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Cleaning Microfiber Furniture

Brown microfiber couch.Microfiber is a favorite upholstery for furniture. Because it is generally used on couches and chairs, it is subjected to a lot of use and abuse. This is a guide about cleaning microfiber furniture.
     

Solutions: Cleaning Microfiber Furniture

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Cleaning a Microfiber Couch

Microfiber is polyester based so most things can be used to clean polyester. If your couch has a tag: W means you can use water based cleaner, S means you can use a solvent cleaner, S-W means you can use both, and X means vacuum only.

For S-W fabrics: Use a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water in equal parts, or vodka (a clear alcohol). The fabric usually becomes hard after cleaning, so gently scrub with a soft scrub brush. It will fluff up the fabric to make it soft again.

By coville123 from Brockville, Ontario

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How To Remove Pet Stains From Carpet

Best cleaner I have found to date is Genesis 950. I can not tell you how many things I have tried that claimed to be designed to clean up pet stains and remove the smell. Nothing worked.

I tried nearly everything you can think of. Some would hide the smell for a few days. Some would make a darker spot where I cleaned. I thought I was going to have to either get rid of my pets (and you know that won't happen) or replace my carpet (and I don't have the money for that - although I probably spent that much on different cleaning things over time). I was seriously at my wits end.

The Genesis 950 was able to completely clean everything. There was no lingering pet smell, there was no return of the pet smell. If you have been in that position where the carpets were grossing you out and you became exhausted just thinking about how bad your carpets look, you NEED to use the 950. Seriously - BEST cleaner for carpets I have EVER used.

Hope this helps!

By Sara V. from Akron, OH

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Questions

Here are questions related to Cleaning Microfiber Furniture.
Ketchup Stain on Microfiber Cushion

How do you get ketchup out of a microfiber couch cushion?

By EL from MN

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Stains on Microfiber Couch

I have a few ring stains on my micro fiber couch (from my little one's sippy cup). So far I have tried Resolve upholstery cleaner, but that did not help. Does anyone have a better idea?

By Erin J. from Chicago, IL

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Most Recent Answer

By washingtonapple03/21/2012

Try baby wipes. What color is it?

Lip Balm Stains on Microfiber Sofa

Can anyone tell me how to get Carmex (lip balm) out of dark green micro fiber sofa. She tried a shampooer and it only made it worse. It is a large area as my niece's daughter smeared it all over herself and then rolled on the couch. Thanks.

By Nancy from Mokena, IL

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Most Recent Answer

By cailifouhnofthemist11/25/2009

Nancy,
I am assuming that lip balm is wax based, if so an old issue of good housekeeping magazine suggested using an iron and kraft paper to get wax out of fabric. I would suggest using a low heat on the back of the couch as I am not familiar with what microfibre fabric is, if it does not harm the fabric it would be worth trying the above suggestion on a small corner of the stain, and deciding whether or not to continue
Hope this helps. Hugs, Cinnamon

Cleaning a Microfiber Couch

I am looking for a homemade cleaner to clean my microfiber couch. I need suggestions to remove spots and pet odors from my microfiber couch.

By GK

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Most Recent Answer

By tpoldberg08/23/2012

I used a microfiber cloth on mine worked great. My sister said she used a magic eraser and it worked great too.

Cleaning Microfiber Furniture

I am looking for a way to safely clean a micro fiber sofa. I am mainly thinking of the arms, they are dingy from use and there is one small ink stain from a pen. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

By Kate

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Cleaning a Microfiber Couch

I tried mixing equal parts of water and rubbing alcohol and it worked to some extent. I have some black patches that it did not clean and would like to know what else I could try. I am ready to pull my hair out!

By Patty S.

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Cleaning Microfiber Furniture

Our love seat and couch is microfiber and the whole thing needs to be cleaned. The arms are especially stained. Any good ideas to clean the entire couch and love seat?

By Marianne

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By redhatterb02/24/2012

I would probably have it professionally cleaned, that way you wouldn't end up with mixed spots and stains. A solid color is awfully hard to keep clean and if in the cleaning process it gets more damp in some spots, you might get uneven degrees of clean.

Cleaning a Microfiber Couch

Can I use Oxiclean on my microfiber couch?

By Renee

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By Sasha8202/15/2012

This article takes you through it step by step
www.amerikalstore.com/index.aspx?pageid=1128209

If you don't want to go to the link I'll copy & paste the article for you:
Anyone who has purchased microfiber furniture knows one of the biggest reasons for making that purchase is because of how easy microfiber is to clean. The soft material easily repels dirt, dust, food, and whatever else might make it's way to your couch. Indeed, it is an easy to clean material. However as time goes on, there gets to be a point where you look at your couch and wonder, "How did it get so dirty."

It's at that point the attempts to clean microfiber may become somewhat challenging. Usually, the first attempt at cleaning is by using a wet rag. With the wet rag, you begin to scrub and soak the stain. As the moisture makes the material darker, you can already tell the stain is lifted. Before long the wet area begins to dry and lighten. Once fully dry, you can see exactly where you cleaned. Water rings now outline where you wiped off the couch with the wet rag. The couch looks worse than it did with the stain! So it's back to the cleaning room. In an attempt to clean out the water rings, you grab whatever carpet cleaner, spray or fabric cleaner you can find. You try to wash out the water rings, but find yourself making more.

Cleaning microfiber can be a never ending challenge. There are products however that will clean your upholstery without leaving rings, or damaging your furniture. Genesis 950 is a great cleaner for microfiber. Using about 1 part Genesis 950 to 7 parts water in a spray bottle, mist the stained area. After letting the mixture adhere to the stain for about 2 - 3 minutes, wipe the microfiber with a rag. Next, use a damp rag and wipe up everything that has been lifted from the microfiber. This will eliminate the stains without leaving marks. Genesis 950 works with water unlike other cleaners because it breaks the bonds of the stains and allows them to lift from the surface of the material. Other cleaners and water do not break this bond. Therefore, the stains are not lifted from the surface when you use anything else. Instead they follow the water and remain in the fabric. Hence the rings left behind.

For microfiber cushions, you can remove the slip covers from the cushion and wash them in a washing machine. When doing this, use 1/4 cup Genesis 950 and be sure the water is set to cold. Slip covers will not shrink if the water is cold. Heat causes these fabrics to shrink. With this being said, it is crucial that you allow machine washed slip covers to air dry.

If you prefer to steam clean your furniture rather than spot clean it, Genesis 950 is compatible with Rug Doctors and Steam Cleaners. For steam cleaners and Rug Doctors, use the same about of Genesis 950 as you would with the recommend instructions of any other cleaner for that equipment. After you have steam cleaned using Genesis 950, go over the area again with the steam cleaner using straight water. This will pull up ALL of the dirt and grime the Genesis 950 has lifted from the upholstery.

Microfiber is easy to clean, and can be properly maintained if you are cleaning it the right way. Whether it is an accident from a pet, spilled food, dirt or grease, the key is that you properly break the bonds of the stain so it can be lifted. Using the wrong cleaner can only cause more problems and make it more frustrating to maintain your furniture.

Cleaning Microfiber Furniture

I have the new microfiber on my chair and it collects every crumb and piece of lint! Is there any way to prevent this or clean it easily when it collects crumbs.

By Denise C.

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By hafwhit10/31/2011

I hate my microfiber recliner. I have purchased a cover for it, but I did use window spray on a rag to clean for a while. But the dirt just got worse and worse. I'll never buy microfiber again!

Cleaning Microfiber Furniture

I have a male dog that likes to get on my microfiber couch. At times he leaves little white stains. How can I get this to come out? All I have tried was water and dish detergent, that did nothing. Please help.

By Tracy from WI

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By Mellymel8702/06/2011

Try babywipes. I prefer huggies! I have a bulldog and he drools all over the couch. Somehow his eye boogies get on there too. Baby wipes have taken blood out of the couch too!

How Do I Clean Stains Off Microfiber Furniture?

How can I clean microfiber furniture? Most of the stain is skin oil, but there are other spills that I don't know what they are. I don't want to ruin the fabric.

By Michelle from USA

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By Home Office Furnishings05/04/2011

Believe it or not I have used those small packages on single "Shout" stain cleaners. Those things seem to work on everything. Good luck.

Getting Lip Gloss Off Micro Fiber Couch

How do I get lip gloss off my micro fiber couch?

By Serena

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Cleaning Microsuede Furniture

I need info on how to clean a cream microsuede couch and love seat.

By Freda from Portsmouth, VA

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By Judie04/10/2010

After working for La-Z-Boy furniture, I can tell you the only thing ever recommended was soap & warm water. The cleaning code for Microfiber is W (water). Be very careful with chemicals and solvents, they can destroy the fabric. Never go near Microfiber with something like nail polish remover, it will eat it up.

Keeping White Microfiber Furniture Clean

How do I keep off white microfiber furniture from getting dirty and stained?

By Phyllis from Lawton, OK

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By kffrmw8804/18/2010

Step 1 Vacuum the furniture thoroughly to remove any dust, debris or sharp items that might tear or damage the furniture.

Step 2 Dampen a white cloth with a small amount of dish soap and gently swirl it over any marks, stains or food spots. Take a clean, dry white cloth and briskly rub the newly cleaned area, circling widely into the already dry areas to blend the two together. Repeat occasionally until the furniture is completely dry.

Step 3 Remove food that is stuck to the fabric by gently rubbing until the food dissolves. Do not try to pry or pick it off as this will tear the fabric, causing permanent damage to the furniture.

Step 4 Use a baby wipe to remove ink, crayons, marker and other tough stains. Baby wipes will also clean away water rings left by washing with straight water or an incorrect detergent.

Step 5 Wet a magic eraser and ring out excess moisture to remove sticky substances like gum and candy.

Step 6 Keep your microfiber furniture clean with occasional cleansing with the fabric attachment for your steam cleaner. If you don't have a steam cleaner, you can rent one. Good luck.

Archives

Here are archived discussions related to this page.

Cleaning Microfiber Furniture

How should I clean a red microfiber couch?

Shannon from Tulsa, OK


RE: Cleaning Microfiber Furniture

When I purchased my microfiber sofa and loveseat, the salesperson, told me to clean it as if it was plastic. In other words you can use almost anything to clean it. I have cleaned spilled wine, tea, and just plain soiled areas. I just take water and a little detergent and it drys just like new. (05/27/2008)

By BC

RE: Cleaning Microfiber Furniture

I have camel colored microfiber couch and loveseat. They only had a few spots but were just dingy looking. I took the cushions out and washed them on gentle cycle with mild detergent and they look great (06/05/2008)

By Darlene

RE: Cleaning Microfiber Furniture

To clean the entire couch you may want to steam clean it. Often you can buy a steam cleaner for as little as $40. Some hardware or home stores have these available for rent. I had a company come out and professionally steam my mattress and it cost me $80. Just a thought.

(06/13/2008)

By Danielle

RE: Cleaning Microfiber Furniture

My son had a ink spill on my micro fiber furniture, I used the green alcohol. You can't even tell there was a ink spill. (06/23/2008)

By Tina

RE: Cleaning Microfiber Furniture

I was looking for a way to clean our recliner chairs, went online and found this very helpful site. Someone suggested baby wipes. I have a 2 1/2 year old, so of course I have plenty of wipes in the house. The chairs are beige/light-tan and I wondered if this method would really work. Much to my surprise they worked great! I just cleaned the chairs and they look new again. Thank you for the info. (06/29/2008)

By Tammi (Guest Post)

RE: Cleaning Microfiber Furniture

Our sectional was horribly dirty from a visit from relatives with 5 boys. My husband and I threw caution to the wind, after cleaning every inch of our brand new house, and pulled the covers off the cushions. I put them in washing machine on delicate with warm water and Woolite. I then put the covers into the dryer for 5-10 minutes and put them back onto the cushions. We could not be happier.

It worked great! I highly recommend this method, if your microfiber furniture needs a good cleaning. We have a huge sectional so, obviously we had to do a few covers at a time. It looks great, completely clean and no sore body parts from doing it by hand. (07/01/2008)

By Laura

RE: Cleaning Microfiber Furniture

Buttercup left some nasty paw prints on my light brown couch. Scrubbing them off left water rings all over. I diluted carpet cleaner with warm water and scrubbed the entire cushion. The paw prints and water rings disappeared. No need to use a blow dryer. (07/04/2008)

By Tamra

RE: Cleaning Microfiber Furniture

Check under your cushion for one of these symbols for Cleaning Code Description:

  • DC- Dry Clean Only.
  • E- Use the Millennium Leather Care Kit
  • N- Use the Millennium Leather Care Kit
  • N Fbr- Natural Fiber Rugs - Blot spills up immediately with a clean white cloth or plain paper towel. Dab at spots with a mild solution of one teaspoon of mild detergent with one teaspoon of white vinegar in a quart of warm water. Do not saturate.
  • S- Clean only with dry cleaning solvent. Do not saturate. Do not use water. Pile fabrics may require brushing to restore appearance. Cushion covers should not be removed and dry cleaned.
  • SW- Spot clean with upholstery shampoo, foam from a mild detergent, or mild dry cleaning solvent. Do not saturate with liquid. Pile fabrics may require brushing to restore appearance. Cushion covers should not be removed and dry cleaned.
  • W- Clean only with water-based shampoo or foam upholstery cleaner. Do not over wet. Do not use solvents to spot clean. Pile fabrics may require brushing to restore appearance. Cushion covers should not be removed and laundered.
  • Wool Tufted Wool Rugs - Blot spills up immediately with a clean white cloth or plain paper towel. There are no cleaning solutions listed.
  • WS- Spot clean with upholstery shampoo, foam from a mild detergent, or mild dry cleaning solvent. Do not saturate with liquid. Pile fabrics may require brushing to restore appearance. Cushion covers should not be removed and dry cleaned.
  • X- Do not clean with either water or solvent-based cleaner. Use vacuuming or light brushing only. (10/02/2008)

By clean time

RE: Cleaning Microfiber Furniture

Another product to help remove ink stains etc. is Lysol spray. The salesman where I purchased my sofa took a ball point pen and scribbled on a sofa. He then took the can of Lysol spray to the marks and wiped them with a paper towel. It took it right off. When I got home I used the Lysol on several old stains and it removed them completely. I noticed some people have said to steam clean and then others say don't steam clean, so what is the answer yes or no to steam? Lots of great ideas! (10/25/2008)

By Lori


Cleaning Microfiber Furniture

My microfiber red couch is dirty and I can't find the label in the back to show me how to clean it. I am afraid to clean it. Please help.

Fawn


RE: Cleaning Microfiber Furniture

I have a microfiber couch and love seat and I just wipe it down with a wet washcloth and it works great! Hope that helps. (04/09/2009)

By jesikarena


Cleaning Microfiber Furniture

I have a beige microfiber rocking chair. I need to know how to clean a stain on the seat. I tried to clean it with a damp rag but it made it look awful. Can you please help? Thank you.

By Ambersnana from Louisville, KY


RE: Cleaning Microfiber Furniture

If your microfiber is colorfast (first try an area under or in the back of the sofa), you can try spraying hydrogen peroxide. If the stain is a "natural" stain like food, coffee, wine or juice the peroxide will "fizz" the stain away with oxygen. Don't use the stronger peroxide made for bleaching hair, just the cheapie kind from any grocery store. You might want to use a toothbrush to scrub and fluff up the area while it's wet or after the peroxide dries.

A second idea is to just take a regular bristle brush hair brush (not made of wire) or a toothbrush to a "dry" stain and sprinkle in a little baking soda and try brushing the area until its clean.

Read my tip below for "dry-cleaning" your own carpeting, you could call the company and ask if the stuff also works for microfiber. http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf64314351.tip.html (04/12/2009)

By Cyinda

RE: Cleaning Microfiber Furniture

Thank you for the email. I tried Oxiclean on it and it came right out (04/13/2009)

By ambersnana


Cleaning Microfiber Furniture

How do I clean a microfiber couch? Can I spray the whole couch to bring it back to it's nice beige color?

By kml2000 from Calgary, Alberta


RE: Cleaning Microfiber Furniture

Here are cleaning instructions for microfiber furniture:
http://www.cleanyourmicrofiber.com/index.php/Clean_Microfiber_Furniture (05/08/2009)

By Anonymous

RE: Cleaning Microfiber Furniture

Do you have one of those new steamers? Steam clean it! It's sanitary too. Wipe up with a clean white or light color towel. Let air dry, direct a fan on it for a few hours and then spray it with a good fabric protector. (05/17/2009)

By tb1014


Cleaning Microfiber Furniture

How do I clean microfiber couches? I know you have to put some chemical on it before you can steam clean it, but I don't know what it is.

By Sonjahwll


RE: Cleaning Microfiber Furniture

Here is a guide for cleaning microfiber furniture:
http://www.cleanyourmicrofiber.com/index.php/Clean_Microfiber_Furniture (07/02/2009)

By Fortunately


Cleaning Microfiber Furniture

I have microfiber furniture. I was wondering how do I get the odor of people sitting on it and the body odor out of it? Can I spray Febreeze on it, or not?


Cleaning Microfiber Furniture

I have red microfiber furniture. It has dark spots all over it from juice spills, water stains, and my toddler had an accident on it as well (urine).


Cleaning Microfiber Furniture

To clean spots on microfiber white or cream sofa, you could use Windex. It will remove ink and sometimes even remove marker stains.


Cleaning Microfiber Furniture

How can I remove oily hair smell from microfiber sofa pillows?


Cleaning Microfiber Furniture

I have a microfiber couch, it is 2 months old. How do I get saw dust, grit, etc. out of it? I tired vacuuming it. No success. Any help would be appreciated.


Cleaning Microfiber Furniture

How do I clean a light beige (cream colored) micro-fiber sectional? I picked up a Lazyboy sectional this past week. It is dusty, smelly, and very dirty!


Cleaning Microfiber Furniture

How do I clean my new microfiber couch? It has a black stain; I don't know what it is.

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