How to Steam Clean a Couch

If you do not clean a couch with a steam cleaner the right way, it may not look as good as it can, or you can even damage it.

1. Remove hair, fur, dust, dirt and debris from the couch frame and couch cushions. Larger debris can be swept up with a dustpan and hand broom. Smaller debris should be vacuumed up.

2. Pre-treat tough, set-in stains using a steam cleaning stain pre-treater. Allow the pre-treatment to sit on the stains for 15 to 20 minutes.

3. Prepare your steam cleaner by filling the water tank with the appropriate amount of hot water and steam cleaning formula. Guidelines for cleaner amounts should be listed on or with your machine. Plug the machine in and free the hand-held upholstery attachment from the base of the unit. Make sure you check operating instructions for use of your upholstery attachment before you begin.

4. Check the couch for colorfastness by cleaning a small, inconspicuous area first. After cleaning it, turn the machine off and blot the area with a clean, white towel. If a large amount of color transfers to the towel, do not proceed with cleaning. If a small amount of color, or no color at all transfers you can proceed.

5. Clean the upholstery of the couch one section at a time. Use slow, even strokes that are slightly overlapped. Clean cushions or pillows for your couch on a sheet or towels, on the floor separate from the couch frame.

6. Leave the couch to air dry. Open windows and place a fan near the couch to promote air circulation.