How to Sanitize a Couch

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Sanitize your couch by cleaning and then disinfecting it.

It could be the dog, it’s most certainly the kids, and it could even be you. Anything and anyone that comes into contact with your upholstered couch is a possible suspect when it comes to leaving a trail of dirt, liquid spills, food plops and who knows what else behind. When the time has come to sanitize your couch, you don’t need to hire a professional furniture cleaner; you don’t even have to rent a steam cleaner. Just make good use of two common household products -- mild soap and white vinegar -- and give your couch a new lease on daily life.

Step 1

Remove the cushions from your couch. Vacuum it thoroughly with an attachment to remove dirt, crumbs and those hidden “treasures” lurking under the cushions.

Step 2

Make a sudsy solution with a gentle laundry detergent or dish soap in a small bucket. Follow a good rule of thumb by combining 1 tablespoon of soap for every 2 cups of warm water. Fill another small bucket with cool water only.

Step 3

Submerge one sponge in the sudsy water. Drain it thoroughly so mostly bubbles remain on the sponge. Your goal is to use as little water as possible as you clean your couch.

Step 4

Work one small area of the couch at a time. Rub the bubbles into one area until you’re sure it’s clean. Pay special attention to the cushions and armrests, which are probably the dirtiest areas of your couch. Then dip the second sponge into the cool-water bucket and wipe the couch. Again, use as little water as possible to avoid soaking your couch.

Step 5

Let your couch air dry thoroughly. Meanwhile, fill a spray bottle halfway with white vinegar; fill the other half with cool tap water. Shake the bottle.

Step 6

Stand back from your couch about 1 foot. Spray one area at a time with a fine mist of vinegar water to disinfect it. Let the solution dry before climbing aboard your fully sanitized couch.

Things You Will Need

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  • Vacuum cleaner with attachment
  • 2 small buckets
  • Gentle laundry detergent or dish soap
  • 2 sponges
  • Spray bottle
  • White vinegar

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