Every type of fabric has its specific cleaning requirements. Polyester makes no exception. The material is widely used in interior design because of its advantages and availability.
If you have a couch that contains polyester, it is best to correctly inform yourself of the material’s exact washing specifications so you can maintain its good condition for a longer time.
Haven’t cleaned your polyester couch in some time;
Are looking for tips and tricks on how to clean it;
Want to know the benefits of polyester upholstery,
Keep on reading!
In this article, we will explain the whats, wheres, whys, and whens of how to clean a polyester couch.
What is polyester?
Generally, polyester is a fabric made from strong, synthetic fibres. It’s durable and sturdy, which makes it a preferred furniture material option for many. The sun doesn’t affect it as much as it does natural materials, and it has a longer lifespan.
A polyester holds colour well, meaning that it won’t fade over time. Furniture that is made from this type of fabric won’t look saggy after continuous usage because of its resilience. On the negative side, due to its artificial nature, it is more vulnerable to heat and burns.
Polyester comes in many forms such as microfiber, canvas, certain faux leathers, velour and satin, tweed, twill and textured finishes.
Clean your polyester furniture every six to twelve months
Cleaning your furniture regularly extends its life while keeping it looking new and fresh. It’s common sense that the dirtiest piece of the interior is the one you use the most. In this case, that’ll be your comfy couch.
The sitting area gets tortured every day by spillages, greasy food stains, pet hair and more. Your children make a trampoline out of it, and your cat sleeps there 14 hours a day.
So, how often should you clean your polyester couch? To keep your upholstery in top-notch shape, we advise you to deep clean it professionally every 6 to 12 months. Over time, your furniture builds up a lot of dust and grime that can be bad for your health. It is a well-known fact that dust is a major allergy trigger.
If you decide to clean it yourself, it is best to vacuum it weekly and give it a heavier scrub every two weeks.
What about polyester interior
The same thing goes for the polyester interior in your vehicle. The cleaning process there should be far more gentle, because of the electronics integrated into the seats (especially the front ones). Car interiors should be cleaned regularly, even more than the domestic furniture because it is easier to get them dirty. Now you can book a mobile car wash visit as well as mobile interior cleaning service. The cleaners will come to you and perform the same level of service!mo
What is the cleaning code for a polyester couch?
Before diving into cleaning your polyester couch, take a look at the manufacturer’s tag — usually located under the cushions or on the frame. This little label gives you crucial information about how to clean your upholstery safely. It typically contains one of four cleaning codes:
W – You can use water-based cleaners.
S – Use only solvent-based cleaners (no water).
WS – Water or solvent cleaners are safe.
X – Vacuum only. No liquid cleaners at all.
If your polyester couch has a W or WS code, you’re in luck — it’s relatively easy to clean. However, if the code is S or X, you’ll need to be more cautious and avoid water altogether. Ignoring these codes can damage the fabric or cause stubborn stains to spread. So don’t skip this step — the cleaning tag tells you exactly what’s safe for your specific upholstery.
Supplies you’ll need
You don’t need any fancy gadgets to clean your fabric couch, but having the right tools will definitely make the whole job quicker and easier.
Using your vacuum with an upholstery attachment is a great way to collect pet hair and crumbs, and other tiny pieces that may be hiding on the surface.
Because they are soft on the fabric and leave no residue, microfiber cloths or plain white towels work well for blotting stains.
It helps to use a spray bottle to ensure that the cleanser is applied evenly to the couch without soaking it.
To gently work cleaning solutions into tough areas without being too rough on the fabric, it’s best to use a soft-bristle brush.
You can go for a mild fabric cleaner or whip up your own. Depending on the fabric code, this could be a solvent cleaner or a simple water-based mix, like vinegar and mild soap.
And when it comes to water, distilled is the way to go — tap water sometimes leaves mineral marks or can make the fabric feel stiff.
For tougher smells or stubborn stains, having baking soda, enzyme cleaner, or rubbing alcohol nearby can come in handy — but we’ll get into those in a bit.
Vacuum thoroughly
Vacuuming your polyester couch thoroughly is the first step in removing stains and odours. This may be a really basic procedure, but it’s one of the best for keeping upholstery looking fresh.
The upholstery tool can help you get into tight spots. Crumbs and dust like to hide in tight crevices, so be especially attentive in those areas. Lint rollers or rubber gloves can be used to remove tough pet hairs left behind by vacuuming.
Vacuuming your couch on a regular basis will keep it clean and protect the fabric from wear and tear.
A fast spot clean can be helpful if you spill a drink or find a little stain on your polyester couch. The entire couch doesn’t need to be treated if the rest of it seems and smells okay. Rather, act quickly. A stain is less likely to become permanent in the fibres the sooner it is treated.
A safe DIY cleaning solution
You don’t need harsh chemicals to treat most stains. A gentle mix you can make at home includes:
1 cup of warm water
½ teaspoon of mild dish soap
1 tablespoon of white vinegar
Spot cleaning your polyester couch
Begin with a test patch – Before going directly for the stain, test your cleaning solution on a hidden portion of the sofa—under a cushion or in the back works great. Wait 10-15 minutes to check for any fading or damage. It’s a tiny step that could save your whole couch.
Blot, don’t scrub – Dip a clean microfibre cloth into your cleaning solution and gently blot the stain. Scrubbing may aggravate the condition by pushing the stain deeper or roughening the cloth. Blotting is usually enough to erase a fresh stain.
Tackle difficult spots with a soft brush – If the stain has had time to dry or simply won’t come out, use a soft-bristled brush. To carefully release the filth, apply mild pressure and make little circular strokes. You want to lift it—not grind it in.
Rinse off the residue – After eliminating the stain, dab the area again with a clean cloth soaked in plain water. This helps to eliminate any residual cleaning solution in the fabric, preventing residue from forming. You can also use distilled water.
Dry completely – Using a towel, gently pat the area dry. Then, let it air out completely—a fan can help speed things up. Try not to use heat and don’t leave the fabric damp for long. Polyester does not tolerate prolonged moisture, and mildew is the last thing you want.
Dealing with harsher stains – For stubborn stains like grease or red wine, a basic cleaner may not work. Enzyme-based upholstery cleaners are effective at removing food or pet stains. Just make sure it’s suitable for polyester before using it.
Need upholstery cleaning?
Find a professional to take care of your upholstered furniture!
Can you clean a polyester couch with a carpet cleaner?
You can – but only if the machine has an upholstery attachment and the right settings. Most water-safe polyester couches (look for W or WS labels) handle carpet cleaning methods fine, as long as the fabric doesn’t get soaked. Avoid carpet cleaners on couches labelled S – those need water-free cleaning. Always check the manufacturer’s guide before using any machine not made for upholstery.
Remove the smell from the polyester couch
Polyester can trap odours – especially from pets, food, or musty storage environments. Fortunately, refreshing the scent is simple and safe if you follow the right methods.
Sprinkle with baking soda – This old-school remedy is gentle and effective. Lightly cover the surface with bicarbonate of soda, especially in areas with heavy odours. Leave it on for at least 15–30 minutes, or overnight for stronger smells. Then vacuum thoroughly.
Mist with fabric-safe deodoriser – Choose a neutralising spray made specifically for upholstery — avoid generic air fresheners, as they can mask rather than remove smells and may stain.
Use vinegar and water – For water-safe fabrics, mix equal parts white vinegar and distilled water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist and let it air dry. Vinegar neutralises odours, and the smell will fade as it dries.
Address the source – If smells keep returning, check under cushions and in seams for hidden spills or moisture. In some cases, the cause may be mould or mildew buildup from old stains, which calls for a deeper clean or enzyme treatment.
Avoid spraying essential oils directly onto the fabric – they can leave oily marks and damage polyester fibres.
Washing polyester couch cushions can be fairly straightforward — but only if the covers are removable and the care label gives you the green light. That’s why step one is always checking the manufacturer’s instructions. Some polyester blends tolerate machine washing, while others may require hand washing or dry cleaning to prevent shrinkage or damage.
If your cushion covers are machine washable:
Unzip and remove the covers – Shake off any crumbs or debris before washing.
Use a gentle cycle – Wash in cold water using a mild detergent. Avoid fabric softeners, which can leave residues that dull the fabric over time.
Skip the tumble dryer – Polyester can melt or become misshapen at high temperatures. Instead, lay the covers flat to air dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.
Fluff and reshape – Once dry, gently pull the covers back into shape and place them over the cushions before they stiffen.
If the covers aren’t removable, you’ll need to treat the surface like the rest of the couch. Use the spot-cleaning method described earlier.
Never soak the inner foam or stuffing; it’s difficult to dry thoroughly and can easily become a breeding ground for mould or mildew. For odours or spills that seep into the foam, consider using a fabric-safe enzyme spray or seeking professional cleaning.
Need help with cleaning your polyester couch? We got you covered!
If your beloved pet has decided to make a toilet out of your furniture, you have to move fast. Urine stains are easier to remove while still fresh. If you leave them to dry, the hormones from the pee will get locked inside the fabric’s fibres, leaving a funny scent.
Still, there are times when you haven’t noticed the mischief and the pee dried out. Here are the solutions for both scenarios.
Fresh pet pee
Ok, first you need to blot the stain with a paper towel. Make sure to use gentle patting motions. Don’t rub in the pee; it will make it sink into the padding, making it even worse. Sprinkle the wet area with some baking soda and apply white vinegar over it. Leave the mix for as long as possible.
Hoover the dried-out soda. If there is any moisture left from the vinegar, again, carefully blot it. That’s it! You are done.
Old pet pee
This method is a little bit trickier, and its success depends on the age of the stain. The older the spot is, the lower the chances of getting it out of your couch. So, in a spray bottle, mix 300 ml of 3 % hydrogen peroxide with 3 tablespoons of baking soda and then add 2-3 drops of dish detergent. Shake the bottle until a homogeneous liquid is formed.
Test the solution on an invisible part of the furniture. See if there are changes in the colour of the fabric; if not, proceed with applying the mixture on the affected areas. Repeat the process until the stain disappears.
Polyester couches are durable, but not invincible. A few common cleaning habits may be causing more damage than good without knowing it.
Overdoing it with water
More water does not imply more cleanliness. Polyester does not dry quickly, and when moisture accumulates, it can cause mould and mildew. Instead of soaking the fabric, lightly mist it and make sure it dries out fully afterwards.
Skipping the care label
Not all polyester is made equal. Some couches can withstand water-based cleaners perfectly fine, while others require chemicals. What about the care tag hidden under the cushion? It’s not just there for show. Check it before you begin cleaning to avoid staining or ruining the fabric.
Cleaning as if it were your life depends on it
Scrubbing thoroughly may seem like the quickest way to remove a stain, but it usually makes the situation worse. It has the potential to tear the fabric and spread the stain. What is a better way to proceed? Blot the stain gradually inward from the edge with a sponge or soft cloth.
Holding off till it appears unclean
The dirt on your couch may have been there for a while if it appears dirty. Odours, dust, and oils build up gradually. Your couch will stay fresh and save you the hassle of extensive cleaning later with a simple vacuum once a week and the occasional spot clean.
Reaching for the wrong products
Bleach and multipurpose cleansers may sound like a good idea, but they are frequently too harsh for polyester. They can weaken the fibres and create a sticky residue. Use gentle fabric-safe cleaners, and always perform a patch test in a hidden area first.
A clean couch is wonderful, but how do you keep it clean? This is where the true challenge lies. Polyester is a durable fabric, but it still needs some care to stay comfortable and in good condition for many years.
Use covers or throws
Do you have children, or a habit of watching television as you eat dinner? Then your couch’s greatest friend could be a throw blanket or detachable cover. In addition to being considerably easier to throw in the washing than the entire couch, they catch spills, crumbs, and other debris that life may hurl at your seating area. Choose machine-washable, breathable materials that are comfortable to sit on and won’t retain heat.
Rotate and fluff those cushions
We all have a favourite spot—but always sitting in the same place wears down those cushions fast. Try switching up where you sit and rotating the cushions now and then. Give them a quick fluff to keep the shape looking full and stop the fabric from going thin or flat in patches.
Deal with spills right away.
Even stain-resistant fabrics have their limitations. If something spills, use a clean cloth to blot it up rather than massage it. Then, use a couch-safe cleaner to address the stain. The sooner you respond, the less likely the stain is to settle in.
If you’ve got pets, keep them groomed
Although they make wonderful companions, our fluffy pets’ fur, claws, and dander are bad for your couch. Frequent nail care and brushing have a significant impact. To reduce fur buildup and prevent the occasional accidental snag, you could also place a blanket or throw tailored for your pet on their preferred nap location.
Keep it away from bright sunlight
Polyester doesn’t fade as rapidly as cotton or linen, but if it is in direct sunlight for a long time, the colour will fade. Try drawing the curtains during the hours of greatest sunlight if your couch is next to a bright window. You can also rearrange the arrangement sometimes to allow the fabric to rest.
Get your couch professionally cleaned
Like with every other more complicated home task, getting an expert to perform it for you saves you time, energy and more importantly, guarantees you better results. This is where we come in. We here at Fantastic Services offer a professional upholstery cleaning service for all types of fabrics.
From cotton to polyester, you name it, we clean it. Our high-quality equipment and detergents can bring your well-loved couch back to life. And how do we do it?
When we work on synthetic materials like polyester, our weapon of choice is the hot water extractor. It is the most effective upholstery cleaning method to date. The cleaning process goes like this:
First, the technician inspects the surface on which he is going to work and pre-treats any existing stains with a variety of detergents specialised for different types of spots
After the pre-treatment is completed, a next-generation professional machine injects hot water between the fibres of the material, removing any grime and dust.
The nozzle of the hot water extractor has the function to suck out about 95% of the moisture from the fabric, taking away the dirt with it.
What you are left with is a perfectly cleaned, stain-free, and deodorised couch!
It gets even better. You can combine your upholstery cleaning service with a special stain protector option and save some money. This way, you make sure that the results from the hot water extraction last you a long time. You just have to become a member of our Fantastic Club family!
