How to Clean Poop off a Couch: A Step-by-Step Guide

Uh oh. You walk into the living room and are hit with a smell that can only mean one thing – someone didn’t quite make it to the bathroom in time. The evidence is right there on your couch cushions, taunting you. As you get closer, you realize it’s more than just a little stain too. Your nice couch is covered in poop!

This is every homeowner’s worst nightmare. But take a deep breath – it’s going to be okay. With the right cleaning methods, you can get that couch looking and smelling fresh again. In this post, I’ll walk you through the proven techniques to clean poop off a couch and restore it to its former glory.

We’ll cover everything from how to remove solid waste and stains to using deodorizers to erase any lingering smells. I’ll also share the top poop-cleaning products and home remedies. Arm yourself with the right supplies and some elbow grease, and you can win the battle against this smelly couch invader. Let’s get cleaning!

The next step is to dive into the nitty-gritty details. I’ll share tips on safely removing any solid waste and loose stains. Then we’ll mix up a special cleaning solution to liquify set-in stains and really scrub away all evidence of poop. We aren’t stopping until your couch is fresh and clean again!

Supplies You’ll Need to Clean Poop Off a Couch

Before you get scrubbing, gather the following supplies:

Paper towels or clean rags
Warm water
Dish soap or laundry detergent
White vinegar
Baking soda
Enzymatic cleaner like Nature’s Miracle
-Latex gloves
Plastic bags
Paper towels or clean rags
An old toothbrush or scrub brush
Your trusty vacuum!

For really tough stains, a carpet cleaner can also help extract poop residue from couch fibers. Having the right tools will make this cruddy job a little easier.

How to Remove Solid Poop and Stains from Couch Cushions

Let’s start with the basics: removing the bulk of the mess. Here are the steps:

Pick up any solid poop carefully with paper towels. Flush it down the toilet or discard in an outdoor garbage.
Use plastic bags over your hands like gloves to pick up any leftover poop chunks. Turn the bag inside out over the waste to contain it.
Blot the stain using clean rags or paper towels to soak up excess moisture. Don’t rub it in!
Sprinkle baking soda generously over the stain to help absorb odors and moisture. Let sit for 15-20 minutes.
Vacuum up the baking soda thoroughly when done. The stain may still remain, so now let’s break out the cleaners!

Homemade Poop Cleaning Solutions for Couches

Commercial stain removers can contain harsh chemicals. Try these natural poop stain cleaning solutions first:

Dish Soap Solution

Add a few drops of dish soap to warm water in a spray bottle. Spray on stain and let sit 5 minutes. Blot and scrub with a clean rag or old toothbrush. Rinse with clean water and blot dry.

Vinegar Solution

Mix 1 part white vinegar with 1 part warm water. Spray on stain and let sit for 5 minutes. Blot and scrub with rag or toothbrush. Rinse with clean water and blot dry. The vinegar smell will fade as it dries.

Laundry Detergent Solution

Mix laundry detergent with warm water according to package directions. Use an old toothbrush or scrub brush to work it into the stain. Blot with clean rags until the stain transfers over. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and blot dry.

Be patient and repeat applications as needed to fully lift poop stains from fabric. Get ready to put in some elbow grease!

Deodorize and Disinfect to Remove Poop Smell and Germs

Even once the poop stain is physically removed, odors and bacteria may linger. Here’s how to freshen up your couch:

Allow the couch to dry completely in direct sunlight if possible. The UV rays help eliminate odors and germs.
Sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda over the area for 24-48 hours, then vacuum. The baking soda will soak up residual smells.
Spray the couch with an enzymatic cleaner like Nature’s Miracle to break down waste odors on a molecular level. This is key for eliminating poop smell!
Mix 1 cup hydrogen peroxide, 1 tablespoon baking soda, and 5 drops essential oil. Mist this solution over the area to disinfect without bleach.
Consider hiring professional upholstery cleaning service to deep clean and disinfect the couch.

Removing all traces of smell and germs is crucial, so don’t skip the deodorizing step!

Poop Stain Removal Tricks for Different Couch Materials

The cleaning method may vary slightly depending on what your couch cushions are made of:

Fabric couches: Use a scrub brush and cleaning solution. Rinse with clean water. Blot excess moisture and air dry before using.

Leather couches: Mix mild soap and warm water. Use a soft cloth to gently blot the stain. Rinse and let air dry. Avoid harsh scrubbing.

Suede couches: Use a suede brush in one direction. Avoid excessive moisture. Let a professional cleaner handle suede stains.

Cotton couches: Create a baking soda paste with water. Gently dab onto the stain and let sit before vacuuming. Use a soft brush to lather cleaning solution.

No matter the material, always do a spot test on a hidden area first to ensure cleaning products don’t discolor the fabric. And consult a professional upholstery cleaner for stubborn stains.

Stop Dogs From Pooping on the Couch

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of poop-stained couch cleaning! Here are some tips to stop your dog from soiling your sofa:

Restrict access when you’re away. Close doors or use pet gates to keep your dog off the couch.
Use a couch cover or throw blanket as an added barrier of protection.
Clean soiled areas thoroughly with enzymatic cleaner so residual smells don’t attract repeat offenses.
Add more potty breaks to your dog’s schedule to reduce likelihood of accidents.
Consider crate training your dog if they are pooping inside when unsupervised.
Talk to your vet to rule out medical issues if couch pooping is sudden or frequent.

With vigilance and proactive training, you can curb this undesirable couch pooping habit for good.

Don’t Panic If Fido Has an Accident!

Hopefully this guide gave you everything needed to tackle that dreaded couch poop situation like a pro. The key steps are:

Remove solid waste and blot up excess moisture immediately
Mix up a homemade cleaning solution and apply with scrub brush
Rinse stain with clean water and blot dry
Deodorize and disinfect with enzymatic cleaners and baking soda
Adjust method slightly for different couch materials
Continue training to prevent future couch pooping

While finding poop on your couch is less than ideal, have confidence that you can get that puppy mess cleaned up and restore your furniture with the right products and techniques. So take a deep breath, put on your gloves, grab your stain-fighting potions, and get to scrubbing!