Couches take a daily beating—body oils, dust, crumbs, pet hair, spills, and that “mystery mark” that appears out of nowhere. The tricky part is that upholstery isn’t like tile or benchtops. Use the wrong cleaner or too much water and you can end up with water rings, faded fabric, or a couch that smells damp for days.

This guide shows you a safe, practical way to deep clean your sofa at home, step-by-step. You’ll learn how to identify fabric codes, what tools to use, how to tackle stains, and how to dry everything properly so your couch looks (and smells) fresh again.

First: check the upholstery tag (this protects your couch)

Look under the cushions or along the underside of the sofa for a cleaning code label. Common codes are:

W: Water-based cleaners are safe
S: Solvent-based cleaners only (no water)
WS / SW: Water-based or solvent cleaners are safe
X: Vacuum only (no liquids—professional cleaning recommended)

If you can’t find a tag, test any cleaner on a hidden patch first (back corner or under a cushion).

What you’ll need (safe, simple kit)

Essentials

Vacuum with upholstery and crevice attachments
Microfiber cloths (several)
Soft brush (or a clean dish brush with soft bristles)
Spray bottle
Two bowls (clean water + cleaning mix)
Fans / open windows for drying

Optional but very helpful

Baking soda (for odours)
White vinegar (for mild deodorising—only if tag allows water)
Enzyme cleaner (excellent for pet mess)
Handheld steamer (only if fabric code allows)
Lint roller or rubber glove (for pet hair)

Step-by-step: Deep clean your couch safely

Step 1: Remove cushions and vacuum like you mean it

This is the most important part because wet cleaning on top of crumbs just turns into grime.

Take off cushions (including loose back cushions).
Vacuum every surface: arms, seat, back, sides.
Use the crevice tool in seams and under cushions.
Vacuum the couch frame and the floor underneath.

Pet hair hack: Put on a slightly damp rubber glove and swipe in one direction—hair clumps up fast, then vacuum it.

Step 2: Deodorise (optional, but brilliant for everyday couches)

If your couch smells “used” rather than dirty, deodorising is a quick win.

Sprinkle a light layer of baking soda across the fabric.
Leave it for 20–60 minutes.
Vacuum thoroughly.

This helps lift odours from pets, food, and general living.

Step 3: Spot test before you clean a whole panel

Even if your code says “W” or “WS,” different dyes and weaves react differently.

Apply your cleaner to a hidden area with a cloth (not directly onto fabric).
Wait 5–10 minutes.
Check for colour transfer, fading, or water marks.

If anything looks off—stop and switch methods (or consider professional help).

Step 4: Choose the right method for your fabric type

A) Fabric couches with “W” or “WS/SW” code (water-safe)

Use a gentle mix:

2 cups warm water
½ teaspoon dish soap

Dip a microfiber cloth into the mix, wring it out hard (damp, not wet), then:

Wipe in small sections (30–40 cm squares)
Use a soft brush for textured fabric (light pressure)
Immediately blot with a clean dry cloth to remove moisture

Goal: Clean the fabric fibres without soaking the cushion padding underneath.

B) “S” code couches (solvent-only)

Avoid water-based cleaning. Instead:

Use an upholstery-safe solvent cleaner (labelled for “S” fabrics)
Apply to a cloth first, then dab—don’t spray directly
Work in small sections and keep ventilation going

If you’re unsure, this is one of the safest times to call professionals—S-code fabrics can be unforgiving.

C) “X” code couches (vacuum only)

Don’t use liquid. Stick to:

Vacuuming, brushing, lint rolling
Baking soda deodorising (then vacuum)

For stains, professional upholstery cleaning is the safest option.

Step 5: Clean cushions properly (without waterlogging them)

Cushions are where spills and body oils hide.

Vacuum both sides
Lightly wipe the surface using your fabric-appropriate method
Don’t saturate edges and seams (they trap moisture)

If the cushion covers are removable:

Check the care label before washing
If machine-washable, use cold gentle cycle and air dry (heat can shrink)

Step 6: Treat stains the safe way (without spreading them)

General stain rules

Blot—don’t rub (rubbing pushes the stain deeper)
Work from the outside edge inward
Use the smallest amount of moisture possible

Common stains

Food and drink spills (W/WS):

Blot immediately
Dab with diluted dish soap solution
Blot with plain water (damp cloth)
Dry blot

Greasy marks (armrests/headrests):

Dish soap solution works well for W/WS
For heavy grease, use a small amount of degreaser on a cloth (patch test first)

Pet accidents:

Use an enzyme cleaner (best for odour removal)
Follow label instructions exactly
Don’t over-wet the cushion

Step 7: Dry fast to prevent water rings and “damp couch smell”

Drying is where most DIY deep cleans go wrong.

Do this:

Open windows
Run a fan pointed at the couch
Keep cushions standing upright to expose more surface
Avoid sitting on it until it’s fully dry

Extra tip: If you used any water, do one final wipe with a clean damp cloth (plain water) across the whole panel to avoid patchiness—then dry. This helps prevent “clean spots” looking different from surrounding areas.

Special care: Leather couches (safe cleaning)

Leather isn’t upholstery fabric—treat it differently.

Safe leather method

Dust/vacuum first
Wipe with a barely damp microfiber cloth
Use a leather-safe cleaner (or mild soap solution, very diluted)
Dry immediately
Finish with leather conditioner (keeps it from drying/cracking)

Avoid vinegar and harsh cleaners on leather—these can strip protective coatings.

How often should you deep clean a couch?

A practical schedule:

Weekly: quick vacuum + lint roll (5 minutes)
Monthly: cushions off, crevice vacuum, deodorise
Every 6–12 months: deep clean (more often with pets/kids)

Internal link idea: If you have a living room cleaning post, link it here.
Example: “Pair this with our living room deep clean routine for a full refresh.” → /living-room-cleaning-guide

Common mistakes to avoid

Soaking the couch (padding holds moisture and smells)
Skipping vacuuming first
Using bleach, strong ammonia, or harsh disinfectants
Over-scrubbing textured fabrics (can pill or fray)
Using steam on “S” or “X” fabrics

Internal links (add these to your site)

Replace with your real URLs:

Deep cleaning checklist: “Doing a full home reset? Use our deep cleaning checklist.” → /deep-cleaning-checklist
How to remove stains safely: “For common spills, follow our stain removal guide.” → /stain-removal-guide
Living room cleaning guide: “Reset the space with our living room cleaning guide.” → /living-room-cleaning-guide
End of lease cleaning guide: “Moving out? Here’s what to prioritise before inspection.” → /end-of-lease-cleaning-guide
House cleaning services: “Want it handled professionally? View our house cleaning services.” → /house-cleaning-services

FAQ (SEO-friendly)

Can I steam clean my couch?
Only if the upholstery tag and fabric type allow it. Some fabrics shrink or watermark with heat and moisture. Always patch test first.

Why does my couch smell worse after cleaning?
Usually because it didn’t dry fast enough and the padding stayed damp. Increase airflow with fans, keep cushions upright, and avoid over-wetting next time.

What’s the safest DIY cleaner for fabric couches?
For water-safe fabrics, warm water with a small amount of dish soap is usually the safest option. Always patch test first.

How to Deep Clean Upholstery and Couches Safely