Check the cleaning code first
Microfiber is a tightly woven synthetic fabric that is soft but can show water marks and stains easily. Before you clean, look for the cleaning code on the tag under a cushion or on the frame (our guide to spot cleaning upholstery explains the codes further):
- W: water-based cleaners or mild soap are generally suitable.
- S: solvent-based cleaners only (no water). Rubbing alcohol is a commonly suggested option for this code.
- WS or SW: either water-based or solvent-based cleaners.
- X: vacuum or brush only, no liquid cleaners.
If there is no tag, a cautious approach is to treat the fabric as S-code, test on a hidden spot, and avoid soaking it. If the cushions have removable covers, see our guide to cleaning sofa cushion covers for washing guidance.
What you need
- Vacuum with upholstery attachment
- Soft brush (a clean, soft-bristled brush works)
- White or light-colored cloths or sponges
- Spray bottle
- For W or WS: mild dish soap or a fabric-safe upholstery cleaner and cool water; some people use distilled water to reduce mineral marks
- For S or WS: 70% or 91% rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) or a solvent-based upholstery cleaner made for fabrics
- Baking soda for odors
Step-by-step cleaning
Vacuum and brush
Take off the cushions and vacuum the surface, seams, and gaps with the upholstery attachment. Brush the fabric gently to loosen embedded debris and lift the nap.
Spot test
Pick a hidden area, such as the underside or back of a cushion. Apply a small amount of your chosen cleaner, blot, and let it dry. Check for color transfer, fading, or rings before cleaning the visible surface.
Water-based cleaning (W or WS)
- Mix a few drops of mild dish soap into a cup of cool water, or use a fabric-safe upholstery cleaner as directed.
- Dampen a white cloth in the solution. Wring it out well so it is damp, not wet.
- Blot the surface, working in small sections, from the outside of any stain inward.
- Blot with a second cloth dampened with plain water to remove soap.
- Blot dry with a clean towel and let it air dry.
Solvent-based cleaning (S or WS)
- Open windows or turn on ventilation. Rubbing alcohol is flammable, so keep it away from flames, heaters, candles, and cigarettes.
- Lightly dampen a white cloth, or lightly mist a small area. Avoid soaking.
- Blot the stain. Do not scrub.
- Let it dry fully. Brush the area gently when dry to restore the texture.
Do not mix alcohol with other cleaners, and never combine bleach, ammonia, and vinegar. Keep children and pets out of the area until it is dry and the odor has cleared, and store the alcohol out of reach.
Removing common stains
- Fresh liquid spills: blot immediately with a clean cloth. Do not rub.
- Grease or oil: sprinkle baking soda on the spot, wait, vacuum, then treat with the cleaner suited to your code.
- Ink or makeup: often responds to rubbing alcohol on an S or WS fabric, tested first. Blot, never rub.
- Pet accidents: blot, clean as above, and consider an enzyme-based pet cleaner if odor lingers. Check that it is suitable for your fabric.
Repeat gentle cleaning rather than escalating to stronger products.
Deodorizing
Sprinkle baking soda over the cushions, leave it for several hours or overnight, and vacuum it up thoroughly. Keep it away from pets and children while it sits, and be sure to remove all the powder. Letting cushions air out in a well-ventilated room also helps.
Drying and restoring the nap
Microfiber can look stiff or flattened after cleaning, or show a watermark as it dries. To help:
- Let the cushions dry completely, with a fan if possible.
- When dry, brush with a soft brush or a clean dry cloth to lift the fibers.
- If a ring appears, lightly re-dampen the whole panel evenly to the seams (for W or WS fabric), blot, and let it dry, which can even out the appearance.
What to avoid on microfiber
- Windex or glass cleaners: these commonly contain ammonia or other ingredients that are not designed for upholstery, and are not usually recommended. Avoid them.
- Dish soap: a few drops in water can be acceptable on W or WS fabric. Too much leaves residue. Do not use soap on an S-code fabric.
- Steam cleaning: only if the manufacturer or tag allows it. Heat and moisture can damage some microfiber and cause watermarks. For S and X fabrics, avoid steam.
- Bleach or harsh chemicals, which can discolor fabric.
- Soaking the cushion, since the foam inside can hold water for a long time.
- Hot hair dryers that may damage or melt fibers.
Keeping microfiber cushions clean
- Vacuum regularly, ideally weekly.
- Rotate and flip cushions.
- Treat spills right away.
- Consider a fabric protector that the manufacturer or product label says is suitable for microfiber, tested first.
- Keep sunlight in check, since it can fade fabric.
Safety notes
Only use one cleaning product at a time. Never mix bleach, ammonia, and vinegar. Ventilate rooms. Keep pets and children away from wet cushions and the products. Wash your hands after cleaning.
If you have a different upholstery type, see our guides to polyurethane couches, leather furniture, and down cushions.
Frequently asked questions
What should you avoid when washing microfiber?
Avoid soaking, harsh chemicals, bleach, high heat, and cleaners that do not match the cleaning code. Always test first.
Does Windex clean a microfiber couch?
It is not generally recommended. Glass cleaners may contain ammonia and other ingredients not meant for upholstery.
Can you use Dawn dish soap on a microfiber couch?
On a W or WS fabric, a few drops of mild dish soap in water is a common method, but use little and rinse by blotting. Avoid it on S-code fabrics.
Can a microfiber couch be steam cleaned?
Only if the manufacturer’s instructions allow it. When in doubt, avoid steam.