How to Clean a Sofa with Baking Soda- 3 Easy Steps

The most vulnerable furniture to dirt in my home is my favorite white couch that sits elegantly in the corner of our living room. This is because both my husband and I work from home and we have two kids who tend to get messy with everything around the house, not excluding our favorite couch.

As a mother, therefore, I had to get to speed with learning cleaning hacks that will come through for me whenever my sofa or upholstery gets stained, and that’s when I realized that baking soda is the perfect solution when it comes to deodorizing and eliminating stubborn stains on upholstery.

Therefore, whether you want to clean your fabric, microfiber, polyester, or leather sofa, make sure you sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over it and let it sit for at least an hour before you vacuum up. Please note that the baking soda will not necessarily remove the stain but will minimize the smell caused by the stain, and break down the dirt to make cleaning the sofa easier.

How Do I Clean a Sofa with Baking Soda?

When cleaning your sofa, the most important thing you should do is identify what cleaning solution is best safe for your sofa upholstery. and because most sofas have a tag on them it’s best to check on them to avoid messes that might end up ruining their aesthetic. The tags are usually labeled:

• W- can be cleaned with water-based cleaners (i.e. water and dish soap)
• S- only use solvent cleaners (i.e. rubbing alcohol)
• SW-  can be cleaned with either water or solvent-based cleaners
• X- Only vacuum

It’s also important to test the cleaner in an inconspicuous area to ascertain that it won’t cause discoloration and you will thank yourself for being safe than sorry. Here are the steps to cleaning each type of fabric using baking soda.

How to Clean a Fabric Couch with Baking Soda

What you will need:

• Baking soda
• A soft bristle brush
• Vacuum with hand attachment
• Microfiber cloth
• Warm water
• Vinegar
• Dish soap

Instructions

1. Using the soft bristle brush, remove every dirt particle that may be lingering on the fabric. Using a brush is advisable as even the dried dirt particles will come out fast and easily.
2. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the entire couch and let it sit for about an hour. The more the baking soda sits the more effective it becomes at deodorizing. You can also let it stay overnight.
3. Using a vacuum with hand attachment, vacuum all the excess baking soda. You are likely to notice that the odor on your couch is all gone or minimized.
4. Prepare your cleaners. In a spray bottle, add a cup of warm water, ½ cup white vinegar, a teaspoon of dish soap, and, a teaspoon of baking soda. Shake gently to mix the contents and you will notice the formation of bubbles as it happens when baking soda and vinegar mix.
5. If you are cleaning a specific spot on your couch, spray the cleaning solution over the stain and use a microfiber cloth to rub of the stain gently and in a circular motion to avoid spreading the stain to the clean areas.
6. Rinse the microfiber cloth and repeat the process until all the stain lifts.
7. blot the area with a dry cloth
8. let the couch air dry before subjecting it to use.

How to Clean a Microfiber Couch with Baking Soda

Most microfiber couches bare the tag “S” for solvent cleaner. But to be on the safer side, make sure you confirm first. The best and safest solvent cleaner for microfiber couches that is also easily available is rubbing alcohol.

Therefore, while baking soda will help deodorize and break down the stain in your microfiber couch, rubbing alcohol will help eliminate the stain in a snap. Here are the steps to take:

What you will need:

• baking soda
• rubbing alcohol
• vacuum
• microfiber cloth
• cotton ball

Instructions

1. sprinkle baking soda over the stained area. This will help in minimizing odor and breaking down the stain to make cleaning easy.
2. Use a vacuum to remove excess baking soda
3. Dip a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and rub it over the stain gently and in a circular motion to prevent the stain from spreading.
4. Repeat the process with a fresh cotton ball until all the stain lifts
5. Use a damp microfiber cloth to blot the area
6. Let the couch air dry before subjecting it to use

How to Clean a Leather Couch with Baking Soda

Leather sofas are the easiest to clean. Plus, they don’t require expensive cleaners as you most likely need a solution of baking soda, warm water, and dish soap to eliminate stubborn stains from them. Here are the steps to take when cleaning a leather sofa with baking soda:

1. In a spray bottle, add 1 teaspoon baking soda, mild dish soap, and 2 cups water.
2. Shake the spray bottle to mix the solution
3. Spray the baking soda solution over the stain
4. Use a white microfiber cloth to rub the solution into the stain until it lifts
5. Rinse the cloth with clean water then wipe to remove the baking soda solution
6. Use a dry cloth to blot the area
7. Let the couch air dry

Please note that if the stain persists, apply some rubbing alcohol in a cotton ball and rub it over the stain and be sure to repeat one more time until the stain lifts.

And if you are trying to remove water stains from your leather sofa, be sure to check this article that has detailed information on what you should do.

How Do I Clean a Couch with Baking Soda FAQs?

Can I Use Baking Soda to Clean My Couch?

Absolutely! Baking soda is the most essential home cleaner that you can use at home to eliminate stubborn stains on your couch. First, it works by minimizing odors and then breaking down the stain to make cleaning easier.

What Does Baking Soda Do to a Couch?

Baking soda is an alkali. Therefore, when you sprinkle it over the stain on your couch, it helps eliminate odors brought by the stain and also helps break down the components in the stain to make cleaning easier and fast.

Can I Clean my Couch with Baking Soda and Vinegar?

Yes! Baking soda and vinegar are a perfect combo when it comes to fighting suborn stains and you can absolutely use them to clean your couch. In a spray bottle, add a teaspoon of baking soda, mild dish soap, ½ cup white vinegar, and a cup of warm water. Shake gently to mix everything up and spray the solution over the stain. Let it sit for about 3 minutes then use a microfiber cloth to wipe everything up. The stain should have cleared.

How Long Should Baking Soda Sit On a Couch?

Baking soda works more effectively when left to sit on the couch for a while. If the stain is fresh, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda and let it sit for about 20 minutes. However, if the stain is tough, sprinkle baking soda overnight then clear it out in the morning.