Our couch gets used constantly. It’s where we watch movies, snack, relax at the end of the day, and somehow gather for almost every conversation in the house. With kids running around carrying crackers, juice boxes, sticky hands, and the occasional spilled coffee or wine, it doesn’t take long before the couch starts looking worn out.

A quick wipe can help with small messes, but now and then the fabric needs a deeper clean. After looking into professional upholstery cleaning, I realized I could handle most of it myself without spending a fortune.

That’s where a steam cleaner really helps. It can lift old stains, pull dirt out of the fabric, freshen up the whole couch, and leave it feeling much cleaner overall. If your sofa has started looking tired or stained, this step-by-step guide will show you how to clean a couch with a steam cleaner at home and save yourself the cost of hiring someone else to do it.

steam clean a sofa — Image Credit: Deposit Photos

Supplies Needed

Steam Cleaner – I like to use the Hoover Spotless Upholstery Cleaner
Vacuum – The BISSELL Power Force Helix Bagless Upright Vacuum is my go-to vacuum
Microfiber cloth
Water

*Before you begin, be sure to check the care instructions on your couch to see if it can be steam cleaned.

Step 1: Vacuum the Couch to Remove Dust and Debris

The first thing you need to do is remove the pillows, blankets, and other items from the couch. Then prepare your couch for steam cleaning by vacuuming or dusting it to remove visible dust and debris. You can also use a clean cloth and dust away any dirt.

I use my vacuum cleaner’s brush attachment and suction attachment to clean all the areas of the couch. You never know what toys, cookie crumbs, chips, and stray pet hairs are lurking on and in between the crevices of the sofa.

Step 2: Get the Steam Cleaner Ready

Time to get the steam cleaner ready. Follow the instructions for your specific steam cleaner. Some steam machines work with just clean water, while others use a cleaning solution diluted with warm water. For the Hoover Spotless, you will need to fill it with water and a cleaning solution.

Step 3: Use the Steam Cleaner on the Couch

It’s time to start cleaning your couch. If your couch cushions are removable, use the steam cleaner to clean the cushions first. Use the steam cleaner handle and spray the surface. Please press the button that releases the steam onto the surface and give it a second to absorb. Then drag the steamer’s opening over the damp area to evaporate the excess water.

This will remove dust, loose dirt, and tough stains from the fabric’s surface. Continue doing this throughout the couch in small sections, or in the areas that need spot cleaning.

Step 4: Let the Couch Dry

This is the last step in the cleaning process. Once you are done cleaning the couch, let it dry for about 4-5 hours or overnight to be on the safe side. You can turn on a ceiling fan or open a window to help speed up the drying time. Leave a door open to prevent any possible mold and mildew from developing.

Optional Step

If the couch is heavily stained, it may be a good idea to pretreat the stains before steam cleaning. You can use any upholstery cleaner, white vinegar, or another upholstery-safe cleaning agent. Apply the cleaner to a damp cloth and then blot the stain. I like to use Oxi Clean stain remover spray. Try to avoid harsh chemicals for deep cleaning, as they can damage your couch.

Again, this step is optional because the steam cleaner can take on some of the toughest stains with prior treatment. Depending on the type of stain, stains such as soda, urine, feces, food, and surface dirt can be removed with steam alone. However, grease stains and oil-based stains may need pre-treatment for best results.

Why should you steam clean your couch?

Our couches experience a lot of activity daily. Lots of dirt and grime can accumulate quickly on the couch – especially if you have pets and kids. Steam cleaning helps to extend the life of the sofa. It cleans and lifts difficult stains without releasing too much moisture into the fabric of the sofa.

With steam cleaning, you can get rid of stubborn stains, odors, and other bacteria existing on the couch.

What is the best steam cleaner or upholstery cleaner for a couch?

It’s important to use the right steam cleaner, designed specifically for upholstery. That said, the best upholstery steam cleaner for a couch is the Hoover Spotless Upholstery Cleaner. I prefer this upholstery spot cleaner because it is super lightweight, affordable, and can remove the toughest pet stains and everyday mishaps. It is excellent cleaning equipment that you can also use to spot-clean rugs and fabric chairs

What can I put in my steam cleaner to clean my couch?

Most steam cleaners require only water, but this particular Hoover cleaner comes with a cleaning solution. For best results, use their recommended solution.

Should I buy a steam cleaner?

I would absolutely recommend buying a steam cleaner for home use. Most are pretty affordable and easy to store. It is especially great for households with children and pets. It helps you give your couch a more thorough cleaning while tackling tough set-in stains and messes.

How long does steam cleaning a couch take to dry?

The drying time for steam cleaning the couch can range from 4 to 5 hours. For best results, leave overnight with windows or doors open to prevent mold and mildew.

Can you steam clean any couch?

The short answer to this is no. You cannot just steam clean any fabric furniture. While most upholstery fabric couches can be steam cleaned, leather couches should not. For leather upholstery, you may need to use a specific leather cleaner.

To find out if your couch can be steam cleaned, check the furniture’s care label for a symbol indicating how it can be cleaned. Ex. any sofa with an X cannot be steam cleaned, but W, S, and WS can be.