Polyester is a durable, synthetic fabric favored by many for its suitability in indoor and outdoor furniture. Polyester fabric couches are resilience against wear and tear, which makes it a top choice for households with pets. However, like any well-used furniture, a polyester couch can accumulate dirt and stains over time. Whether you have a standard polyester fabric couch, a polyester fiber couch, or even a polyester couch that looks like leather, you need to know how to clean your couch for maintaining its appearance and longevity. Using the right couch cleaner and techniques, you can tackle common stains and dirt.
Here’s how to clean your polyester couch to keep it looking as good as new.
What You Need
- Dry brush
- Sponge
- Laundry detergent or dish soap
- Distilled vinegar (optional)
- Hand-held vacuum
- Microfiber cloth
Cleaning Steps
1. Polyester Couch Cleaning Code Meaning
Look for the cleaning code on your couch’s tag to know which cleaning solutions are safe.
W: Only water-based cleaners.
S: Only solvent-based cleaners.
SW: Both water and solvent-based cleaners.
X: Professional cleaning only.
2. Inspect for Bugs
Before cleaning, inspect your couch for common pests such as dust mites or fleas. You may need professional help or use a steam cleaner with temperature control to avoid damaging the polyester.
3. Spot Treat Stains
Always treat stains before cleaning the entire couch. Apply a spot treatment to any stains and test it on a small hidden area to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric. You can use plant-based cleaners or a mild soap and vinegar solution for most household stains.
4. Brush and Vacuum
Clear the couch of any loose items. Use a dry brush to loosen dirt from the polyester fibers, then use a vacuum to remove the loosened dirt.
5. Prepare Cleaning Solution
Depending on your couch’s cleaning code, mix water with a few drops of mild detergent in a spray bottle, adding vinegar if needed for odors. If your couch requires solvent-based cleaners, opt for a product formulated for polyester.
6. Perform a Spot Test
Before cleaning the entire couch, test the solution on a small, inconspicuous part of the couch to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage.
7. Clean the Couch
Lightly spray or apply the cleaning solution and wipe over it with a sponge, ensuring you don’t soak the fabric. Use a soft brush to address any tough spots, particularly along edges and corners.
8. Rinse and Dry
After cleaning, wipe off the solution with a damp microfiber cloth. If the fabric still feels soapy, rinse the cloth and wipe again until clean. Let the couch air dry completely.
What to Avoid
Avoid using harmful ingredients like bleach, ammonia, acetone, alcohol, and gasoline, as they can discolor or damage polyester. Also, steer clear of harsh cleaning methods such as steam cleaning and hot extraction, which can melt or shrink the fabric.
Maintenance Tips
To maintain your polyester couch, vacuum it regularly to remove dust and prevent dirt buildup. Spot clean spills immediately by blotting with a damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and consider having the couch professionally cleaned every 1-2 years if it is heavily used.
