How To Clean Corduroy Couch
In the world of upholstery, there are few fabrics as unique or challenging to clean as corduroy. With its distinct raised and lowered pile that creates a tweed-like appearance, cleaning this fabric can be an uphill battle from day one. Corduroy is also prone to frequent spills and stains because it’s such a soft fabric with such prominent creases.
If you own a corduroy couch, armchair, love seat or another piece of upholstered furniture with this material – now is the time to strategize your plan of attack for keeping it clean and stain-resistant over the long haul. Luckily, keeping your couch clean isn’t too difficult once you know how. Keep reading to discover our insider secrets on how to clean a corduroy couch so that it looks great for longer!
Corduroy Cleaning Basics
The first step to keeping your corduroy couch clean is understanding how it reacts to different cleaning methods. While some fabrics are more adaptable to different cleaning chemicals than others, most upholstered fabrics can be cleaned with a gentle mixture of water and mild soap. However, each type of fabric has its own quirks and nuances when it comes to cleaning methods, which is why it’s important to know what works best for corduroy.
Hot water is usually your best bet when it comes to cleaning corduroy. Although corduroy is a sturdy fabric, excessive exposure to hot water can make it shrink. This can cause the couch’s upholstery to become misshapen and baggy over time.
When cleaning corduroy upholstery, you want to make sure you’re not using too much soap. Excessive use of cleaning products can strip the fabric of its natural oils and leave it feeling stiff, dry and brittle.
Avoid using too much pressure when cleaning your couch, as this can cause the fabric to stretch, tear or snag more easily.
Make sure to use a microfiber cloth for cleaning your couch, as a standard cotton rag can leave lint behind.
Always test a small portion of your couch’s upholstery to make sure any cleaning products you use won’t cause any stains or discoloration.
Remove the spill immediately
Most couch stains happen on the spot and can be easily avoided with a little proactive cleaning. However, the moment you notice a spill, you should start cleaning as soon as possible for best results. For liquid messes, start by blotting the spill with a paper towel or soft cloth and warm water. If the spill is particularly stubborn, you can mix one cup of baking soda into the water to help lift the stain.
For solid messes like crumbs or bits of pet hair, use a spoon or your finger to pick the mess out of the fabric. You can also use a lint roller to carefully lift bits of dirt and dust from your couch’s upholstery. Always be careful not to rub the mess into the fabric when cleaning, as this can cause the stain to set in. Washing the fabric thoroughly with warm water and a mild detergent can help lift stubborn stains out of the fabric and prevent them from setting.
Dry cleaning is your best bet
For the toughest stains or discoloration on your corduroy couch, dry cleaning may be necessary. Although professional cleaning is usually the best way to remove tough stains from your couch, it’s often too expensive to do on a regular basis. Luckily, you can use dry cleaning sponges to clean your couch at home. Full of chemicals and scents that are designed to lift stains, these sponges are perfect for cleaning corduroy upholstery.
Always test a small area of your couch before cleaning the entire piece with a dry cleaning sponge to make sure the fabric doesn’t get discolored or stained. If your couch has a loveseat or sofa seat cushion, you can also try using a dry cleaning swab to lift stubborn stains from your upholstery. However, these swabs are not as powerful as the dry cleaning sponges, so they’re not suitable for lifting heavier stains.
Try spot cleaning with a stiff brush
For minor stains that are not lifting with other cleaning methods, you can also try spot cleaning with a stiff brush. Make sure to use a small, stiff paintbrush or a small scrub brush to avoid damaging the fabric. For stubborn stains, you can also try soaking the affected area in a mixture of water and white vinegar to help lift the stain and kill bacteria.
If your couch has light-colored fabric, you can also use a mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide to lift stubborn stains. Be careful not to use too much peroxide, as it can cause discoloration on light-colored fabrics.
Conclusion
Corduroy cleaning isn’t too difficult once you know what to do. With the help of this guide, you should now have all the knowledge you need to keep your couch clean and stain-free for longer. Remember to avoid rubbing the fabric too much whenever you clean it.
Cleaning is a process that’s meant to lift dirt and grime from the fabric, not scrub it. With these tips, you can keep your couch looking great for longer and ensure everyone has a comfortable place to sit.
