How to Clean Microfiber Furniture (couch, chairs etc)

Some people say that microfiber upholstery used on furniture is the best thing invented since sliced bread. A simple vacuuming of the fabric is the recommended protocol to follow for maintaining. However, microfiber material suffers from stains and other marks left on it from pets, babies etc.

Moreover, dust and dirt can become embedded into the fabric, making it necessary to do a good deep cleaning in many cases.

There are different manufacturer guides and instructions on how to clean microfiber couch cushions and backing and they may all be correct with their product. It is up to the consumer to know what type of microfiber furniture they actually have in order to follow the proper instructions for cleaning their furniture.

Different Types of Microfiber

Those little white tags that are attached underneath your microfiber furniture do have a purpose. When determining the type of microfiber you have, look at this tag. You will see one of the following markings:

• W – made for water-based cleaners
• S – made for solvent-based cleaners
• S-W – made for water or solvent-based cleaners
• X – vacuum only

How to Clean Microfiber Couch according to its cleaning tag

W – Coded Microfiber

W coded microfiber is designed to be cleaned with a water-based solvent. Use either dish washing soap or laundry detergent mixed in a bucket of water.

It doesn’t take much soap. Dip a clean cloth in the mixture and blot any stains that are obvious.

Remove any excess water with a dry cloth and the spot should lift off. To clean all microfiber surfaces, dip your cloth in the mixture, wring out excess water and wipe the fabric. Vacuum once the microfiber is dry to the touch.

S – Coded Microfiber

S coded microfiber is not resistant to bleach or other harsh cleaners. There are a couple of different methods for cleaning this fabric.

• Sprinkle dry laundry soap on the fabric and brush. Vacuum the excess powder.
• Place rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle and saturate area to be cleaned. Wipe dry with a clean, dry cloth.
• Baby wipes do not contain water and are great for wiping down a S coded microfiber couch or chair.
• Sprinkle dry-cleaning solvent on microfiber furniture and brush. Vacuum up the excess powder.

W-S Coded Microfiber

This marking gives you the option to choose either the W coded or the S coded method of cleaning. Follow the steps above for which ever one you prefer.

X – Coded Microfiber

This type of material is made from flat weave microfiber and is not designed for cleaning because there is no allowance for moisture absorption. There may be additional warnings on the tag to never get wet and to vacuuming only.

Most upholstery is made from split weave microfiber which allows a certain amount of liquid absorption. Always verify with the manufacturer that you have a split weave material before cleaning if the tags are not present.

Microfiber furniture is a great way to keep your couch and chairs looking new. By following these simple instructions, you will not damage your upholstery and it will stay healthy and vibrant. Another tip is to vacuum microfiber furniture weekly to pick up any accumulated dust and dirt before it accumulates beyond control.