Cleaning and Stain Removal - Speaking of Microfiber Couches...

I am new to this site.....I have a microfiber couch and have tons and tons of stains (spots very visable) I did not have it treated at the furniture store. Things like drool, spit-up, soda, etc. What is the best way to clean the entire couch? A steam cleaner? By hand? Take cushion covers off (if possible) and launder them?

I would use a steam cleaner or by hand. I have been able to remove most of the stains on microfiber with mild soap and water. I've also used Nature's Miracle on tougher stains. You can get it at a pet store.

Make sure that you try anything on a part of the couch that is hidden so you don't create a bigger problem by changing the color of the couch.

Due to the extent of soiling, you may receive better results from a professional upholstery cleaner. There are commercial foam upholstery cleaners available that tend to do a pretty good job. Severity of soiling and staining will determine results.

For organic stains, such as drool, spit-up, food stains, an enzyme digester cleaner is recommended. The trick to using enzymes is to give them time to digest stains.

Care should be taken to prevent overwetting the couch, as cushion that remains wet 24-48 hours can result in musty odors, mold, and mildew. Thus, foam cleaners are recommended because the chances of overwetting are minimized. Blow dryer can expedite drying of upholstery fabric. It is always best to attend to spills and spots immediately, as the longer they go untreated the greater the challenge in removing them.

Again, severely soiled upholstery will likely be better served with professional cleaning. Professionals have the equipment and cleaners that will prevent overwetting and cleaning residues that attract soil and cause rapid resoiling.

I would like to add one thing...I would suggest against removing the cushions, they may shrink during cleaning and make getting them back on impossible.

Yeah, docduck's right, don't take the covers off the cushions - you'll probably never get them back on.