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Your comfy couch cushions are dirtier than you think

This mum's experiment will make you do a double take.
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How clean are your couch cushions? If it’s been more than six months since you last cleaned them, they’re probably a lot dirtier than you think. 

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Experimenting to see just how dirty comfy couch cushion can be, Nicole Gibson, the laundry queen at Söka Australia, weighed her cushions before and after cleaning them with an enzyme spray, and the results are eye opening. 

In a post on her Instagram stories, Nicole shared a video of her cushion being weighed before and after cleaning. Before spraying, the cushion weighed 3186 grams. 

After spraying the cushion with an enzyme spray and leaving it to dry, it lost a whopping 85g. 

“The enzymes will seek and destroy organic matter such as dust mites/dead skin cells, removing any bacteria causing odour,” Nicole wrote in the post.

how to clean couch cushions before and after pictures

How to freshen up your cushions

To keep your cushions cleaner for longer (before having to deep clean them), Nicole shares her tips for freshening up cushions

Here’s how:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

  • Nicole says you can sprinkle a light covering of bicarb soda for at least 30 mins or overnight to absorb odours, then vacuum.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
  • Next, remove the cover and wash as per care instructions. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
  • Air dry in the sun, spraying a 50/50 white vinegar and water mix.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
  • Lastly, spray once with Norwex Mattress cleaner to eliminate bacteria, organic matter, pet dander and viruses! For more information @becallpasshealthyhomes ⠀⠀
how to clean couch cushions
(Credit: Will Horner/@aremediasyndication.com.au)

How to wash your cushions

If you need to wash your cushions, here’s how. 

  • If your care instructions say your cushions can be machine washed, it’s best to wash them two at a time to balance the drum. 
  • Next, add a liquid laundry detergent and some eucalyptus oil to remove dust mites before washing them in warm water. 
  • Dry your pillows in the sun.

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