You don’t need to lug out your vacuum or portable spot cleaner every time your sofa needs a refresh. For surface-level stains that don’t require the “big tools,” this helpful hack will have your furniture looking brand-new in just a few minutes.
A Quick Cushion Refresh
To clean your cushions in record time, you’ll first need to gather a few household supplies: a large bowl, warm water, liquid laundry detergent, a microfiber cloth, and a pot lid with a handle. The lid should be small enough to be fully wrapped in the cloth, creating a flat, handheld scrubber.
Now, let’s get to cleaning: Start by removing any debris or surface dust from the fabric. You can give your cushions a quick once-over with a vacuum attachment, or a few passes with a lint roller if you’re dealing just with crumbs or pet hair. Next, mix about 1 teaspoon of liquid detergent with 2 to 3 cups of warm water in a wide bowl.
Submerge the cloth in the soapy water and wring it out before wrapping it around your pot lid. To do this, lay the cloth flat and place the pot lid in the center with the handle facing up. Gather the corners toward the middle, securing them with your fingers or tying a knot if there is enough excess fabric.
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Scrub the cushions using long, overlapping strokes, applying even pressure for a consistent clean. Depending on the size of your furniture, you’ll likely need to repeat this process — rinsing the cloth in clean water and resoaking it whenever it starts to dry out or look grimy.
The original hack doesn’t call for it, but a secondary rinse with a clean, damp cloth will ensure no soapy residue is left behind. Finally, allow the furniture to dry completely before use.
Why Does It Work?
By using a pot lid instead of a wet rag, you create a flat, even surface that lifts dirt without oversaturating the cushions. Every inch of your fabric is agitated consistently, pulling grime out onto the cloth instead of pushing it deeper into the upholstery.
Keep in mind that this hack is best for light surface stains. If you’re dealing with deep-set stains, you’ll want to use a portable spot cleaner, such as the Shark StainStriker or the Bissell Little Green.
