How to Clean a Sofa - Useful Cleaning Tips to Give Your Sitting Area a New Look (2023)

With constant use, it can be difficult for our sofas to stay fresh and free of crumbs, dust and stains. You've chosen what you think is the best sofa, but with kids crawling across them, pets sleeping on top of them, and many of us prefer a tray on our lap scene every now and then, they wouldn't be enough if they didn't. To keep them fresh, just like the day we bought them.

But fear not, because we're offering our Mrs. Hinch this "How to Clean a Sofa" guide, which will tell you everything you need to know. whatever your idealliving room sofa ideasBeautiful soft fabric sofas, luxurious velvet designs or fine leather, we've found the best way to keep your sofa clean enough for dinner - really!

How to Clean a Sofa

When it comes to sofa cleaning, it's not a "one size fits all" situation. A lot depends on the fabric of the sofa, and whether the slipcover is loose or fitted, so be sure to check the label to see what type of cleaner you can use (solvent or water based) and how best to clean them .

There is some disagreement about whether slipcovers should be washed in the washing machine, with many people finding that slipcovers are different or look warped after washing. Often, manufacturers will say "dry clean only" to avoid these kinds of results. But some people swear by putting loose covers in the washing machine for wool—and say they're like new. This is a case of how brave you can be about washing sofa covers yourself.

Regular maintenance is also key to keeping your sofa clean, so vacuuming or brushing it weekly will help keep it looking its best and avoid dirt buildup that can dull the color or fray the fabric.

It's also wise to dispose of spills immediately, dabbing them with paper towels or a soft cloth to absorb them rather than rubbing them, which can push spills deeper into the fabric.

Let's take a look at the different sofa fabrics, andHow to Clean the Upholstery……

Cleaning method of leather sofa

People often opt for leather sofas because they are durable and easy to dry, but how do you ensure your model stays in good condition?

1. Give it a vacuum

First, remove the dirt by giving your holster a good vacuum, and if you have a brush attachment, use that to avoid scratching the material.

2. Wipe off the dust

Use a clean cloth to wipe away any accumulated dust - preferably without water or detergents, as some types of leather can be delicate and stain easily.

3. Use a special leather cleaner

Gently wipe down the sofa with a leather cleaner in circular motions. "A professional conditioner in a premium care kit will help clean and condition your sofa, restoring the leather's luster and maintaining its softness," says Suzy McMahon, Buying Director.Sofologi"To prevent leather from fading or drying out, use this conditioner twice a year."

Cleaning method of fabric sofa

Fabric sofas are easier to clean than you think, no matter how light the color – including neutrals andgray sofa living room ideas.

1. Clean any surface dirt

Start by removing the sheets and cushions, check the sides and back for loose clothing or sweet wrapping paper, etc., then use the upholstery to vacuum the sofa. Be sure to vacuum the seams and any gaps, then repeat on all the pads.

2. Check the label

Before you start cleaning upholstery, be sure to check the labels to see which products you can use on your sofa.

• W means you should only use water-based cleaners. S or P means solvent cleaning only (dry cleaning only).
• SW or WS means you can use water-based cleaners or solvents. Steam cleaners can also be used.
• Finally, an X means you must not use any water or detergent on the surface - professional cleaning please.

If your sofa allows, wipe the cushions with a clean damp cloth to remove dust and grime and stop any stains.

3. Remove any stains or odors

There are some simple home remedies that can help remove stains and spills. First off, white vinegar is a great natural stain remover for most types of upholstery. Use it to blot the stain with a solution of equal parts water and vinegar, then dab the stain with a microfiber cloth (use only a new cloth or make sure it's completely clean). Then use a mixture of mild detergent and warm detergent water to remove any lingering vinegar smell and allow to air dry.

Baking soda does a great job of getting rid of any unwanted sofa smells - sprinkle it on the area, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then vacuum dry.

4. Steam cleaning

Cleaning expert and Instagram influencer Lynsey Queen of Clean swears by using a steam cleaner to keep her sofa looking its best. "I steam mine with a handheld steamer," explains Lynsey. "What the steam will do is it will refresh it. It will kill all the bacteria on the couch. If there are any stains on it, it will help remove the stains," she adds.

Unfortunately, a steam cleaner may not be able to completely remove the stain and you will have to re-clean it with a stain removal product, but it will leave your couch looking like new again.

How to Clean a Velvet Sofa

It used to be that velvet was off limits to anyone with pets and/or small children, but these days, easy-care fabrics (mostly no longer silk-based) make it easy to enjoy luxurious results without the hassle of removing marks.

1. Remove dirt and dust

Gentle vacuuming is the key to cleaning a velvet sofa, so use slow circular motions to remove dust. Another option is to switch to a lint roller, which is quick and easy to work with—but you'll still need to vacuum undermatches and hard-to-reach areas.

2. Give it a brush

You can buy soft metal brushes specially designed for velvet, they are great for maintaining the shine of your sofa. Be sure to brush in the direction of the fluff.

3. Pamper it with steam

If your sofa allows it (check the label to see if you can use water on the sofa), use a handheld steamer to prevent marks and creases. Use it on a low setting and move the steamer constantly to prevent it from sitting in one place for too long and damaging the fabric.

How to clean the stains on the sofa?

“Speed ​​is key when dealing with spills and stains,” says Suzy McMahon of Sofology. "Once you spot a stain, try dabbing with water and a paper towel to remove the stain, and avoid rubbing the fabric, as this may spread the color." Use a soapy water solution and a clean white towel to dab until the color is removed. '

"To avoid water marks after cleaning, we recommend that you dampen a colorfast cloth with boiling water from a jug and carefully wipe the entire panel or cushion, seam to seam. This will help prevent the water stains.

How often should you clean your sofa?

Until you spill something or a stain mysteriously shows up, it's easy to ignore upholstery cleaning, but given how often you use your sofa and how much hidden dirt and dust can build up, it's best to clean it weekly if you can to keep it in place Best state. A quick vacuum will remove any dust or grime that can dull the color of the sofa and affect the material over time.

"There's no question sofas require regular maintenance, and no matter how hard you try to keep your new sofa spotless, it's inevitable that some nasty stains will develop over time," he sayssofa netPatricia Gibbons. "You usually don't need a full head-to-toe deep clean, but we recommend a lot of spot cleaning and opting for fabric protection to help keep your sofa looking fresh."