An inevitable fact of life is that our sofas get dirty, no matter what. Fortunately, we have combined a set of highly useful tips & tricks in this article for cleaning a sofa.
When cleaning a sofa, it’s important to read the directions in the manufacturer’s manual or on the care labels first for important advice and guidelines.
1) Start by Vacuuming
Remove all the cushions and clear everything that’s fallen in between. Pens, coins, remote controls – there’s almost nothing that you can’t discover in there! Now use your vacuum to clear the dust and surface dirt from your sofa. Use the specialist vacuum attachments to get inside the crevices. Ideally; use the soft brush attachment to be as gentle as possible on your sofa’s upholstery.
2) Read the Care Tags for your Sofa
Most of the sofas come with a care tag or certificate that provides instructions on cleaning. Read these closely, as they will advise on the right kinds of products to buy and the right method to use. If your sofa has removable covers, you may even be able to zip them off and either machine-wash or dry-clean them.
3) How to Clean Sofa Fabric: Spot Cleaning Stains
If you simply want to remove a stain from your fabric sofa, you may not need to do a thorough cleaning. You can try a mild solution of warm water and dishwashing liquid like Vim Liquid Lemon; to treat a small stain.
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Test it on an inconspicuous part of the sofa, to make sure it doesn’t damage the fabric. Apply the product gently with a clean, damp cloth – do not get the sofa too wet, and do not rub the stain; as this may make it more difficult to remove. Rinse the area by using another clean, damp cloth, and then let it air dry.
A sprinkle of baking soda will keep your sofa smelling fresh. Just remember to dust the powder away afterwards.
4) Tips on How to Clean a Fabric Sofa
If your fabric sofa does not have removable covers, there are several methods for a deeper clean. Make sure to follow your sofa’s care instructions first. If you use upholstery cleaning products, make sure to follow the directions on the label and test them in a small area first. In some instances, you can hire a steam-cleaner to deep-clean your sofa and its cushions. Make sure to let everything dry fully before you put the cushions back on the sofa.
5) How to Clean Leather Sofas
Cleaning leather sofa covers is a very different subject than that of cleaning fabric sofa components, as leather can be damaged by using too much water or soap. Start by gently vacuuming any dust from the leather sofa and its crevices. If there is any mold or mildew on the leather, spray a mild solution of vinegar and water onto this, and quickly wipe the mold or mildew away.
Using specialist leather products is the most important step in cleaning leather sofa covers. Saddle soap or wax-based leather cleaners will not damage your sofa. Make sure to spot-test the cleaner first in an inconspicuous place, and read the directions on the label before starting. Once you’ve applied the cleaner, wipe away any excess. In general for cleaning leather, remember that less is more.
These five simple tips will make your sofa cleaning an easy task, regardless of its material. With an occasional clean-up, this important piece of furniture is going to stay fresh and welcoming for your family and guests.
Key Steps:
Vacuum your sofa regularly to prevent dust and dirt from building up
Do not oversaturate the material. This is especially important when cleaning leather sofas
If your sofa covers aren’t removable, one method of cleaning them is to use a steam cleaner. Make sure you consult the manufacturer’s manual to check if this is a suitable method for that particular type of fabric.