How to Get a Stain out of a Microfiber Couch

Co-authored by Bridgett Price

Last Updated: November 7, 2021

Microfiber is a very low-weight synthetic fiber. It is either used as non-woven material or woven into fabric for couches, resulting in upholstery that is water-resistant, soft and absorbing. Unfortunately, microfiber responds to stains differently than conventional upholstery, so stain fighting solutions could ruin the look of your microfiber couch. Microfiber should not be soaked in water or touched with harsh cleansers. Always check your couch manufacturer's label, and use household cleaners accordingly. Read on to find out how to get a stain out of a microfiber couch.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:
Food Stain Removal

1
Soak up excess liquid with white paper towels immediately after the stain was created.
2
Put a drop of hand dish washing soap, like Dawn, on a white cloth.

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3
Pour 1 drop of water on the liquid to activate it.
4
Rub gently on the microfiber food stain until it is removed. This should work on oil-based food.
- Do not use this process on microfiber couches that indicate "S" on their care tag. This means no water-based solvents should be used.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:
Ink Stain Removal

1
Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a white towel. Use 90% rubbing alcohol since it will be the most effective at lifting the stains.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Bridgett Price
House Cleaning Professional
Expert Interview. 23 May 2019.}
2
Rub or blot the stain gently with the towel. Be sure to contain the alcohol to only the stained portion of the couch.
3
Wipe it clean of any excess alcohol.
4
Repeat 2 to 3 times until the stain is removed.
- This method also works to remove water rings, lipstick or other oil-based stains. Water that has soaked into microfiber fabric often causes a darkening of that area. Work the rubbing alcohol gently into that area.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:
Smell Removal

1
Sprinkle baking soda on the stain.
2
Let it sit for 5 minutes to soak up any liquid.
3
Vacuum up the soiled baking soda.
4
Reapply baking soda if the spill or smell remains.
- This method should work for urine stains. Use a solvent in addition if the stain is not completely removed.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:
Gum Removal

1
Wrap ice cubes in a plastic bag.
2
Apply the cold bag to the gum until it hardens.
3
Tug at the gum from the corners. Try to pull it off in 1 piece.
4
Reapply the ice if the gum is not fully hardened.
5
Finished.

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Community Q&A

Question

How do I remove engine grease from my microfiber sofa?

Community Answer

Use Dawn dish soap in a carpet shampooer. When the cleaning is all done, dry it with a blow dryer.
Question

How do I remove a coffee stain?

Community Answer

Make a paste of baking soda and water. Rub it on the affected spot. Rinse it out with warm water. You'll find that this works for most cloth.
Question

How do I remove poop from a couch?

Community Answer

First, you have to get a paper towel. Put your towel underneath the poop to grab it. Next, grab a wet towel with soap and clean the sofa. Finally, get a dry towel to dry it.
Question

How can I clean black marks from our microfiber couch that were caused by our gas logs?

Community Answer

Soak them in apple cider vinegar for a few minutes, then scrub with soap (preferably Dawn) and water.
Question

How do I remove lipstick from my couch?

Community Answer

If you have a makeup remover, put it on a cotton ball or tissue and rub it on the stain.
Question

How do I get ink out of my couch?

Community Answer

You need to take a washcloth and dampen it slightly, then rub the stain with all your might. After that, take a towel and let it soak up all the water. The ink will come up as well.
Question

How do I get urine out of a microfiber couch?

Community Answer

I would suggest following the same instructions but add a little more muscle grease.
Question

How do I remove water stains from microfiber?

Community Answer

When generally cleaning microfiber, blot gently against the stains with rubbing alcohol.
Question

How can I remove a window cleaner spill from a microsuede couch?

Community Answer

Ammonia is very alkaline, and the extreme pH probably stripped some of the dye from your couch. You can fix the color of your couch by painting it. Dilute any type of acrylic or latex paint with fabric softener (less expensive, but rougher texture) or fabric paint medium (expensive, but softer texture). Then, move the furniture outside. Saturate a large section of the fabric with water and sponge the diluted paint on the saturated section. Repeat at least twice, focusing on corners and creases until desired color is achieved.