Social media is a breeding ground for unusual household tips – from how to clean shoes with toothpaste to mysterious ways to fold sheets. But among the multitude of ideas, there is occasionally a trick that surprisingly… actually works. One such trick recently took TikTok by storm: cleaning a couch using a detergent capsule and a pot lid.
Did someone say cleaning your couch with a pot lid?! At first glance, it sounds like a recipe for disaster, but videos with millions of views show how a simple combination of kitchen utensils and a little heat can freshen up your upholstered furniture without complicated devices or expensive cleaners. The method promises to be fast, effective, and affordable. cleaning – the question is whether it is safe for all types of fabrics and what its real effects are.
How does the couch cleaning trick actually work?
If you're one of those who reflexively subscribes to TikTok's new cleaning cult at the mention of "household hacks" - stop. Take a deep breath. This trick may be a viral sensation, but it's surprisingly logical and simple at its core. All you need is a few basic tools that most people already have at home:
- pot lid (as flat as possible),
- one detergent capsule (preferably the one for machine washing),
- a bowl or shallow dish,
- a microfiber cloth or thin towel,
- boiling water,
- and – yes, this is not optional – a vacuum cleaner.
The process consists of a few simple steps:
- Vacuum the sofa thoroughly.to remove all surface dirt, hair, crumbs, and those coins that no one uses anymore.
- Place the detergent capsule in a container and pour boiling water over it. Wait for it to dissolve completely – the result will be a warm cleaning solution that smells like fresh laundry and the illusion of a tidy home.
- Wrap the cloth around the lid of the pot., creating a makeshift “cleaning head.” If it’s a more sporty cover (read: smaller towel), you may need to tighten it a few times.
- Dip the cover in the cleaning mixture and rub it on the sofa. – on seats, backrests and everywhere else where the daily patina of life accumulates.
- Then rinse the cloth in clean water. and repeat the process to remove any detergent residue.
- Let the sofa dry thoroughly. – preferably with a fan or an open window, if you're lucky enough that it's not exactly November.
What do skeptics say?
Since the internet is not the internet without opinions, of course, a skeptical part of the population quickly chimed in. Critics warn that the detergent can leave a soapy layer that attracts more dirt over time – meaning that in a month you could be cleaning the couch again… and again. Like a mini cleaning time machine that never stops.
It is also important to highlight: this trick is not for every materialLeather, suede and other more delicate textiles require special care, so checking the care label beforehand (the one we usually ignore until it's too late) is a mandatory step.
@citylinetv If your upholstery needs a little ♥️ this weekend, try this viral pot lid hack. #cleantok #cleaninghacks #cleaningtiktok ♬ original sound – CitylineTV
Is this even useful for everyone?
If you don't have a deep cleaner for upholstered furniture at home (read: most of us), then this method can be an interesting alternative for occasional sofa refreshIt is especially convenient for those who live in smaller apartments or are looking for an affordable solution without visiting a dry cleaner.
Of course, this is not a replacement for professional cleaning - but as a quick intervention before visits or after the seasonal change of cat hair (read: spring), this trick can be surprisingly effective.
