This post has affiliate/referral links. Learn more.
Though polyester couches are appreciated for their beautiful look and soft feel, they can be quite difficult to clean. They require regular cleaning because they seem to attract all sorts of dirt and dust.
Most polyester couches can be cleaned with upholstery cleanering solution and upholstery cleaner.
Some specialty materials can only be cleaned professionally. You can do spot clean touchups with a spot cleaner in between professional cleaning.
Let’s look at how to know which cleaning method is the best for your polyester couch. Then, you’ll be able to refer to our step-by-step guide to successfully clean your couch.
Before you buy a product and apply it onto the fabric of your polyester couch, you’ll need to check out the tag to see which cleaner to use.
To do so, find your couch’s tag – it is usually located under the cushions, hidden from plain view – and read the letter written on it.
It should have one of the following letters inscribed: W, S, SW, or X.
● W says that you should only use a water-based detergent, preferably with a steam vacuum.
● S says dry-detergent only.
● SW or WS says either a water-based or dry detergent.
● X requires professional cleaning. If you see this letter, do not put any product on your couch, or you might damage the fabric.
● O means wash using cold water.
So, the right type of cleaner corresponding to the letter on your couch’s tag is:
● “W” is for upholstery cleaner.
● “S” is for dry cleaning solvents.
● “SW”, you can use either upholstery cleaning solution or dry cleaning solvent cleaner.
Tip: When choosing a cleaner for your couch, always test on a small surface of your couch to rule out any unexpected reactions with the fabric.
You can also simply clean with warm water with a spot cleaning machine.
How to Clean Polyester Couch – 4 Simple Methods
Method 1: How to Clean a Polyester Couch with the Solvent Based Method (for the “S” or “SW” tag)
Step 1: Before you apply anything to your couch, vacuum it to remove any dust, hair, or dirt. Remove cushions and vacuum under them – access anywhere you think is possible. This will make the next steps easier.
Step 2: Use a dry cleaning solvent cleaner for the “S” tag. If the tag is “SW”, you may alternatively use a water-based fabric cleaner.
For “SW” or “W”, you can also make your own cleaning solution. In a bowl, mix 1 teaspoon laundry detergent, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, and 1 quart of warm water.
For both tags, you can use a spot cleaning machine.
Always test a new method in an inconspicuous area first, to make sure it won’t change the color of your couch.
Step 3: For this next step, it is advised you wear gloves. If you are using the DIY solution, it could dry out your hands, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Dip a microfibre cloth into your fresh solution, and in a light and gentle rubbing motion, work into the fabric of your sofa.
Alternatively, if your product has an applicator, you may follow the product instructions and directly apply instead.
Step 4: If using your own solution or a water-based cleaner for an “SW” or “W” tag, rinse the microfibre cloth from the solution and soak in some warm water for a few seconds. Repeat the rubbing motion to rinse the fabric from the solution.
Step 5: To protect your polyester couch from potential mold and mildew, make sure it dries properly if wet. Place it under the sun, with its cushions removed, to dry fully. If you don’t have access to an outdoor space that it could dry in, speed up the process by using a hairdryer.
Step 6: To return the polyester to its original, soft condition, use a dry soft-bristled brush and gently rub in a circular motion.
Method 2: How to Clean Random Stains off a Polyester Couch
Though it is a good idea to clean your polyester couch every 6 to 12 months, you may be faced with the need to get rid of a stain before you can commit to a full clean.
You can use upholstery shampoo for stains you want to target. Be sure to follow the instructions on your product, but the basic steps are:
Step 1: Put a few dots of upholstery shampoo on a damp microfibre cloth.
Step 2: Work into the stained area until it fades.
Step 3: Rinse with a clean, wet microfibre cloth.
Step 4: Let it dry completely.
Method 3: Warm Water for Grease Stains
Step 1: Saturate a microfibre cloth with warm water.
Step 2: Wring out until it doesn’t drip.
Step 3: Place onto the grease stain and let it sit until the water goes cold.
Step 4: Scrub.
Tip: If you’re dealing with a stain that hasn’t come from something greasy, try cold water instead of warm.
Method 4: Baking Soda Quick Fixes
Apply a generous amount of baking soda on a fresh stain.
Let it sit for half an hour minimum, these wipe off with a wet sponge.
What’s great about baking soda is that you can repeat it daily and it won’t damage the fabric.
Tip: Use a hairdryer to dry the spots where you just cleaned stains off to prevent mold and mildew.
Removing Dust and Hair – Lint brush to the rescue
You can use a lint brush on a regular basis to make your polyester couch look brand new, especially if you have pets.
It will wipe off any hair, dust, and dirt before it has a chance to seep into the fabric.
Going over your polyester couch with a lint brush a couple of times a week will keep your couch well maintained and clean.
How to Clean Polyester Cushion Covers
You can do quick touch up cleaning with a spot cleaning upholstery machine. These machines are portable so you can do all the upholstered seats in the house.
For full cleaning, it’s good news that polyester cushion covers are usually machine washable and thus simple to clean.
Make sure to use cold water and a low-intensity setting on your washing machine.
It is not recommended to dry your polyester cushion covers in a dryer.
Polyester can warp and melt when exposed to certain levels of heat. However, they may be able to make it through low heat or air dry cycles without damage.
If possible, leave your covers out to air dry. This is the safest method and shouldn’t take long.
How to Get Rid of Bad Smells in a Polyester Couch
You can get rid of bad smells in a polyester couch fairly easily with just some water and lemon juice.
Combine 1 part lemon juice for 2 parts water and pour it into a spray bottle.
Simply spray onto the desired smelly area of your couch and let the power of lemon do its magic.
You can also dust baking soda on to smelly areas. Then, vacuum thoroughly to get all the baking soda out. If you choose to dampen baking soda, wait for it to dry before vacuuming, or use a wet-dry vacuum with an upholstery attachment.
FAQs on How to Clean Polyester Couch
I wasn’t able to find the tag on my polyester couch. What cleaning method should I use?
When in doubt, use warm water and an upholstery cleaning machine.
You can also use a spray of water and baking soda. Saturate the stain but don’t make it too wet. Then use a wet-dry vacuum with an upholstery attachment.
Always test new cleaning methods in an inconspicuous area of the couch first.
How easy is it to clean and maintain a polyester couch?
Though it does require some cleaning from time to time, it is actually a good option compared to other fabrics like cotton.
Because it is made from plastic and other synthetic materials, stains are easier to wipe off, whereas cotton has a tendency to absorb spilled liquids and grease, creating permanent stains.
Can you use a steam cleaner on a polyester couch?
It is often safe to steam clean a polyester couch. It is a great way to eliminate bacteria without manually deep cleaning the couch. It may be a good idea to use it to maintain and fresh polyester couch at all times.
If you have a steam cleaner, test an inconspicuous area of the couch first, since there are many types of polyesters with different heat resistances.
You can also get away cleaning with warm water and an upholstery cleaning machine.
Follow These 9 Steps to Disinfect a Couch
5 Easy Steps to Clean a Papasan Cushion
