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Cleaning Micro Fiber Couches: Code S/Wby Felicia Williams Cleaning a microfiber upholstered couch is a bit different than cleaning a couch with the older, standard type, upholstery fabrics. Not to reinvent the wheel here, but microfiber comes in various codes. If your couch has an S/W code, that means you can use water-based cleaners and solvent-based cleaners to remove stains and keep the couch clean. ![]() Water-Based vs. Solvent Based CleanersWater-based cleaners are just as they sound. They are a combination of water and a cleaning agent such as soap. Cleaning a microfiber couch with water-based cleaners could be as simple as using plain warm water or it could be water and a mild soap. For oily stains using a dishwashing liquid such as Dawn diluted in water may be all you need to remove the oil stain. Solvent-based cleaners have ammonia, denatured alcohol or some other type of not so pleasant smelling chemical as the base for cleaning. Folks who work on cars are very familiar with solvent-based cleaners. They tend to be a bit harsher than water-based cleaners. Which Cleaner to Use on Microfiber CouchesFor mild stains, water-based cleaners can clean a microfiber couch just fine. For heavier stains, you may have to work a little harder using a water-based cleaner but it should be able to handle the job. When using a solvent-based cleaner, make sure to have adequate airflow as they’re more toxic than using soap and water. This can be a special concern in households with young children or people with breathing conditions or are allergic to some of the chemicals found insolvent. The choice to use water off solvent depends on the type of stain and the press personal preference. Testing the CleanerIt is always wise to test the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of the couch such as the back of the couch if it's against a wall. Try an area very close to the floor. You don't need to use a large area; no more than a square inch to test the solution. After applying and rubbing the solution on the test area, dab it dry with a clean cloth (as you would if you were cleaning the couch) and allow it to completely dry. Once it’s completely dry you can see if the solvent is compatible with your couch. Cleaning an S/W Coded Microfiber CouchNow that you’ve tested the solution and have given it a thumbs up, it’s time to clean the couch.![]()
Cleaning the Entire Microfiber Couch (S/W)If your S/W couch needs more than just spot cleaning, the best way to clean it is to rent an upholstery cleaner from the local home improvement center. Follow the instructions on the home cleaning device and clean the microfiber couch. Do not over-saturate the couch. The steam cleaners are efficient high-tech machines and do not need a lot of liquid to clean the microfiber couch. Preventive MeasuresIf you're there when the spill happens, it’s best to clean the stain immediately. ![]() Oil, or grease-based spots, can be cleaned with a mild soap, minimal amounts of water, and a clean white terry cloth towel. The soap will cut the grease spot, but if the spot gathers an excessive amount of water it will eventually penetrate the fabric. This means the slow evaporation of the water will create a water ring. Be very careful to limit the amount of water if cleaning the spot in this manner. Try a small amount of both soap and water on the towel, but do not rub the fabric. Dabbing and pressing down on a towel should lift the stain. Common home products for a quick-cleaning of grease spots, immediately after they occur, are household ammonia, 99% pure alcohol. These products all work fairly well in emergency situations. However, when you purchase your S/W coded microfiber couch, you should spend an additional $6 or so and buy a container of Guardsman AFTA Spot Cleaner. It works great on getting rid of oil-based stains from microfiber couches. Having it around the house will give you peace of mind. At least if you get a stain, you can get rid of it quickly. As a last resort, if the spots on a microfiber couch simply will not disappear, a call to a reputable professional upholstery cleaner. If you’re not sure where to find a reputable professional, check with a local furniture store, or better yet, the store from where you purchased your couch. They should be able to recommend a qualified professional upholstery cleaner for your microfiber couch..
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