About this Recipe

The microfiber couch I have is about 12 years old and has had more than one home. It has seen its share of usage and like anything needs to have a good cleaning now and again. I must admit we do eat popcorn on the couch along with other snacks including salads which occasionally a little bit of salad dressing oil seems to jump off the plate and make a little spot on the couch.

Salad oil can be one of the toughest things to clean but a few years ago I saw a post about how easy it is to clean microfiber and so this method is now my go-to. It does not take that long to spot clean an area and I am so grateful every time I take a few minutes to clean and go from a grimy looking spot to nice and clean! House cleaning tips and tricks are fun to share and this method is inexpensive and allows you to do the job without hiring professional cleaning services.

Grandmother's Kitchen Tips for Cleaning Microfiber:

1. Be kind to yourself. Sometimes you don't do a project because it just seems too large a task to take on. We suggest to take on certain projects in small doses. For example, if you decide to do a full 3 piece sectional couch in one session, you may find yourself a little bit overwhelmed by it all and never begin. If you do the cleaning in smaller sections, it is more likely you will get the cleaning done as it is not such a big time commitment and you will not get tired out and frustrated. Tackle a section at a time and enjoy seeing the results.

2. Keep it real for yourself. Most people have busy lives and can maybe find a half hour or so for a cleaning project. Pick what inspires you to do, turn on some music and make it fun. Setting realistic goals that work into your life schedule instead of feeling discouraged and overwhelmed by how much needs doing is a great approach to household tasks.

3. We use both the rubbing alcohol and the distilled water when we clean our microfiber. Some earlier cleaning posts on the internet showed using only the rubbing alcohol but it has been found that using distilled water takes the cleaning to the next level. We have done it both ways and definitely using the distilled water as well cleans the microfiber a step beyond the rubbing alcohol. Don't use regular water as it will re-surface the stains. You must use distilled water.

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Ingredients

(Print)

Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol 70% USP

Soft to Medium Bristle Scrubbing brush

Distilled water - a spray bottle if you have

Clean Microfiber cleaning cloth or a clean sponge

Directions:

1. Spray a generous amount of rubbing alcohol on the stained areas.

2. Scrub lightly with the scrubbing brush.

3. Spray a little more rubbing alcohol and let sit for 5 minutes to absorb.

4. Scrub gently. If the stain is really stubborn repeat.

5. Wet the area lightly with the distilled water and rub into the area with the scrub brush. If you have a spray bottle use that and if not just dab a small amount of the distilled water onto the area.

6. Use the microfiber cloth to rub the area. You should be seeing results of the dirt coming off onto the cloth.

7. Let the area dry then lightly brush with a dry microfiber cloth.

8. Repeat any of the steps above as required if it is a very soiled area.

Microfiber is a very fine synthetic fiber. The manufacturers can make this product look like a soft leather or suede. It repels water and is very durable which is why it has become such a popular fabric in furniture.

Things to know when cleaning your microfiber furniture.

You should read the cleaning and care tag instructions. There are a few codes that appear on the cleaning tag.

X indicates vacuuming only and you should not home clean this surface with any water or solvent solutions.

S indicates that a solvent base cleaner is advised.

W indicates that a water based cleaner is advised.

S-W indicates both are advised.

You should never use upholstery cleaner, acetone or bleach on microfiber. Consult a professional cleaning surface when you are uncertain.

Microfiber can dry a bit hard after cleaning so giving it a rub with a clean cloth, sponge or soft brush will soften it up again.

You see the true results once the surface has dried completely. The surface can still look a bit stained when it is wet.