly dissipates as it dries.
Gia Tano says
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 ?
Erin says
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.
Vallie says
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.
Beth says
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!
Rosalia Williams says
I can’t wait to try this tomorrow, I’ll take pictures.
Lindsey says
Is it okay to use regular bottled water?
Erin says
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.
Christine says
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!
Erin says
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.
Nicki says
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.
Erin says
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!
Jill says
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!!)
Erin says
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 🙂
Cindy Mullens says
Thank you ! I am giving this microfiber cleaning a try tonight!
Erin says
Good luck! Just remember to test on a small area first 🙂
Libby says
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.
Erin says
YAY!!! I am so glad this worked so well for you! Thanks for sharing your experience.
Judy says
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
Erin says
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!
Julie Urena says
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?
Erin says
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.
Tricia says
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.
Erin says
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.
Jc says
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.
Sassy Pants says
bahahahahaha! Thanks for the laugh this morning!
Aud4a says
I can’t wait to try this.