Whether the couch is covered in suede, microfiber, satin, silk, cotton, velvet, leather or linen, there is no material that is immune from needing to be cleaned. And while there’s nothing wrong with a housecleaning day that just involves sweeping, mopping, and using a small vacuum to collect immediate dust and dirt, cleaning the actual couch cushions is a little more involved. Depending on the type of couch cover, that part is easy enough to unzip and add to the next load of laundry or handwash in a bucket. With couch cushions, however, an electric washer is not an option. Here’s how to clean couch cushions.

The Makeup of Couch Cushions

Consumers are paying more attention to companies that are trying to reduce, reuse and recycle. Kids’ car seats are being made from recycled water bottles. Patio furniture and tables can be made from recycled wood and glass. And couch cushions are no different. While new foam may have been the norm in prior decades, some companies are using eco-friendly cushion covers made from 100% recycled plastic. So before you try to clean your couch cushions, make sure you know what kind of couch cushion material you’re cleaning beforehand, including whether water or detergent is safe to use on them.

Couch Cushion Cleaning Instructions

Once you’ve already done your usual job of vacuuming the couch cover, couch seams and the couch frame (all of the above are pet hair magnets), look for obvious spots to clean. Using a suitable cleaner (ex. fabric or upholstery cleaner) for the couch cushions, apply a small amount and blot out the stain. Then, wipe off with a moist rag, if need be. Depending on how big the stain is (ex. urine stain), it may need to air dry. For homes with baseboard heaters, sitting the couch cushions nearby can expedite the drying process. (Be careful with those zippers.)

Once the couch cushions are clean and dry, it’s time to deodorize them. Sprinkle baking soda over the cushions to remove any odors. Then, let this sit for 15-20 minutes. (Make sure to keep pets and small children away from these sprinkled cushions. Use a tall table or counter if you have curious onlookers who may try to eat the baking soda. For pets, a large amount can be toxic. And while humans can ingest a small portion of baking soda, eating too much of it can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, muscle spasms and seizures. There is a reason so little baking soda is used in recipes.)

After the 20-minute max of deodorizing the couch cushions, then use a vacuum to remove the baking soda and empty the vacuumed baking soda into a garbage can. Because baking soda can look dusty, and add remnants to couch covers too, you may want to give the cushions a few smacks outside (similar to shaking a rug) in case your vacuum didn’t get all the baking soda off. Once the deodorizing and shaking is complete, re-add the couch cushion covers (if they were removable), and fluff and reshape the couch cushions. When you’re done, your couch cushions should be smelling and looking as good as new.