How to Clean Couch Cushions: A Guide for Every Fabric

Couch cushions take more daily wear than almost anything else in the house: spills, pets, sunscreen, crumbs. The right way to clean them depends on the fabric, and getting it wrong can shrink a cover, leave a water ring or ruin the foam. Here is how to clean couch cushions safely, fabric by fabric.

Start with the care code

Most upholstery has a cleaning code on a tag under the cushion or on the frame. It tells you what the fabric can take:

• W: water-based cleaners are fine.
• S: solvent-based cleaners only; avoid water.
• W/S: either water-based or solvent-based cleaners.
• X: vacuum or brush only; no water or solvents.

If there is no code, test any cleaner on a hidden spot first and let it dry before you go further.

Everyday care for every fabric

1. Vacuum weekly with an upholstery brush, including the seams and under the cushions.
2. Blot spills straight away with a clean, dry cloth. Blot from the outside in; don't rub.
3. Flip and rotate cushions every week or two so they wear and fade evenly.
4. Keep cushions out of strong sun where you can, unless the fabric is solution-dyed.

How to clean cushions by fabric

Sunbrella and other solution-dyed fabrics

Sunbrella is one of the easiest fabrics to keep clean. For most spots, use a mild soap and lukewarm water, scrub gently with a soft brush, rinse well and let it air dry. Sunbrella covers are machine washable in cold water on a gentle cycle; air dry them rather than using a dryer. For tougher stains, see our Sunbrella cleaning guide.

Velvet

Vacuum with a soft brush in the direction of the pile. Blot spills immediately with a dry cloth. Light steam held a few inches from the fabric lifts crushed pile. For anything bigger, follow the care code or call a professional upholstery cleaner.

Faux leather

Wipe with a damp cloth and a little mild soap, then dry with a soft towel. Avoid solvents, bleach and abrasive cleaners, which can crack the surface.

Woven upholstery fabrics

Check the care code first. For W-coded fabrics, a little upholstery shampoo or mild soap on a damp cloth, followed by blotting with clean water, handles most marks. For S-coded fabrics, use a water-free upholstery cleaner.

Can I wash couch cushion covers in the machine?

Only if the fabric and the care label allow it. Zippers on cushion covers are there so the cover can be fitted over the foam; they don't always mean the cover is washable. Many covers shrink a little when washed, which makes them hard to get back on. If the label allows washing, use cold water and a gentle cycle, and put the cover back on while it is still slightly damp so it stretches into shape.

Never soak the foam

Foam inserts hold water for a long time and can grow mildew inside. Spot clean foam with a barely damp cloth and let it dry completely before putting the cover back on. Dry Fast foam, made for outdoor cushions, is the exception: its open cells let water drain straight through.

When cleaning isn't enough

If the fabric is faded, pilled or permanently stained, new sofa cushion covers made to the size of your foam give the couch a fresh look. If the cushions have gone flat, replacement couch cushion foam or complete replacement couch cushions will bring the seat back. For homes with kids and pets, Sunbrella is the easiest fabric to keep clean.

Questions about cleaning couch cushions

How often should I deep clean couch cushions?

Vacuum weekly and deep clean once or twice a year, more often with pets or young children.

Can I use baking soda on couch cushions?

Yes, on most fabrics. Sprinkle it on, leave it for 20 minutes to absorb odors, then vacuum it off thoroughly. Test on a hidden spot first.

How do I get a water ring out?

On W-coded fabrics, dampen the whole panel evenly with distilled water and blot, so it dries without an edge. On S-coded fabrics, use a solvent cleaner or call a professional.