How to Clean a White Couch Upholstered in Our Performance Fabric

We all love a white couch, but keeping it pristine requires maintenance that you may not be aware of, especially if you live with kids and pets. At Crypton Home Fabrics, we are experts in performance fabric technology, so today, we wanted to share the ultimate guide on how to clean a white couch with our recommended techniques for keeping your light–colored furniture looking white for years to come.  Let’s get into Couch Cleaning 101!

Complete Care Instructions on How To Clean A White Couch Upholstered in Our Performance Fabric 

The Advantage of Our Performance Fabric Couches 

Before diving into cleaning methods, it’s worth noting that if your sofa is upholstered in Crypton performance fabric, you’re already ahead of the game. Our fabrics are engineered with built-in stain resistance and odor-resistant technology, making it easier to clean up spills. 

How To Clean A White Sofa 101: Supplies Needed 

Always keep these items on hand for quick response to spills and stains: 

• Vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment 

• Clean cloth or paper towels 

• Spray bottle 

• Water 

• Mild dish soap 

• Soft-bristled brush 

Regular Maintenance Cleaning Process 

Think about how your bookshelf or TV stand collects dust – it also settles on your sofa. When you have a white couch (hello Nomad Snow), dust shows so much more.  

Because the sofa is a high-traffic area in your living room, prevention is the first step in the cleaning process. The best upholstery care method is vacuuming the entire couch to help keep everyday dust, dirt, and pet hair from becoming embedded in the fibers, causing it to look dingy. Don’t forget to clean hidden areas. 

Tackling Common Stains On White Upholstery Fabric 

Light Soiling and Spot Check Cleaning Instructions 

So, you don’t have any major spills (yet), but during a spot check, you notice some light soiling. It happens, Crypton is not bulletproof. Here is the best way to spot clean your white fabric sofa. 

IMPORTANT: Soap that is not fully removed from your cushions will attract dirt, so first, we will try removing the stain with just water.

1. Using a spray bottle, spray warm water on the stain. Do not soak.  

2. Blot the surface gently and repeat if needed. 

3. Pat dry with a fresh towel. 

4. Allow your couch cushion to air dry completely. 

How To Clean Liquid Spills From A White Couch Upholstered in Performance Fabric

Time is crucial when dealing with a liquid spill like red wine on your couch cushions. For best results, follow these specific instructions.

1. Immediately blot (never rub) the liquid on the surface of your couch with a clean paper towel. For thicker liquids, use a spoon to remove any excess before blotting.  

2. Now, it’s time to clean with a gentle cleaning solution. Add one teaspoon of enzyme-based detergent, like Dawn or Tide, with 16 oz. of warm water in a spray bottle.  

3. Remember, more soap is not necessarily better. Stick to the recommended recipe or use the Crypton upholstery cleaner solution. 

4. Shake the soapy solution in the spray bottle to mix well.  

5. Spray directly onto the stain.  

6. Use a stiff brush to gently rub the solution into the stain in a circular motion.  

7. Work from the outside of the stain toward the center to prevent spreading. 

8. Rinse your brush frequently while cleaning. 

9. Blot any excess moisture as you go.  

10. For stubborn stains, repeat the process as needed. 

11. It is important that you rinse the area with clean water to remove all the soap residue after the stain is gone.  

12. To rinse, dampen your cloth, press into the fabric, rinse and wring out all soap residue, then repeat until all traces of soap are gone and the stain has completely disappeared. 

13. Once clean, press the area with a clean, dry white towel to soak up excess water.  

14. Allow the fabric to air dry.  

IMPORTANT: Do not use white vinegar, baking soda, upholstery cleaner, solvent-based cleaners, bleach, or carpet cleaner. After-market cleaners will break down and weaken Crypton technology. Also, do not wash Crypton fabric in the washing machine. 

Tips For Cleaning Food Spills On White (Nomad Snow) Performance Fabric 

If you spill food or anything other than liquid, don’t panic. Here is exactly how to clean your upholstery fabric and furniture.  

1. Remove any large pieces of food.  

2. Use a vacuum to remove any remaining loose debris with the brush attachment.  

3. Apply our recommended cleaning solution to the stain. (Mix one teaspoon of enzyme-based detergent, like Dawn or Tide, with 16 oz. of warm water in a spray bottle. Shake well.) 

4. Remember, do not use an after-market cleaner.   

5. Use a soft scrub brush to gently rub the cleaning solution into the stain.  

6. Be sure to work from the outside of the stain inward to prevent spreading.  

7. For the best results, rinse your brush frequently.  

8. Be sure to remove all soap residue from the couch fabric after the stain is gone.  

9. To rinse, simply dampen your cloth, press into the fabric, rinse, and wring out all the soapy residue.  

10. Repeat until all traces of soap are gone and the stain has completely disappeared.  

11. Once clean, press the area with a clean, white, dry towel to soak up excess water.  

12. Allow your fabric to air dry.  

Tips For Hot Water Extraction Cleaning  

If you have a big mess on your white fabric sofa, it’s time to call a professional upholstery cleaner like Stanley Steemer or use an at-home hot water extraction machine.  

1. Blot up the stain as much as you can prior to hot water extraction.  

2. If spot cleaning doesn’t do the job, we recommend hiring a professional upholstery cleaner for a little help.  

3. Place the extraction nozzle on the upholstery.  

4. Slowly and evenly, suction off the moisture.  

5. Apply steam to the stain with a back-and-forth motion.  

IMPORTANT: All light-colored upholstery needs a periodic refresh to keep everyday dust and dirt from building up. Crypton recommends regular cleaning of the whole couch and hot water extraction at least once a year for maintenance to ensure your furniture stays looking white and bright. 

Additional Care Instructions for A Fabric Couch 

• Never oversaturate the fabric  

• Always blot instead of rubbing to prevent fiber damage 

• Use a clean white hand towel or white cloth to avoid color dye transfer. 

• Clean spills immediately whenever possible.

• Rotate cushions regularly to ensure even wear.

• It’s a good idea to deep-clean your white couch annually with hot water extraction. We recommend a professional cleaning service like Stanley Steemer.   

Remember that prevention is key to maintaining a beautiful, clean white couch. With proper care and prompt attention to spills, your sofa can remain a stunning centerpiece in your home for years to come. For specific questions about cleaning our performance fabric, don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer service team. 

If you notice fabric pilling on your sofa, check out how to refresh upholstery fabric and also learn our 4 easy ways to keep those pesky lint balls away for good!

Learn More About Our Performance Fabric  

Check out these five performance fabric sofas that stand up to kids and pets.  

To keep leather couches looking fresh, learn how to condition and clean performance leather. 

Learn how to clean our slipcovers and mattress protectors.  

See all the newly released performance upholstery fabric options at Living Spaces Furniture.