Freshen Up Your Couch This Weekend in 4 Simple Steps

Take time this weekend to give your sofa a refreshing makeover. If you can’t remember the last time you gave your couch a thorough cleaning, it’s likely there’s some gross stuff lurking under (and in!) those cushions.

Remove the Cushions

You’d be amazed at how much stuff ends up under couch cushions. Pull your cushions right off the couch and grab up anything that can’t be sucked up into the vacuum—tissues, change, toys, pens, and that missing sock. Vacuum up all of the crumbs and dust—a HEPA-filter vacuum really shines here as you can capture all the allergens hiding in your couch and upholstery.

Freshen It Up

You have a few option to make a stinky couch smell better. Spraying it with Febreze can help neutralize surface odors, but that can do only so much. If your couch is easily maneuverable and it’s a sunny day, you can enlist the help of a friend to get it outside. Not only does cleaning it outside help it dry faster, but ultraviolet light is a natural disinfectant and deodorizer.

Getting the couch outside isn’t super practical for most people unless it’s a small love seat, though, so  you might want to turn to more in-place methods. If you have a steam cleaner or have the means to rent one, you can deep clean your couch. Although, if you’re thinking about renting one, leaving it to the pros isn’t a bad idea: They’ll bring not only their expertise but a seriously powerful steam cleaner, too. Otherwise, sprinkle the couch with baking soda—which neutralizes odors naturally—and let it sit for a couple of hours. Then vacuum the whole couch.

Spot Clean Stains

Use a damp cloth and some delicate cleaner to spot clean any dirt or stains on your couch. A mix of vinegar and water might also get out tougher stains. Use a stain guide to help you determine which stains need which remedies.

Don’t Forget to Clean Underneath

Scooch your couch out of its normal spot and sweep or vacuum underneath it, too. Be sure to check for pet and kid toys, missing shoes and socks, and anything else that tends to end up hidden under the couch.