How to Disinfect a Couch – Follow 9 Steps

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Your couch is probably the one place you enjoy sitting most during the day. Who doesn’t love to enjoying a movie with some popcorn and relaxing on the couch?

However, there are times when disinfecting your couch is important.

It’s especially true through the cold and flu season during the winter months.

how to disinfect a couch properly

As couches are made of different materials, it is important to know the way to clean and disinfect them.

Here are a few ways to disinfect a couch.

How to Sanitize & Disinfect a Couch Properly

1. Vacuum your couch before disinfecting it

It is important to use a HEPA vacuum on your couch before you disinfect it.

You will need to get rid of the dirt and crumbs that are sticking on the couch.

Focus on the corners of the couch. It is hard to clean those corners.

Getting rid of the excess dirt and dust will make the next steps easier.

2. Look at the tags of your couch

As couches are made of different materials, it is important to look for the tags.

The tags will show symbols that explain whether you can clean your couch with water, or steam, or use harsh chemicals.

“W” – If there is a W written on the tag of your sofa, it means you can use water to clean and disinfect your couch.

“WS” – If there is a WS written on the tag, it’s good news for you. You can use both water and solvent-based cleaners to clean your couch.

“S” – You should be careful if there is an S in the tag. It means you cannot, in any way, use water to clean your couch.

“X” – It means you will not be able to use anything but vacuum your couch.

Once you find the codes written on the tags of your couch, the disinfecting process will become a lot clearer.

3. Choose a disinfectant

When it comes to using a disinfectant, it is important to choose an effective and safe one.

Use 3% hydrogen peroxide that is commonly found in drug stores and an effective disinfectant.

Simply pour some in a spray bottle or insert a clean spray bottle top onto the hydrogen peroxide bottle.

Hydrogen peroxide is not only environmentally friendly because it breaks down into water and oxygen once it’s done disinfecting. It is also pet and kid-safe.

Another good option is a disinfecting spray that has hydrogen peroxide as an active ingredient.

As well, the Woolite Stain and Odor remover spray is safe for kids and pets when used to their instructions.

Always read the ingredients before using any product.

Do not use a product that has bleach in it. Bleach can cause huge damage to your couch and discolor it. It is also not safe to use around pets and kids.

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4. Apply the disinfectant on a small portion to test

Before using any disinfectant spray on your entire couch, do a spot spray, and wipe in an inconspicuous area. This will test that the product is safe for your couch materials.

This is to see if it causes any damage.

Sometimes, due to the sensitivity of the material of the couch, many products can cause damage.

Choose a spot that is not visible from the outside.

For example, choose a spot on the couch that faces the floor or wall.

5. Spray it thoroughly

Once you’ve chosen and tested a safe disinfectant spray, use the spray until the couch is thoroughly wet.

Then let it stand for 10 minutes. The hydrogen peroxide will be at work killing viruses and bacteria.

Then grab a few clean towels and wipe everything down.

How to Disinfect a Leather Couch With Vinegar

If your couch is made of leather, you can use vinegar to disinfect it. Leather is a sensitive material, and you cannot take the risk of using harsh chemicals in it.

That is why many people use regular vinegar to disinfect leather couches. Make a mixture of one part vinegar and one part water.

Then, use a soft cloth and soak it in the mixture.

Wring the cloth to prevent dripping. Give a few wipes to your entire couch and dry the couch by using an absorbent towel.

That is how you disinfect a leather couch without harming it with harsh chemicals.

You can add a few drops of oil, like olive or flaxseed, into the mixture. This will buff a sheen that conditions the leather.

8. Using an upholstery steam cleaner

If your couch is suitable for steaming, you can use an upholstery steam cleaner.

Before going into the process, see the manufacturer’s instructions. If it says that steaming is okay, go for it.

An alternative is to use an upholstery cleaner.

Add water and hydrogen peroxide-based stain remover in the tank.

Also, follow the previous spot testing method in a hidden spot to prevent damage just in case.

After you are done with the steam cleaning, let the couch air dry.

Use a table fan and place it in front of your couch. It will let the couch dry out faster.

9. Disinfect the slipcovers out in the sun

UV rays work great at killing any type of germ or bacteria. If you use slipcovers, it is important to disinfect them as well.

If your slipcover allows cold water wash, then you can wash the slipcover and then let it dry in the sun.

Hang the slipcovers out in the sun for around 3-4 hours.

Sun will effectively kill the bacteria and germs stuck in the slipcovers. You can do it once every so often to keep your couch neat and clean.

Takeaway
These are the few ways that will help you to clean and disinfect your couch.

Remember to read the tags on your couch before starting the disinfecting process.

Cleaning it in a different manner from the manufacturer’s instructions can damage the materials on the couch.

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1 COMMENT

  1. The viengar tip for leather cleaning is awesome. Leather can be so tricky to clean and not ruin haha. I have a good professional upholstery cleaner I use here in Lakewood, but I only have them over once a year so I have to find good DIY ways to keep the couch clean between visits. Your tips have been a real life saver. You’re the best for sharing them!

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