How to Clean a Leather Sofa Using the Power of Steam

Our couches receive a lot of use every day, and filth and grime accumulation can cause the upholstery to become damaged and force you to buy a new sofa. 

Before you throw that couch away, however, why not use a steam cleaner to see if you can give it new life?

Knowing how to steam clean a couch will help you save a ton of time, money, and effort while keeping your sofa in excellent condition for years to come.

Read on to see how to clean your leather sofa, using the power of steam:

Steam cleaning a leather sofa

It may seem scary to use a steam cleaner at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s easy. 

To really get your sofa clean, some preparation work is necessary. 

Vacuum the couch

We frequently eat snacks while watching television at impromptu dinner tables we set up on couches. 

As a result, our couches accumulate crumbs and other waste, which obstructs your steam cleaner and lessens its efficiency. That’s why it’s important to vacuum before attempting to steam clean your sofa. Vacuuming also removes pet hair and dander, making your steam cleaner more efficient. 

Use dish soap to remove any obvious stains

Before using the steamer, use gentle dish soap or Murphy’s Oil Soap to remove any stains. Combine one tsp of dish soap with warm water in a spray bottle and shake well to mix.

Before using the steam cleaner, spray the stain with the solution and let it sit for at least an hour. 

Oil-based stains and other non-organic spills need specific attention and treatment, although urine and pet stains may normally be left for the steam cleaning equipment.

Tough stains

Use baking soda or cornstarch for tough stains that dish soap doesn’t remove.

Before using the steamer, allow the baking soda solution to sit for at least an hour to allow it to work on the stain. After steam cleaning, use our post-steam stain removal cleaner to get rid of any remaining stains.

Steam clean the sofa

Once you’ve vacuumed and spot cleaned your coach it’s time to steam clean it. Thanks to the time you spent preparing the furniture for the occasion, steam cleaning your sofa is a breeze.

Put on gloves before adding cleanser (commercially made or DIY) and water to the steamer’s reservoir. 

To prevent producing too much steam or water, don’t overfill the reservoir.

Start with the cushions

Move methodically from outside to inside while using a handheld steam cleaner or comparable device to clean your sofa. Start by concentrating on cleaning the couch cushions.

Cleaning the cushions first will stop any dirt or grime from migrating to your freshly cleaned sofa because they serve as the outer layer. 

To remove water and dirt from the cushion surface, move the suction nozzle across it. Never wash both sides of a cushion at once; let one side dry completely before cleaning the other. You can proceed to the rest of the upholstery after cleaning the pillow’s undersides.

Clean the Rest of the couch

Now it’s time to tackle the rest of your sofa.

Take note that it’s crucial to take your time if you want to thoroughly clean your sofa. Move carefully while cleaning, allowing the steam to penetrate the fabric and remove dirt and stains.

Avoid attempting to clean a space that is too big at once. If you use steam over the entire couch at once, the water will sit on the sofa frame and soak in before you can remove it with the vacuum cleaner’s suction.

Work your way down from the top, cleaning one small space at a time until you’ve steam cleaned the entire sofa.

Wait for the sofa to dry

If you see that any stains have remained, note where they’re at and take care of them after everything has dried thoroughly. Working on a wet couch will not remove the stains and is ineffective. 

And lastly, use a blow dryer to hasten the drying process if desired, then replace the cushions and enjoy your freshly cleaned sofa.

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