How to Clean a Couch (2026): Deep-Clean Any Fabric, Cushions, and Pet Odor in 6 Steps

By Yazen Halik, Founder of Mirewood — Last updated October 2026

Quick answer

To deep clean a couch: check the cleaning code on the tag, vacuum thoroughly, deodorize with baking soda, spot-treat stains with the cleaner the code allows, then wash or clean the cushion covers and let everything dry completely before use. If the covers are removable and machine-washable, washing them cold on gentle and air-drying is the most thorough clean you can do at home. For pet odor, use an enzyme cleaner — regular soap masks the smell but doesn't break down the source.

Key takeaways

• The cleaning code decides everything: W = water-based, S = solvent only, W/S = either, X = vacuum only.
• Always test first on a hidden spot.
• Baking soda left 30+ minutes (or overnight) absorbs everyday odor before vacuuming.
• Enzyme cleaners are the only reliable fix for urine and pet odor.
• Over-wetting is the most common mistake — it leaves water rings and soaks the foam.

Step 1: Read the cleaning code

No tag? Treat it as S or X and test a hidden spot first.

Step 2: Vacuum everything

Remove the cushions and vacuum the deck, crevices, and both sides of every cushion with an upholstery attachment and crevice tool. A rubber glove or squeegee pulls embedded pet hair out first.

Step 3: Deodorize

Sprinkle baking soda over the dry fabric, leave it at least 30 minutes (overnight for stronger odors), then vacuum it up. It's safe on most W, S, and W/S fabrics — test first.

Step 4: Spot-treat stains

1. Blot, don't rub. Work from the outside of the stain inward.
2. W fabrics: a teaspoon of clear dish soap in two cups of cool water, applied with a cloth — not poured.
3. S fabrics: a water-free upholstery solvent on a white cloth.
4. Rinse with a barely damp cloth, then blot dry with a towel.
5. Never mix cleaners — especially bleach with ammonia or vinegar.

Step 5: Clean the cushions

Removable, machine-washable covers: unzip, wash cold on gentle with mild detergent, and air-dry flat. Refit while slightly damp for a snug fit. This is the deepest clean you can do and takes care of odor that spot cleaning can't reach. See how to wash sofa covers.

Fixed or dry-clean-only covers: spot-clean by code, or use an upholstery extractor on W fabrics with minimal water. Don't put foam inserts in the washer — foam tears and holds water.

Step 6: Dry completely

Open windows or run a fan. Don't sit on damp cushions or put covers back while soaking — trapped moisture causes mildew smells. Allow several hours to overnight.

How to get dog smell (and pet urine) out of a couch

1. Blot fresh urine immediately with paper towels, pressing hard.
2. Saturate the spot with an enzyme cleaner made for pet urine and leave it for the time on the label — enzymes break down the odor source.
3. Blot and air-dry. Then baking soda overnight and vacuum.
4. Wash removable covers within 24–48 hours, pre-treated with the enzyme cleaner. The longer urine sits, the more it reaches the foam.
5. For general dog smell: vacuum weekly, baking soda monthly, wash covers every 6–8 weeks, and wash the dog's blanket on the sofa more often than the sofa itself.

If urine has soaked deep into a foam insert, replacing that cushion or piece is often the only complete fix — one reason modular sofas with replaceable pieces suit pet homes.

Why washable covers make deep cleaning easy

Full instructions are on the Care & Cleaning page. For a day-to-day routine, see how to keep your sofa looking new.

What to avoid

• Soaking the fabric — water rings and wet foam.
• Bleach, ammonia, or vinegar mixtures on upholstery.
• Hot water and high-heat drying on covers — the main cause of shrinkage.
• Steam on S or X fabrics.
• Scented sprays instead of enzyme cleaner for urine — the smell returns.

Frequently asked questions

How do you deep clean a fabric couch?

Check the cleaning code, vacuum thoroughly, deodorize with baking soda, spot-treat stains with the cleaner the code allows, clean or wash the cushion covers, and let everything dry completely before use.

How do you clean couch cushions?

If the covers are removable and machine-washable, wash them cold on gentle and air-dry. If not, spot-clean according to the cleaning code with minimal moisture. Never put foam inserts in a washing machine.

How do you get dog smell out of a couch?

Vacuum, sprinkle baking soda and leave it overnight, then vacuum again. For urine, use an enzyme cleaner and wash removable covers within 24–48 hours. Regular cover washing every 6–8 weeks prevents odor from building up.

Can you use vinegar to clean a couch?

Diluted white vinegar can help on W-code fabrics, but test first and never mix it with bleach. For pet urine, an enzyme cleaner works better because it breaks down the odor source.

How often should you deep clean a couch?

Every 6–8 weeks in homes with kids or pets, and every 3–4 months otherwise, plus weekly vacuuming and immediate spot cleaning.

What does the X cleaning code mean?

X means vacuum or brush only — no water or solvents. Stains on X-code fabric should be handled by a professional upholstery cleaner.

The bottom line

Follow the cleaning code, keep moisture to a minimum, and use enzyme cleaner for anything a pet leaves behind. If you're buying a new sofa, removable, machine-washable covers turn a deep clean from a weekend project into a load of laundry.

Related guides

• How to Wash Sofa Covers: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Keep Your Sofa Looking New
• Best Couch Fabric for Dogs and Cats
• Best Machine-Washable Sofas of 2026

Disclosure: Yazen Halik is the founder of Mirewood. Cleaning guidance is general; always follow your sofa manufacturer's care label. Mirewood care details verified October 2026.