How to Clean a Microfiber Recliner?

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Last updatedLast updated: March 05, 2020

Microfiber had remained a popular material since the 1980s when it began to be seen more on furniture and in cleaning cloths. It is made from a combination of synthetic fibers, or those made in labs. In general, they are affordable and easy to produce, making them a great choice for inexpensive furniture like comfy recliners. If you need to know how to clean an old microfiber recliner, check out the following steps. This method will help you remove grease, oil stains, food stains, and other smudges that attack your favorite chair.

Types of Microfiber

How to Clean a Microfiber Recliner?

Before attempting to clean your recliner, you need to know what type of microfiber it is made from. After all, some can withstand soap and water while others cannot.

The majority of microfibers are divided into two categories: split and non-split. Split microfiber is made of interlocking strands of polyester and a polyamide or nylon byproduct. This type of material absorbs liquid best and can also attract dust and dirt.

Non-split microfiber is tightly woven together and tends to contain a high amount of polyester. The material is designed to reflect liquids rather than absorb them, which can make cleaning this style of recliner more difficult in the long run.

Cleaning Supplies You Will Need

The type of supplies you will need depends on the variety of microfiber used to make the recliner. Your first step should always be to check the chair’s tag, which should have a letter near the “care instructions:” S, W, SW, or X.

Based on the visible letter, you will need the following:

  • A handheld vacuum
  • A solvent-based upholstery cleaner
  • A water-based upholstery cleaner
  • A stiff bristle brush
  • Two sponges
  • Two buckets
  • Clean water
  • A spray bottle

If your chair has an ‘S,’ it means you should use a solvent cleaner. A ‘W’ means a water-based cleaner, ‘SW’ means you can use either one, and ‘X’ means only a vacuum will work. Choose your supplies accordingly.

A Step-By-Step Guide for Cleaning Water Safe Microfiber

If you have a water-safe microfiber recliner, then your cleaning job will be easy. Simply follow these steps and be sure to finish each one before moving onto the next.

  1. Vacuum the entire recliner to remove hair, food particles, lint, and other debris.
  2. Pour a small amount of your soap or upholstery cleaner into a bucket full of water.
  3. Mix the cleaner and water together and then dip your sponge in.
  4. Squeeze excess moisture from the sponge and then gently scrub the microfiber of the chair.
  5. Once done, fill the second bucket with clean water.
  6. Using a clean sponge, use the water to remove excess soap from the recliner.
  7. Wait for the recliner to dry and then use the brush to fluff the microfiber back to normal.

It’s important not to mix up the two buckets during this process because you could accidentally leave behind soap on the chair, which will affect how the microfiber looks and feels.

A Step-By-Step Guide for Cleaning Non-Water Safe Microfiber

Non-water safe microfiber is often made of more synthetic materials and is, therefore, more resistant to liquids. It might not absorb your soap well, so be sure to scrub with enough pressure to dislodge stains. Follow these simple steps to clean your recliner.

  1. Vacuum the entire recliner to remove debris.
  2. Pour your cleaner into a spray bottle and only spray the sections which need to be cleaned.
  3. Using a sponge, scrub stains vigorously until you see the oil and grime start to disappear from the recliner.
  4. Repeat steps 1-3 until all the stains and discoloration have been eliminated.
  5. Wait for the microfiber to dry.
  6. Using the stiff-bristled brush, fluff the chair until it looks like normal.

This method works well for spot cleaning and eliminating tough areas of dirt or oil from hands and fingers.

How to Remove Stains from Microfiber

How to Clean a Microfiber Recliner?

When you have individual stains, you can clean your microfiber recliner by only using the liquid on those affected spots. This is most easily done with a spray bottle that allows you to target each area with a small amount of liquid.

For the best results in stain removal, use a soft sponge, and start at the outside of the stain. This prevents the liquids from spreading across the microfiber and creating a larger mess for you to clean. Remember to use a clean sponge or cloth to pick up excess liquid and leave behind a spotless chair.

How to Maintain a Clean Recliner

The best way to avoid learning to clean a microfiber recliner is to keep it neat and tidy throughout the year. While it is still a good idea to do deep cleaning twice a year to eliminate the oil and grease from hands and feet, following these simple steps will help you avoid large stains.

  1. Vacuum the fabric on a regular basis and avoid eating staining foods (like pasta sauce) while in the chair.
  2. Use a small amount of baking soda to eliminate bad odors. Sprinkle the baking soda onto the fabric and allow it to sit for 15 minutes before vacuuming.
  3. Don’t wear shoes while sitting in the recliner, as these can track in mud and dirt.
  4. If you have pets, keep them off the chair, so they don’t shed hair on the fabric, or purchase a recliner cover.
  5. Never use the wrong type of cleaner on the fabric.


These basic methods are the simplest ways to clean a dirty microfiber recliner, whether it be thin, plush, or made by a specific manufacturer like Ashley. Just remember to always have clean sponges available and to check the tag with care instructions to make sure you use the proper cleaner. If you are concerned about deep stains, consider professional spot removal or even reupholstering the chair so you can keep your favorite recliner long past its purchase.

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