Cleaning Microfiber
Learn About Cleaning Microfiber Furniture and More
Microfiber is a very attractive, popular fabric for furniture, clothing, and even towels and cleaning cloths. But, what about cleaning microfiber? What's the best way to clean and care for your microfiber furniture and upholstery?
On this page we'll provide information about cleaning microfiber couches, chairs, sofas or other furniture and tell you how you can do it yourself - and when you shouldn't. From getting rid of little stains on your microfiber recliner to what you need to deep clean your microfiber sofa, we've got you covered. Cleaning microfiber is easier than you might think, so let's get started.
Photo credit: Allen Skyy
How to Clean Microfiber Upholstery
First rule of cleaning microfiber furniture: Follow the manufacturer's instructions! (Better safe than sorry.)
Your microfiber furniture probably came with information and instructions on how to clean the upholstery. Check this information first! If you can't find the manufacturer's instructions (or even if you can), keep these points in mind:
- Microfiber is a man-made polyester fabric and gentle soap, water, and the right upholstery brush (below) are usually all you need to keep it clean.
- Always test any cleaner in an inconspicuous spot.
- When spot cleaning microfiber, use a soft cloth to rub in a circular motion. Let the surface dry naturally, then brush with soft bristles to lift the microfibers and restore the original feel of the microfiber fabric.
- To avoid creating a spot, clean the area in a circular motion from the outside in.
- For deep cleaning a microfiber sofa, chair, or other furniture we recommend a machine such as the Bissell Little Green Multi-Purpose Compact Deep Cleaner (below) with its spray cleaner and strong suction.
- For best results, clean spills as soon as possible after they happen. Obviously, set-in stains will require more work and more time to clean.
- After cleaning, let the fabric air dry.
- When in doubt, consult a professional. Better safe than sorry!
Use Microfiber to Clean Microfiber
Yesterday I noticed dog drool spots on our microfiber sofa. I grabbed a fresh microfiber cleaning cloth, dampened it ever so slightly, then rubbed those drool spots away. No cleaning product needed!
I love it when people get excited about cleaning. These are the most popular cleaning cloths on Amazon and people love them, as you'll be able to tell from the customer reviews. Order 12, 24, 36, or 48-cloth packs. Choose the quantity on the product page (at the orange link, or click the picture).
TIP: Don't use fabric softener on these. Hang to dry in order to avoid lint. These cloths won't produce lint, but something else in your dryer load probably will.
Video Demo: How to Clean a Microfiber Sofa, Couch, or Chair - This video shows a demonstration of the method that you should use when cleaning microfiber.
For Excellent Results, Use an Upholstery Brush
This brush works very well when cleaning your microfiber furniture and is very popular with online shoppers.
As shown in the video demonstration above, after allowing the microfiber fabric to dry, gently brush the upholstery to restore the original texture.
This is a very popular brush, great brand and priced at right around 5 dollars.
Microfiber Furniture Need Some Deep Cleaning? Try this Bissell Little Green Earth-Friendly Deep Cleaner
Sometimes you just need a little more power. That's where this little green machine comes in. Customers really like the lightweight, portable Bissell cleaner. It's lightweight and easy to handle and even, according to one customer, does a great job even on set-in stains in microfiber upholstery. Click on the picture to read the customer comments and reviews. As with any cleaner or cleaning machine, test first in an inconspicuous spot.
Reminder! First rule of cleaning microfiber: Follow the manufacturer's instructions!
Always do your due diligence and don't forget:
Read the manufacturer's instructions first and always test any cleaner in an inconspicuous spot!
OxyDeep Stain Remover by Woolite
This product, designed for carpet, has our personal recommendation for cleaning microfiber upholstery as well. We used Woolite Oxy Deep Oxygen-Activated Stain Remover to clean a food stain on our microfiber love seat. It worked great, lifted off the stain, and didn't leave a mark. Your results may vary and we aren't going to make any promises or guarantees, but it worked for us!
From the manufacturer: "Permanently removes tough set in stains like red wine, food stains, fruit juice, pet messes, mud/dirt, ink, chocolate, coffee/tea, blood, grease, and more! Eliminates household stains and odors like garlic, onion and fish. Safe for all colorfast carpet and upholstery."
Look for this in the cleaners aisle of your local discount or grocery store.
K2R Spotlifter for Cleaning Microfiber
K2R Spotlifter is another very popular quick-drying product made to clean carpets, dry-cleanable clothing, and upholstery fabrics such as microfiber. This product is recommended by satisfied customers who have used it to for spot-cleaning their own microfiber furniture and have given it glowing reviews. You'll find this at the grocery store, too.
Bonus Tip: Baby Wipes to Clean Microfiber
This mom (in the video below) demonstrates the use of baby wipes on her microfiber furniture. Looks good, but always test first in an inconspicuous area!
More Info From the Housekeeping Department
- Best Homemade Tub and Shower Cleaner Recipe
Here's an easy homemade solution to a common housecleaning problem. - 13+ Best Housecleaning Tips to Make Spring Cleaning Easier Than Ever
Housework doesn't have to be boring and it doesn't have to take all day. Follow our advice to make housework and those dreaded weekly chores fun. Use our tips to help get it done fast.
© 2011 Susan Deppner
Do You Think Microfiber is Amazing? Let Us Know in a Comment Below
Susan Deppner (author) from Arkansas USA on September 12, 2016:
Thanks so much for your visit and the comment, Dan. I hear you on the "which it will" sentiment. Eventually, especially with kiddos around, the couch will get stained. I think the best advice I have is to keep after the small marks, spots, and stains so they don't accumulate, and keep the kool-aid in the kitchen! Seriously, we all want our furniture to stay clean, but I'd rather have my grandchildren in my home and deal with the occasional spill than have to watch their every move enough to stifle their fun. Appreciate your input to the conversation!
Dan Harmon from Boise, Idaho on September 12, 2016:
We bought a huge microfiber couch a while back and, while it hasn't happened yet, I've wondered what to do when it gets stained. Which it will - 6 grandchildren guarantee that! I would never have though of baby wipes, and our home is full of them.
Great article - thanks for the information.
Susan Deppner (author) from Arkansas USA on July 05, 2014:
@ecogranny: I appreciate honest reviews and thank you very much for contributing! I like it better than I thought I would, actually, but I certainly understand why some people wouldn't like it. I think some of the cleaning advice is very sound for other fabrics as well. And perhaps you can use that Little Green Machine! Thanks for stopping by, Graceonline!
Kathryn Grace from San Francisco on July 05, 2014:
I hope you will forgive a negative reaction, but personally, I hate microfiber. The offgassing is terrible, and I didn't realize that until we had a set in our home. I will never buy it again. On the other hand, it is very easy to keep clean, which I suppose is why it is so popular, and all of your suggestions here are excellent. I am going to take a look at the little green machine too. Thanks for the tips!
Susan Deppner (author) from Arkansas USA on March 26, 2014:
@OUTFOXprevention1: It really is quite easy, I'm happy to say!
OUTFOXprevention1 on March 26, 2014:
Great tips. Always wondered the best way to clean microfiber.
Susan Deppner (author) from Arkansas USA on January 09, 2014:
@smine27: I think they're becoming more and more popular. Thanks for stopping by!
Shinichi Mine from Tokyo, Japan on January 08, 2014:
I use microfiber cloths for many things in the house.
Susan Deppner (author) from Arkansas USA on May 17, 2013:
@DANCING COWGIRL: I know what you mean! :) Glad to provide some helpful information for you.
Dancing Cowgirl Design from Texas on May 17, 2013:
Cleaning???? Just joking. I do need to know how to clean the furniture I recently purchased. This sounds like just what I need to know. Thanks!
Susan Deppner (author) from Arkansas USA on May 04, 2013:
@anonymous: In my case it's dog hair, but I definitely agree!
anonymous on May 03, 2013:
Love the lens, particularly the baby wipes video! I love microfiber cloths for cleaning cat hair!
Susan Deppner (author) from Arkansas USA on March 17, 2013:
@Tamara14: It's important to try to catch those spells quickly. My biggest challenge these days is dog hair - but I just use a barely damp microfiber cloth for that, too, and it works well. Good luck with yours!
Tamara14 on March 17, 2013:
Oh my, I wish I landed on this lens sooner :) I've just made special covers for two sofas in my living room as those sitting areas were horrible. Ten years of this and that but nothing worked. Manufacturer instructions were few words only and those didn't help either. Thanks for these tips, I'm gonna try them on those uncovered parts for sure. I must because microfiber is so great to sit on that it's worth all the trouble :)
Fasttrail on March 07, 2013:
Good to have this info on Microfiber all in one place. A lot of timely tips. Thanks
Clairissa from OREFIELD, PA on February 23, 2013:
Great tips on cleaning microfiber which I will definitely use. It is such a wonderful fabric.
Peggy Hazelwood from Desert Southwest, U.S.A. on February 03, 2013:
It is pretty amazing. I love how fabrics have come so far. Great tips for cleaning microfiber so it stays looking new.
Timsmansmall on January 22, 2013:
Good lens on microfiber
anonymous on November 20, 2012:
We are the microfiber manufacturer !
Susan Deppner (author) from Arkansas USA on November 20, 2012:
@anonymous: Wow, that is great information to know. Thank you very much for sharing!
anonymous on November 19, 2012:
A helpful tip. I had an accident on my light tan microfiber couch. I got up off the couch and there it was. A huge blood stain. I freaked out. I immediately poured a couple caps full of hydrogen peroxide and let it bubble up for about 10 seconds before taking a clean cloth and pressing it firmly. After it dried, no stain, no ring. It's a miracle worker for women accidents!
t0domanh on October 14, 2012:
I never knew this much about microfiber and how to clean it. Thanks for the useful education here!
Edwardchang on August 15, 2012:
@SimSpeaks: yes ,we are the supplier !
Edwardchang on August 15, 2012:
Yes , microfiber is very good for car care , kitchen cleaning .We are the Supplier !
Susan Deppner (author) from Arkansas USA on August 10, 2012:
@SimSpeaks: You know, it really is. Microfiber makes my cleaning chores much easier. Thanks!
SimSpeaks on August 09, 2012:
Sounds like microfiber is the wonder cleaner!
Moe Wood from Eastern Ontario on August 05, 2012:
With more and more microfiber popping up this is a handy resource.
JoshK47 on July 20, 2012:
I don't have much experience it - but thanks for sharing this lens! :)
sherioz on June 30, 2012:
I haven't tried it yet for furniture. Good to know cleaning is so easy so may be worth a try.
carpetanchorage on May 25, 2012:
We love microfiber.. love it better than any other type of material for a coach. We have a dog and two cats so keeping it clean is pretty easy.. I guess that's one of the points of microfiber ;)
biminibahamas on April 22, 2012:
Yes, I do think microfiber is great! Thanks for the cleaning tips.
Odille Rault from Gloucester on March 22, 2012:
Excellent resource for cleaning microfiber! I'm definitely going to get some of the Woolite Oxy cleaner!
anonymous on March 21, 2012:
Microfiber is amazing. Great way to clean.
Rose Jones on February 10, 2012:
When I get a new couch, I think I want it to be microfiber.
ernad18 on January 18, 2012:
i like it... nice to meet you..
Laraine Sims from Lake Country, B.C. on June 07, 2011:
With all the new fabrics being invented it is very important that this information is made available. You have done just that. Thank you.
Michey LM on May 11, 2011:
Very useful resource, I didn't know as well... Thanks for sharing.
Regards
Dianne Loomos on March 23, 2011:
I didn't know that they made furniture with microfiber upholstery. I thought it was mainly dust cloths!
Anthony Godinho from Ontario, Canada on March 02, 2011:
This is a good resource on how to clean microfiber...thanks for sharing! :)
Treasures By Brenda from Canada on February 26, 2011:
I didn't know there was such a thing as microfiber fabric! This should prove to be a very helpful page.
Joan4 on February 26, 2011:
This is such important information for anyone with microfiber products in their home.
tandemonimom lm on February 26, 2011:
Very helpful!
clouda9 lm on February 25, 2011:
Sure wish I'd had this info handy...now we have a big ugly spot on the side of the arm of our microfiber couch. No one can see it, I just know it is there...grrs! *Blessed!
