How to Deep Clean Couch Cushions in Bathtub Like a Pro!

Learning how to deep clean couch cushions in bathtub would be the best approach to take, rather than spending a huge amount of money on replacement.

This will help in getting it sparkling, brightly colored, as good as new. This is where we begin to surf the internet for DIY processes.

This article is just what you need. It would delight you to know that you do not need to hire anyone to do the job for you.

By reading this article to the end, I will show you, step by step, the approach proven to get your couches back to a renewed and very clean state.

Yes! A clean state, especially if you’re like me that likes to be frugal. Now, let’s get to it.

To deep clean couch cushions in the bathtub, you need to dust them, soak them with warm water, add a cleaning agent, soak the couch again, scrub with a sponge and rinse with clean water.

How to Deep Clean Couch Cushions in Bathtub (Proven steps)

Step #1: Check for Specific Instructions

Instead of getting right into cleaning up the couch, you would need to check the label on the cushions.

This is to see if there are specific cleaning instructions that might help you get the job done faster and better.

It will also prevent damage to the fabric and the foam of the cushion. It could also help you know if the cushion can be machine washed or hand washed.

Tip: When you follow these instructions, if there are any, you will to a large extent be able to retain the longevity of its style and color.

Step #2: Check the Cushion Cover Fabric

You’ll need to confirm the type of fabric that the cushion cover is made of. It could be suede, silk, cotton, or even leather.

These cushion covers come with tags like W which means you can use water-based cleaners, S stands for water-free dry cleaning and X means vacuum only.

For vacuum –only, you only need a vacuum cleaner to remove the dirt and you don’t have to involve water.

Tip: Most of the couch cushions are water-based so I will be giving a comprehensive detail of how to clean cushions with water-based cleaners. 

Step #3: Dust Out Solid Particles

Your couch gets dusted every cleaning time, but you will need to redo it this time before you start your deep cleaning process.

It will help you get rid of dust, debris, furs from animals, hair, or anything at all and prepare your couch for some deep wet cleaning.

You have to remove or lift the cushions one by one, dismember them if possible then vacuum every space in between the cushions thoroughly.

Tip: You can also use a cleaning brush with soft strokes to brush the fabric of the cushions in a light manner. Do this repeatedly until the couch looks dust-free. 

Step #4: Soak in Warm Water First

You will need to first of all dip the whole cushions inside a large bowl of warm water to make the stains easier to remove.

You should do this for about 30-45 minutes for easy cleaning. This is one of the most important steps on how to wash couch cushions in the bathtub.

Step #5: Mix the Cleaning Solution

For a water-based cleaning, you only need something as cheap as your dish detergent or any grease-cutting laundry detergent.

But you will do well to avoid any soap made with strong chemicals.

Tip: You will need to combine about 10ml of dish detergent for every 1200ml of water to make an adequate cleaning mixture and stir very well until it’s soapy.

Step #6: Soak Couches Again in Soapy Water

Dip the cushion inside the soapy water after removing it from the bowl of warm water, push down on it as hard as you can then release it.

Doing this makes the couch suction up soapy water to get it into all corners of the couch and you can use your feet to increase the pressure if you don’t mind.

This method will release the dirt into the water as you continue to apply the pressure from your hands or feet simultaneously.

Tip: You can change the soapy water as many times as possible until you achieve desired clean soapy water.

Step #7: Gentle Scrub with a Sponge

You will need to get a good sponge and dampen it with the soapy mixture to scrub the couch.

Squeeze out excess water from the sponge and then start to scrub gently in a circular motion.

You’ll need to be careful while scrubbing so you don’t end up ruining the fabric on the couch.

Take an important note of stains and try to spend more time scrubbing them to get them out.

Note: Use this technique from edge to edge and panel to panel to cover up the whole cushion. This will give the couch a uniform look so that some areas won’t look cleaner than others.

Step #8: Clean Stubborn Stains with Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide

In cases of stains that refuse to leave even after soaking and scrubbing, you will need some stronger measures and that is where strong cleaning solutions come in.

These chemicals should be used minimally and carefully so it won’t do more harm than good.

You’ll need to mix 240ml of hydrogen peroxide, 4.9 ml of vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of baking soda to make a paste.

After mixing, you can dampen a clean rag with the mixture and clean the stain with the rag, or use an old toothbrush to scrub the stain with the paste you made.

Tip: For harder stains, just apply the paste on the cushions and leave overnight for best results.

Step #9: Rinse the Cushions

Get a bowl of warm water and rinse out the cushion, you can rinse as many times as you want.

This will get rid of the washing liquids and the chemicals from the couch, and this is basically where you see the result of your cleaning process.

Squeeze out every moisture you can with all the pressure you can muster to allow for fast drying.

Tip: If available, you can use the suction hose to suck up as much water as possible from the cushions.

Step #10: Dry Out the Cushions

Look for an area with good air circulation and hang the cushions to dry.

Make sure the place is out in the open and stand up the cushion so that every corner can have access to dry at the same time.

Check on the couch every 15 minutes until it is completely dry, you can confirm by touching it yourself.

You can also use a hairdryer to dry off the water left in the cushion.

Tip: Although this can be stressful, I must say, on the bright side, you get to achieve your desired result faster but make sure the heat is minimal to avoid heat damage to the cushions.

Step #11: Eliminate Bad Odors

Apart from getting a clean and fresh look, you would need to ensure that the couch also smells as good as new.

A fresh-smelling cushion in the bathtub will definitely give your bathroom an appealing scent.

Besides, wet cleaning could also leave some damp smell on your cushion and that is where baking soda comes in.

Baking soda can neutralize odors and give your cushion that desired smell.

After dusting or vacuuming the powder off the next day, you will notice a fresher scent coming from your cushions, all that dampness and bad odor gone.

It sounds like magic, but it’s really not Lol!

Tip: You basically have to just sprinkle some baking soda onto the dried couch and leave it for 24 hours.

Conclusion

I believe this article has taught you how to deep clean couch cushions in bathtub.

Also, I personally have tried this method so I can tell you with some confidence that you would not need to buy a new cushion for the couch in your bathtub.

This method would restore the lost shine and scent and make your couch as good as new, as long as you follow through with the aforementioned processes.

After getting your desired result I’m certain you’ll be able to help someone else out just as I have done for you, wouldn’t you?