WATER-BASED CLEANER FOR COUCH

Break the Code.

The only somewhat tricky step to a DIY cleaning your couch with a water-based cleaner is learning the manufacturer's code guideline. And that begins with finding it. Now, here's where the fun begins, especially if you've been procrastinating. The code tags are under the couch cushions. I repeat, the code tags are under the couch cushions. Don't be alarmed if your teenage boy comes ramping down the stairs and furiously LEAPS upon his missing video game controller and scatters an assortment of loose coins on the floor. Your partner or S/O will claim those and the dog will sit back and wriggle with a gentle whine until you allow him to snarf up some potato chip crumbles and a half-eaten PB and j. OK, the code is:

• W = Water or Water-Based Cleaning Only.
• S = Solvent-Based Solutions are Safe.
• W/S or S/W = Both Water AND Solvents are acceptable.
• X = NEITHER are Safe. Dry-Clean or Professionally Clean ONLY.

That's it. In a nutshell. Don't waver from these letters. No matter how experienced you are with DIY projects, a slip up could mean the difference between a slipcover or a void warranty and the high cost of replacing your couch.

1. Assuming you are a true DIY enthusiast, you understand the reality of an initial appliance like a portable ultra-compact stain removal machine may be in the near future if this is a chore to be added to the list of occurring more than once a year. Generally found for under $100.00, it could be a great payback for your living situation. It's a couch. Or a sofa bed, or an armchair or dining room chair. It could even be a car seat, pet bed or carpeted steps. Think of a time when none of these have been free of grime, odor, accidental drink spill, muddy foot-print or bloody knee. Onions lingering in the fabric trapped in by natural body oil, cooking grease and time.
2. A DIY'ers pantheon of grimoire ingredients should include:
• Water. Distilled if possible.
• Clean, white towels, cloths or even paper toweling in a pinch.
• Soft bristled scrub brush.
• Essential oils if you want to create your own "scented" cleaner.
• A spray bottle with an adjustable mister spritz nozzle tip.
• Baking soda or an oxide powder alternate
• Dish detergent. (a few drops go a long way)
• Rubbing alcohol OR peroxide to attack exceptionally stubborn set-in stains.



BONUS TIP: do NOT mix peroxide with baking soda in a bottle.

Those are the main ingredients you'll need. If you are concerned about dry time, it is recommended that you use a fan and not heat as anything left behind will just get baked back into the upholstery fabric. The best ratio is one half spray bottle, any size, to equal amounts of everything else except what is flagged above as to more specified additions. So, give it a whirl! Spray and dab with the towel, taking care not to saturate or rub to begin with. Sometimes this method is all you need. If a second pass is required, use the brush with a mild to mid pressure; again, take precautions with any water cleaning on acceptable types of leather.

3. If water just isn't up to your DIY snuff, you should consider this time-tested item that has been upscaled to fit into this couch cleaning solution section of your local box store or hardware chain. The Woolite™ family of products now offers an amazing, premixed spray solvents and foam scrubs. Or you can buy a bottle of Woolite laundry detergent and add a capful to your DIY spray. The best thing about Woolite is it includes ScotchGuard3M™ as a protectant finisher. Well, THAT and the super fresh smell we've grown accustomed to with Woolite. Cleans, brightens, sanitizes, deodorizes, and protects in an enviro-friendly way. Cost effective? From product prices ranging anywhere around the $15.00 to $20.00 range to the lower end for sales, bulk discounts and coupons found online, most definitely in the top of the 5-star range