Yes, You Should Be Vacuuming Your Couch—Here's How Often

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Dyson’s cleaning experts share how and when you should be vacuuming your couch for the optimum clean.

Grant Webster

The couch is often one of the most-used pieces of furniture in our homes. Frequent use can lead to an accumulation of dust, crumbs and other particles on surface of the couch—not to mention between the cushions. Take good care of your couch and your home environment by cleaning the couch regularly. Of course, there are several ways to clean your couch, and vacuuming it is a popular method. But is it necessary? And if so, how often should you be doing it? The experts are sharing everything you need to know about vacuuming your couch.

Do You Need to Vacuum Your Couch?

Vacuuming your couch is the first line of defense in keeping your couch clean. “This is particularly so for fabric sofas, as dust, dirt, and debris tend to cling on and get stuck within the textile fibers,” says Asaph Ooi, head of product programs for floorcare at Dyson.

“Many people might not be aware, but dust mites thrive in dark, warm, and humid places where skin cell debris is high,” Ooi says. “This includes sofas and beds—those spaces in which we spend many hours getting comfy.”

Vacuuming your couch is necessary for keeping it clean and for keeping your home more allergen-free. A high-suction vacuum can clean surface debris and pull out particles from deep in your upholstery.

How Often Should You Vacuum Your Couch?

Ideally, you should vacuum your couch once a week. A weekly vacuuming can prevent buildup of dirt and debris, which will make vacuuming easier and more effective. Run your vacuum over the whole couch, including the base of the couch and under the cushions.

In addition to vacuuming, monthly laundering of your couch’s upholstery will increase the level of clean by taking out oils, stains, and dirt. Wash or dry clean removable slipcovers and cushion covers, and use a steam cleaner on the rest of your sofa. Test a small area before steam cleaning to ensure no staining will occur.

How to Vacuum Your Couch

During your weekly cleaning, first vacuum all the visible surfaces of the couch using an upholstery brush attachment. Ooi recommends using a handheld cordless vacuum with high suction for the most maneuverability when cleaning. Look also for vacuums with fully sealed filtration systems. Some vacuums allow particles to be expelled back into the environment, and you want to avoid this for a deeper clean.

After vacuuming the couch’s surface, remove the cushions and begin detail work. Using the upholstery attachment, vacuum the sides of each cushion, as well as the top and bottom. Run your finger through the fabric of hidden zippers to release any crumbs or dust. Then, vacuum the base of the sofa, and the area under the cushions. Change to a crevice attachment on the vacuum to help you get into small spaces.

More Ways to Keep Your Sofa Clean

Avoid food and drink: One of the best ways to keep your sofa clean is to not eat or drink on it. This will reduce spills, stains, and crumbs.

Clean the upholstery: Wash or dry clean your sofa upholstery monthly.

Consider the material: Leather sofas are less penetrable by dust, debris, and liquids than fabric sofas. They’re also easily wipeable. Families with pets, kids, or wherein allergens are a big concern may want to opt for a leather sofa for easier cleaning.

Invest in an air purifier: Use an air filtration system in your house to limit the amount of particles in the air, which will in turn reduce what ends up on your furniture.

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The post Yes, You Should Be Vacuuming Your Couch—Here’s How Often appeared first on feeds.distribution.dotdashmeredith.com. Author: Abby Wolner.

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