What Machine Should You Use for Cleaning Couch Cushions?

What Machine Should You Use for Cleaning Couch Cushions?

The easiest way to clean a couch is by putting it in the washing machine. But this isn’t always the smartest move. Depending on the state your couch is in, there might be better methods and machines to use to clean.

Washing machines

Your washing machine is your greatest tool when battling a dirty couch cleaning. But, before you put your couch cushions and covers into the washing machine, there are a few steps you should take first.

You should vacuum your cushion covers. This removes all excess crumbs, dirt, and pet hair from the material.

The next necessary thing is to check your couch’s washing machine tags. As with clothing, cushion covers will have a tag that tells you how you should wash them.

Here are some of the more common tags you’ll find, and what they mean:

– X – Vacuum only, no water

– WS – Mild or dry cleaning detergent can be used alongside a steam vacuum

– W – You can use water when cleaning the cushion covers

– S – Clean with a dry cleaner detergent

Look at your tags, and see if your couch cushions are fit to be cleaned in a washing machine.

All washing machines will do a good job, but you will get the best results when using a cold washing cycle or a low heat cycle. This should avoid any damage to the material, as well as stopping shrinkage.

Steam cleaners

If your couch cushions can’t go in a washing machine, or you think the damage isn’t too bad, then you may want to opt for a steam cleaner as your machine of choice.

You need to choose a steam cleaner that is designed to be used on furniture. If not, you might find your results aren’t quite what you wanted.

When using a steam cleaner, you need to ensure you clean the whole couch, not just problem areas. This is because if you just attack the dirty area, you might find – once the entire process is over – that you have one blaringly clean circle, and the rest of the sofa – which you once considered clean enough – looks dirty.

Using a steam cleaner ensures a quicker clean. When you entirely soak your couch cushions by machine washing, you also take on a long drying process. A steam cleaner can be used and dried in just a few hours.

Which machine should you use?

Choosing the right machine might seem overwhelming, but often the decision is already made for you. For example, some couch cushions can’t be removed from the cushion itself, and some are specifically designed not to go in a washing machine. In these instances, you have to use a steam cleaner.

However, if nothing stops you from using a washing machine, it is your best bet to use one. If fears of shrinkage or time constraints are a factor, it is good to know you can use a steam cleaner for similar results.