Quick Answer
To deep clean upholstered furniture: First, check the care tag for cleaning codes (W, S, WS, or X). Vacuum thoroughly, then spot-treat stains. Clean with appropriate solution (water-based soap for W/WS, dry solvent for S fabrics). Rinse with damp cloth, deodorize with baking soda, and let dry completely. Deep clean every 6-12 months.
Your sofa is probably the most-used piece of furniture in your home. Between Netflix marathons, kid homework sessions, and that one spot where the dog always claims, upholstery takes a beating. Add in San Diego's beach-loving, dog-friendly, windows-open lifestyle, and your furniture collects everything from pet hair to beach sand to pollen.
But before you rent a steam cleaner or hire professionals for every couch refresh, know this: most upholstery can be deep cleaned at home with the right techniques. The key is understanding your fabric type and using the appropriate method.
This guide walks you through the complete process—from decoding those mysterious care tags to tackling pet odors and everything in between.
Understanding Upholstery Care Labels
Before cleaning, find the care tag (usually on or under the furniture frame, under cushions) and look for these codes:
Safe to use water-based cleaners. Most common and easiest to clean at home.
Water causes stains or shrinkage. Use dry cleaning solvents only.
Either water-based or solvent cleaners are safe. Most versatile.
No liquid cleaners at all. Professional cleaning only for stains.
Always Test First!
Even if you know your cleaning code, test any cleaner on a hidden area (back of cushion, underside of frame) first. Wait for it to dry completely before proceeding. Different fabric dyes can react unexpectedly.
What You'll Need
For W/WS Fabrics
- Dish soap (clear, dye-free)
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Clean microfiber cloths
- Spray bottle
Tools
- Vacuum with upholstery attachment
- Soft-bristle brush
- Optional: Steam cleaner
- Fans for drying
Step-by-Step Upholstery Deep Cleaning
Check the Care Tag
Find the cleaning code tag (usually under cushions or on the frame). W = water-safe, S = solvent only, WS = either, X = vacuum only. This determines everything about your cleaning approach.
Vacuum Thoroughly
Use an upholstery attachment to vacuum all surfaces—cushions (both sides), frame, crevices, and under cushions. This removes loose dirt, pet hair, crumbs, and dust that would turn to mud when wet.
Pre-Treat Visible Stains
Identify and treat specific stains before overall cleaning. Blot (don't rub) with appropriate cleaner. For W/WS fabrics, dish soap diluted in water works for most stains. For S-code fabrics, use dry cleaning solvent.
Prepare Your Cleaning Solution
For W/WS fabrics: mix 2 cups warm water, 1 tablespoon dish soap, and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. For S-code: purchase dry cleaning solvent. Always test in an inconspicuous area first.
Clean in Sections
Work on one section at a time. Apply cleaner with a microfiber cloth or soft brush using gentle circular motions. Don't over-saturate—use just enough to clean without soaking the fabric.
Rinse and Extract (W/WS Fabrics)
Wipe cleaned sections with a clean, damp cloth to remove soap residue. For deep cleaning, a handheld carpet extractor or steam cleaner speeds this process and removes more dirt.
Sanitize and Deodorize
Sprinkle baking soda liberally over upholstery and let sit 15-30 minutes (or overnight for odors). Vacuum thoroughly. For sanitizing, lightly mist with a fabric-safe disinfectant spray.
Dry Completely
Open windows, run ceiling fans, or use box fans to speed drying. Furniture should be completely dry within 24 hours to prevent mold and mildew. Don't sit on cushions until fully dry.
Tips for Pet Owners
San Diego is one of the most dog-friendly cities in America, and our furniture shows it. Here's how to tackle pet-specific challenges:
Pet Hair Removal
Before vacuuming, use a rubber glove or lint roller to lift embedded hair. A slightly damp rubber squeegee also works wonders—the friction pulls hair out of fabric.
Pet Odor Elimination
For general pet odors, baking soda left overnight works well. For urine accidents, you need an enzymatic cleaner (like Nature's Miracle) that breaks down the proteins causing the smell. These are available at local pet stores like Petco, PetSmart, or Mud Bay.
Protect Going Forward
Consider washable slipcovers or throws for pet-favorite spots. Fabric protector sprays create a barrier that makes future cleaning easier. Vacuum weekly instead of waiting for visible issues.
San Diego Upholstery Tips
Beach Sand and Outdoor Dust
Living close to the beach or canyons means more outdoor particles work their way inside. Vacuum upholstery weekly, not just when it looks dirty. Pay special attention after beach days—sand is abrasive and can wear fabric over time.
Perfect Drying Weather
San Diego's low humidity is ideal for drying upholstery. On a typical day, your furniture can be completely dry in 4-6 hours with good airflow. Choose a cleaning day with open windows and low humidity for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you deep clean a fabric couch at home?
Vacuum thoroughly with upholstery attachment, spot-treat stains with appropriate cleaner for your fabric type, then clean the entire surface with a fabric cleaner or steam cleaner. Always check the care tag (W, S, WS, or X) to know which cleaning method is safe for your fabric.
What does the upholstery cleaning code mean?
W = water-based cleaners safe. S = solvent/dry cleaning only. WS = either water or solvent safe. X = vacuum only, no liquid cleaners. These codes are crucial—using the wrong cleaner can cause permanent damage or shrinkage.
How often should you clean a sofa?
Vacuum upholstery weekly to remove surface dust and debris. Spot-clean spills immediately. Deep clean every 6-12 months, or more frequently if you have pets, kids, or allergies. San Diego's open-window lifestyle means furniture collects more outdoor dust.
Can you use a carpet cleaner on a couch?
Yes, if your machine has an upholstery attachment and your fabric allows water-based cleaning (W or WS code). Test in a hidden area first. Avoid over-wetting—this can cause mold, mildew, and fabric damage.
Need Professional Upholstery Cleaning?
Metla House Cleaning deep cleaning includes upholstered furniture. We have the equipment and expertise to handle delicate fabrics, stubborn stains, and pet odors.
Art Machekin is the founder of Metla House Cleaning. Before starting the company, Art worked as a professional cleaner — hands-on experience that gives him a deep understanding of the techniques and details that matter most in delivering a spotless home.