I need some frugal tips for cleaning my couch.
@beautyqueen26 (16030)
United States
May 4, 2009 12:50pm CST
We just got a used couch and every time I sit on it, my arms itch. I'm guessing it needs to be cleaned. But I can't afford to pay to have it cleaned professionally.
I have a carpet cleaning machine, but no upholstery attachment.
Do you have any frugal cleaning tips for cleaning upholstery? Are there any special chemicals that I can use? Preferably something all natural that won't irritate the skin as my skin is super sensitive.
Thanks for any suggestions.
3 people like this
6 responses
@SomeCowgirl (32189)
• United States
4 May 09
Well the first person said steam clean, of which I agree, but also there is kids and pets, that will help. You can find this at wal*mart with the cleaning items. Maybe febreeze, or a carpet cleaner could help?
Not sure.
1 person likes this
@beautyqueen26 (16030)
• United States
4 May 09
I'm going to check into that. I'm constantly getting
itchy arms from my couch. I have it covered with something now,
but would love to just have a clean couch.
I made a big old water ring on the fabric when I sprayed it.
It's not fancy fabric, just regular, so can't understand why.
Thanks for the suggestions.
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
5 May 09
Could you borrow a lil green steam machine from someone? That's what I use on my couch every summer. But I find if I do it on a day that's under 80 degrees it takes a very long time to dry. I don't know about what you could use for solution for someone with sensitive skin though....
@beautyqueen26 (16030)
• United States
7 May 09
I have always wondered if the lil green machine
was any good. I might make the investment this summer
when money is better. I guess I could use the
vinegar solution that MoonChild mentioned.
That would go into the machine easily.
Thanks for the suggestion.
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
7 May 09
It takes some time to steam clean it but you can't imagine the yuck that is on your couch til you clean it. Plus I've got 3 lil kids and guess what they use as a napkin... the couch! 
@Darkwing (21583)
•
16 May 09
I would give it a good brush and a spray first, because it may just be that you have dust mites in it, and it doesn't need a complete clean. If that doesn't work then sure, go ahead and clean it. You can buy upholstery cleaner that's just like a mild detergent, but I would check out the chemicals in it, just in case. This can be applied with a sponge, and left overnight to dry.
Brightest Blessings.
@beautyqueen26 (16030)
• United States
25 May 09
Cool! I had not thought about doing that.
Guess it could be dust mites, cause the fabric
makes my skin crawl! Yuck!
I'll give your ideas a try.
Thanks again, my friend.
Have a lovely day.
@smileonstar (4007)
• United States
4 May 09
Usually, I would stream clean it. But if you want other thing to clean then you can use car carpet cleaner. You can find at Wal-Mart, it is for car. It will help. Or you can find something for household use...
@beautyqueen26 (16030)
• United States
4 May 09
Thanks for that cool suggestion. I had not thought about the
car carpet cleaner
@moonchild1au (6237)
• Australia
5 May 09
Try vacuuming your couch thoroughly then mix 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water in a spray bottle & spray the couch lightly. I have a couple of squidoo lenses on this sort of thing if you would like me to pm you the links
@beautyqueen26 (16030)
• United States
7 May 09
Yes! Please do pm the links. I'm always more than
happy to take a look at squidoo lens, helium articles
or anything else that would help a friend.
I have a couple lens myself. They're lots of fun to work on.
Thanks for the offer.
@simpleliving3251120 (497)
• Manahawkin, New Jersey
30 Sep 15
My couch is mess as well due to my kids. I can't afford a new one either! There are many DIY cleaning recipes out there for cleaning fabric.
