Dirty Couch Facts

 

Sitting on your couch after a long day can be the most relaxing part of your evening. Not only is it a place for comfort, but it can also be a space for entertainment, gathering with friends and family, and taking a nice nap. One of the more overlooked issues with a couch is cleaning it. The soft surface can easily get stains and the natural wear and tear can cause it to get really dirty. Below you will find common dirty couch facts and how you can keep your couch clean.

Dirty Couch Facts

A dirty couch can be gross and carry a lot of germs. While you may think your couch is clean, a couch that looks clean can easily be dirty. Consider the following dirty couch facts!

• Mold: On hot and humid days, soft surfaces can quickly and easily absorb moisture. Not only can this impact your couch, but it can also impact your carpets, mattresses, and upholstery. Humidity can be a breeding ground for mold, which can be a serious health hazard. It can cause respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems if not taken care of. Not only can it be a health concern, but it can also come with some gross smells and even damage your couch.
• Bacteria: Research has shown that there is more bacteria per square inch on a couch than a toilet seat. This can be a health hazard as viruses can survive on soft surfaces for 24 hours. The couch can be a source for your allergies as well. On top of illnesses and allergies, the accumulation of sweat, body oils, food particles, and even pet dander can accumulate on your couch. This will contribute to the harmful bacteria that can impact your health.
• Grease Residue: Couches can easily get greasy due to the accumulation of harmful residue. Even if you sit on the couch fully clothed, it’s easy for the natural oils on your body to rub off on your couch. This includes dirt, germs, and other debris. Once your couch becomes greasy, it can attract even more as time passes.

Cleaning Your Couch

It’s important to have your couch regularly cleaned. This can help reduce the accumulation of greasy residue, bacteria, and reduce the risk for mold. So many people don’t clean their couch, which can lead to harmful health issues. In fact, more than 60% of people have never had their couch professionally cleaned. It is recommended that you clean your couch (and other soft surfaces) at least every six months if you lightly use it. Some may need to do it more often due to a variety of factors.

• Type of Use: If your couch is used moderately or more, you’ll likely need to get pros to clean your upholstery every three to six months. Moderate to heavy use means that multiple people use the couch on a daily basis.
• Pets or Children: If you have pets or children, consider cleaning your couch more often. Pets and children can add a lot to your couches as they can be really messy. Spills, bodily fluids, fur, pet dander, and other debris can easily impact the cleanliness of your couch. Consider a pro carpet cleaning service every three months if you have children or pets that are regularly on your couch.
• Health Issues: If you or someone in your home has allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues, clean your couch more often. Your couch can easily accumulate dust, allergens, and other irritants that can impact your health condition. Consider getting your couch cleaned at least every three months.