How to Spot Clean Microfiber Couch Like the Pros

Microfiber couches are durable but can be difficult to clean when stained. High-touch areas such as the armrests and seat cushions quickly get soiled or stained with sweat and body oils.

Proper choice of cleaning products and methods is essential when cleaning microfiber couches because harsh cleaning products, excessive water, and ignoring the manufacturer's cleaning instructions ruin them. Knowing how to spot clean microfiber couches and what products to use extends their lifespan.

Rubbing alcohol, cornstarch, ice cubes, dishwashing detergent, and baking soda removes various microfiber couch stains.

At Zerorez®, we are the experts in cleaning microfiber couches, including those stained with ink, food, oil, grease, drink, and pet stains. We'll explain the best way to spot clean microfiber couches, get water spots out of microfiber furniture, and more below. Read on.

How to Spot Clean Microfiber Couch Correctly

First, check the cleaning code under the seat cushions or on the tag for the cleaning instructions. Never use water on couches with an "S" code; use a solvent.

Use water on couches with a "W" code, water or a solvent on those with an "S-W" code, and vacuum those with a "V" code.

Unlike cleaning suede couches, spot cleaning a microfiber couch could be tricky, especially for tough stains.

The best way to spot-clean microfiber couches is to inspect the stain, gather the recommended cleaning products or solutions, and treat it immediately.

To ensure that the cleaning product of your choice will not discolor, damage, or ruin your couch, test it on an inconspicuous area.

Below are varying ways to spot clean microfiber couches of common stains:

1. Removing Marker from Microfiber Couch

Use baking soda to remove marker stains.

1. Add a generous amount of baking soda to the spot and dab it using a microfiber cloth (the same color as your couch) or a toothbrush.
2. Let the baking soda sit for about 15 minutes to absorb the marker stain.
3. Wipe any baking soda residue with a clean, damp microfiber cloth or towel (the same color as your couch).
4. Once dry, inspect the area to see if the baking soda worked.
5. If you notice traces of the marker stain, repeat the process.
6. If the stain is gone but the area feels stiff, brush it softly with a soft-bristled brush to make it like the rest of the couch.

2. Removing Lipstick from Microfiber Couch

Rubbing alcohol removes lipstick, water rings, and ink stains from couches.

1. Spray a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a white microfiber cloth and gently dab the affected area.
2. Dry off any excessive amount using a soft, dry microfiber cloth, and then allow the couch to air dry.
3. Inspect the section and repeat the process (if necessary) until the stain is removed.

3. Removing Grease from Microfiber Couche

Rub alcohol or cornstarch on your microfiber couch to remove grease or oils.

1. Spray rubbing alcohol or sprinkle cornstarch on the stain. Use the dabbing method to work it in using a toothbrush or a microfiber cloth (preferably a white one or the same color as your couches).
2. Allow cornstarch or rubbing alcohol to break up and absorb grease or oil.
3. After about 15 minutes or 1 hour, dab the area using a damp, white microfiber cloth to remove the last bits of grease or oil.

4. Removing Oil-Based Food Stain

Follow the steps below to clean up food (and other oil-based stains).

1. Use white paper towels to soak excess liquid from the food stain.
2. Apply 2 drops of mild dishwashing detergent and 2 drops of clean water on a white microfiber cloth or towel.
3. Increase or reduce the amount based on the size of the stain.
4. Gently dab the stain for several minutes to allow the solution to absorb it completely.
5. Rinse off any dishwashing detergent residue using a damp microfiber cloth.
6. Allow the surface to dry and inspect it.
7. Repeat the process if there are any traces of stains.
8. Brush the area to make it smooth if the stain is gone.

5. Removing Pet Urine from Microfiber Couch

Pet accidents are inevitable, but getting rid of them is possible.

1. Use paper towels to blot out (don't wipe) pet urine.
2. Mix 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of warm water in a spray bottle for settled pet stains.
3. Mix ½ cup of vinegar and 1 ½ cups of warm water in a spray bottle for fresh stains.
4. Spray enough of the solution on the stain and allow it to soak into the fabric for several minutes.
5. Use a white cloth to scrub the area to remove the stain.
6. Use paper towels or a white towel to blot any excess solution.
7. Let the couch air-dry, then sprinkle a light layer of baking soda on the area to absorb the pet urine odor.
8. Vacuum the couch using the upholstery attachment after 4 to 12 hours.

6. Removing Fresh Chewing Gum from Microfiber Couch

1. Put 3 or more ice cubes in a sealed plastic bag and place them on the chewing gum.
2. Wait about 15 to 40 minutes for the chewing gum to harden.
3. Use your fingernail or blunt knife to slowly and cautiously break away the gum.
4. Apply oil soap on the gum residues and work it in using a soft brush or a toothbrush.
5. Use a damp cloth or towel to remove the oil soap residue.
6. Air dry and inspect
7. If the stain is still there, apply a few drops of oil soap and work it in again with a brush

How to Clean Microfiber Couch Without Leaving Water Spots

Water spots on microfiber couches are common and result from excessive liquid when cleaning or accidental spills.

Always check the cleaning codes provided by the manufacturer to determine whether to use a solvent, water, or vacuum cleaner.

Can You Spot Clean a Microfiber Sofa Without Leaving Water Marks?

Yes. Below are tips to help you clean a microfiber sofa without leaving water spots:

• Use a dry cleaning solvent or rubbing alcohol instead of water.
• Avoid applying the solvent or rubbing alcohol directly to the couch; apply it on a white, clean towel or cloth and scrub the stain in a circular motion.
• Avoid using excessive water to clean couches with a "W" code.
• After cleaning, place the couch in a properly ventilated room to air dry or use a blow dryer.
• Evenly rinse the cleaned couch using a damp cloth to prevent water rings.

How to Clean Microfiber Couches With a "W" or "W-S" Code

1. Remove debris, pet hair, and dirt using a vacuum cleaner.
2. Add warm water and a few drops of mild detergent or dish soap in a bowl.
3. Use a white cloth or towel to apply the solution on an inconspicuous area to see its reaction.
4. If it works as expected, dampen your cloth with the solution and gently dab the stained area(s).
5. Replace the cloth often to avoid spreading the stains to other areas.
6. Dampen another clean cloth with distilled water and dab the area to remove any soap/detergent residue.
7. Speed up the drying process by using a drier, a fan, or opening the windows to prevent water spots

How to Clean Microfiber Couches With an "S" Code

Based on the type of stain you're cleaning, apply the solvent you choose, such as Isopropyl Alcohol, to a microfiber cloth. (Before using any solvent, read the manufacturer's instructions on the bottle.)

Apply the solvent to an inconspicuous area and inspect the results.

If it works fine, apply the solvent on the stained area using a damp cloth (don't rub; dab to avoid spreading the stain further).

How to Get Water Spots Out of Microfiber Couch

If you use excessive water when spot cleaning a microfiber couch or if liquids spill on microfiber couches, they leave water marks (water spots). You need a hair dryer, soft-bristled brush, mild detergent, white or light-colored cloth, a bowl, and distilled water to clean a "W" cleaning code.

Here's how to clean water spots off microfiber sofa.

• Add water and a few drops of mild detergent in a bowl
• Apply the solution on a microfiber cloth and use it to wash away the watermarks
• Rinse off with a damp, light-colored cloth
• Use a hair dryer to hasten the drying process
• Brush the cleaned area with a soft-bristled brush to make it soft again

To clean a microfiber cloth with an "S" cleaning code, you need a spray bottle, soft-bristled brush, isopropyl alcohol, and a white or light-colored microfiber cloth.

• Use a spraying bottle to apply Isopropyl alcohol on the water spot
• Dab the area using a light-colored cloth
• Once dry, get rid of the stiffness by gently brushing the area with a soft-bristled brush

How to Dry a Massive Water Spot on Microfiber Couch

You could follow the same procedure above of getting water spots from the microfiber couch, but that would be time-consuming and tiring.

For a massive water spot on the microfiber couch, use steam irons or a steamer (if the manufacturer's washing instructions recommend it). These tools remove massive water stains faster than you could with your hands.

Steam cleaners can also remove old, stubborn stains from your couch, making them the best solution for massive water spot stain removal.

Can You Clean Microfiber Couch With Dawn Dish Soap?

Yes, you can use Dawn dish soap to clean the microfiber couch. Dawn dish soap effectively removes oil-based food stains on couches. Follow the following steps to use dawn dish soap to clean your couches.

Requirements:

• Vacuum cleaner
• Dawn dish soap (½ cup)
• Warm water (2 cups)
• A whisk
• Soft-bristled brush
• 2 bowls/basins

Procedure:

• Get rid of debris and dirt from your couch using the vacuum cleaner before applying the dish soap.
• Add enough plain water to one bowl.
• Add 2 cups of warm water and ½ cup of Dawn dish soap in the other bowl. The amount can be reduced or increased depending on the size of the couch. Whisk to form soap suds.
• Working in small sections, treat the couch by applying soap suds and gently massaging them on the couch using a soft-bristled brush.
• After cleaning several sections, rinse the brush using the plain water in the other basin.
• Remove as much water as possible before applying more soap suds to prevent water spots.
• Dampen a white microfiber cloth or one the same color as the microfiber using clean, plain water, and wipe the cleaned couch to remove dirt and oil residues. Be consistent when wiping to prevent stains and water rings.
• Air dry or use a brow dryer to dry.
• Vacuuming the couch after it dries using the upholstery attachment restores its original, soft texture.

Call Zerorez for Professional Microfiber Couch Cleaning

​ If none of the above methods work for you or you don't feel confident enough to clean the stain yourself, call Zerorez to professionally clean the couch. We offer professional upholstery, car seats, carpets, and tile cleaning services.

Schedule your microfiber couch stain removal, pet odor treatment, or other cleaning services today.