To clean a fabric couch bed effectively, you'll use different techniques depending on the type of dirt or stain and the part of the furniture you're cleaning. For small stains and scuffs, spot cleaning is the easiest approach. For parts that cannot be removed, the recommended method involves using a dry foam shampoo, carefully following the product instructions.
Essential Steps for Cleaning Your Fabric Couch Bed
Keeping your fabric couch bed clean helps maintain its appearance and extend its lifespan. Here’s a breakdown of how to tackle different cleaning needs:
Spot Cleaning Small Stains and Scuffs
Fabric couch beds often face spills and small dirty marks. The good news is that spot cleanable fabrics are easy for keeping small stains or dirty scuffs at bay.
Here’s how to spot clean:
- Act Quickly: Address spills and stains as soon as possible before they set.
- Blot, Don't Rub: Use a clean, absorbent cloth to blot up liquid spills. Rubbing can spread the stain and push it deeper into the fabric fibers.
- Test a Hidden Area: Always test any cleaning solution (even plain water) on an inconspicuous spot of the fabric first to ensure it doesn't cause discoloration or damage.
- Use Appropriate Cleaner: For general spots, a mild soap and water solution or a commercial fabric spot cleaner designed for upholstery can be effective. Follow the product directions.
- Work from Outside In: When cleaning a stain, start from the outer edge and work towards the center to prevent the stain from spreading.
- Rinse (If Necessary): If using a cleaning solution, lightly dampen a clean cloth with water to gently blot the area and remove any residue.
- Dry Thoroughly: Allow the spot to air dry completely. You can use a fan to speed up the drying process.
Cleaning Non-Removable Sections
Not all parts of a fabric couch bed can be removed for cleaning, such as the main frame or built-in cushions. For these areas, a specific method is recommended.
Based on expert advice, to clean the parts of your sofa bed which are not removable, we recommend using a dry foam shampoo. This method is suitable for fabrics that shouldn't get too wet.
Follow these steps when using dry foam shampoo:
- Vacuum First: Before applying any cleaner, thoroughly vacuum the entire couch bed to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris. This prevents you from turning dust into mud when cleaning.
- Read Product Instructions: Follow the instructions closely on the dry foam shampoo product label. Different products may have slightly different application and drying times.
- Apply the Foam: Apply the dry foam shampoo evenly over the non-removable fabric sections as directed by the manufacturer.
- Allow Time to Work: Let the foam sit on the fabric for the recommended time. The foam is designed to lift dirt to the surface as it dries.
- Brush or Vacuum Away: Once the foam is dry (it may turn into a powdery residue), always use a clean brush or cloth when coming into contact with your sofa bed fabric to brush or vacuum away the residue, which should contain the lifted dirt.
- Allow to Dry Completely: Ensure the fabric is fully dry before using the couch bed again.
By combining spot cleaning for small issues with the recommended dry foam shampoo method for non-removable parts, you can keep your fabric couch bed looking fresh and clean.
