A good couch is often the heart of your lounge room. It’s where you relax with a cuppa, binge your favourite shows, or catch up with mates. But with all that use comes wear, tear, and inevitable mess. From pet hair and dust to food spills and oil stains, your sofa can quickly lose its fresh, inviting look if not properly maintained.

As any Aussie homeowner knows, cleaning your couch isn’t just about looks—it’s about hygiene and prolonging your furniture’s life. In this guide, we’ll run through the essential tools every home needs for couch cleaning and share pro tips on tackling everything from everyday grime to stubborn stains. We’ll also link you to some of our detailed guides on how to get old stains out of couch cushions if things get really tricky.

1. A Quality Vacuum Cleaner with Upholstery Attachment

If you only invest in one couch-cleaning tool, make it a solid vacuum cleaner with a proper upholstery attachment. Weekly vacuuming removes dust, pet hair, food crumbs, and allergens that settle into fabric fibres.

Choose a vacuum with:

A soft brush attachment to avoid damaging delicate fabrics
A crevice tool for getting into corners and under cushions
Strong suction to pull out embedded dirt

Regular vacuuming not only keeps your couch looking schmick but also helps prevent stains from setting in as dirt builds up.

2. Microfibre Cloths

Forget old rags or paper towels—microfiber cloths are a must-have for couch cleaning. They’re super absorbent, gentle on fabric, and reusable. Use them to:

Blot up spills
Wipe down leather or faux leather surfaces
Apply and remove cleaning solutions

For best results, keep a few clean microfiber cloths handy so you’re not spreading grime around while you clean.

3. Fabric-Friendly Stain Removers

Every home needs a trusted fabric-safe stain remover. The right cleaner depends on your couch type—always check the care label for codes like W (water-based cleaner), S (solvent-based cleaner), or WS (either).

A good stain remover is essential when tackling

Wine, coffee, and food spills
Muddy paw prints
Grease or oil marks

For more detailed advice on lifting stubborn marks, see our guide on how to get old stains out of couch surfaces—perfect if you’ve inherited a second-hand lounge or missed a spill in the moment.

4. Baking Soda or Cornstarch

Two pantry staples that double as powerful cleaning allies. Sprinkle baking soda or cornflour on fresh oil stains or odorous spots. Let it sit for 30 minutes to absorb grease or smells, then vacuum it up.

These work a treat on greasy stains too. If you’re wondering how to get castor oil out of fabric or similar oily messes, you’ll want to start with a generous dusting of one of these powders.

5. A Spray Bottle for Homemade Cleaners

Many homeowners prefer natural or DIY cleaning solutions—especially if you have kids or pets. A spray bottle lets you mix up gentle solutions like

White vinegar and water (great for neutralising odours and light stains)
Dishwashing liquid diluted in warm water (ideal for grease spots)

Always do a spot test in a hidden area before spraying all over to be sure your solution won’t damage or discolour your couch.

6. A Soft Bristle Brush

For stubborn stains, a soft brush can help gently lift dirt and grime without harming your upholstery. A brush is particularly handy for working cleaning solutions into fabric and loosening dry debris before vacuuming.

Tip: Choose a brush designed for upholstery or delicate fabrics—harsh bristles can cause pilling or wear.

7. Steam Cleaner (Optional But Handy)

If you want to give your couch a proper deep clean every few months, a steam cleaner is a brilliant investment. Steam can sanitise and freshen up your sofa without harsh chemicals, and it’s especially useful for households with allergies or pets.

Look for a steam cleaner with adjustable settings so you don’t soak your couch (too much moisture can cause mould or damage).

How to Handle Common Couch Cleaning Challenges?

Even with all the right tools, knowing how to use them is key. Here’s a quick refresher on some typical issues:

Old Stains

Old stains can be tricky, as they’ve had time to set deep into the fibres. Start by vacuuming to remove loose dirt, then apply a suitable stain remover or a gentle DIY solution. Blot, rinse, and repeat if needed.

For step-by-step guidance, check out how to get old stains out of a couch.

Oil and Grease Stains

Whether it’s takeaway spills or accidental splashes of body oil, greasy stains need fast action:

Blot up excess oil immediately.
Cover with baking soda or cornflour to absorb the oil.
Vacuum after 30 minutes.
Apply a mild dishwashing liquid solution and blot clean.

If the stain persists, see our detailed guide on how to get castor oil out of fabric for extra tips.

Everyday Dust and Grime

Regular vacuuming and the occasional wipe with a damp microfiber cloth can prevent dirt build-up. Set a reminder to clean your couch weekly or fortnightly, depending on usage.

Top Tips for Keeping Your Couch Clean Longer

Use throws or covers: These are easy to wash and will protect the main fabric.
Ban eating on the couch: Or at least be mindful when snacking.
Act fast on spills: The sooner you clean, the easier it is to avoid stains.
Keep pets off (if possible): Or train them to sit on a blanket.
Rotate cushions: This keeps wear even and prevents sagging or discoloration.

Final Word

Couch cleaning doesn’t need to be a chore with the right tools on hand. From vacuums to baking soda and microfiber cloths to steam cleaners, having these essentials ready will make tackling spills and stains much easier.

And if you do face a tough job, whether it’s figuring out how to get old stains out of couch upholstery or how to get castor oil out of fabric, don’t stress—you’re equipped to handle it.

A bit of regular care and the right gear will keep your lounge looking great and feeling comfy for years to come.

Essential Tools Every Home Needs for Couch Cleaning