If you’re like most people, your sofa is one of the most used pieces of furniture in your home – and it’s also one of the hardest to keep clean.
Stains, spills, and general wear and tear can quickly turn your sofa from looking like new to looking like it’s seen better days. But don’t despair! With a little bit of effort, you can keep your sofa looking as good as new.
In this article, we’ll show you how to clean a sofa like a pro. We’ll start with the basics of sofa cleaning, then move on to some more advanced techniques. So whether you’re dealing with a small stain or a big mess, we’ve got you covered.
Why sofa cleaning is important
Before we get into the various methods of how to clean your sofa, let’s talk about why sofa cleaning is necessary in the first place.
Cleaning your sofa regularly is important for a number of reasons:
- First, it helps to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that might be stuck to the surface. This can help to extend the life of your sofa and keep it looking its best.
- Additionally, regular cleaning can also help to prevent the build-up of bacteria and other germs, which can be harmful to your health.
- Regular cleaning of your couch or sofa can also help to remove any unwanted odours from the fabric, which can spread and linger around your home if left untreated.
So now that you know why sofa cleaning is important, let’s get into how to do it!
How to clean sofa – the basics
So, how to clean a sofa?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to home cleaning. Sofa is an important piece of furniture in every home and it requires special care and attention when it comes to cleaning. There are different types of fabrics used for making sofas and each type has its own cleaning method.
For example, if your sofa is made from delicate fabrics like silk or velvet, you will need to use a different method and different products than you would use for a sofa made from more durable fabrics like leather or microfiber. Before starting the sofa cleaning process, it is important to identify the type of fabric used in your sofa.
The most common types of fabrics used for making sofas are:
- Cotton
- Linen
- Silk
- Wool
- Synthetic fabrics
How can I clean my sofa at home?
Once you have identified the type of fabric used in your sofa, you can proceed with the cleaning process. The cleaning process for your sofa is similar to the process of cleaning a mattress. However, the steps for cleaning your sofa will vary depending on the type of sofa and the material it is made out of, but in general, the steps are similar.
Cleaning a sofa at home: Step-by-step
- The first step is to vacuum the sofa: this will help remove any dust or dirt that is on the surface of the sofa. If you have a sofa with removable covers, it is advisable to remove them and wash them separately.
- The next step is to pre-treat any stains that are on the sofa: this can be done by using a stain remover or a Sofa cleaning solution. You can either use a spray bottle to apply the solution or you can use a cloth to apply it.
- Once the pre-treatment is done, it is time to start cleaning the sofa. For this, you will need a sofa cleaner that is specifically made to clean whatever fabric your couch is made out of. Apply the Sofa cleaner on the couch and scrub it in with a brush.
- Finally, rinse off the sofa cleaner with clean water and let the sofa air dry. Once it is completely dry, you can vacuum it again to remove any residual dirt or dust.
Now you know the general process for cleaning a sofa, let’s take a more detailed look at how to clean each type of sofa fabric;
How to clean leather sofa
The process of cleaning for leather sofa is different from other types of sofas. You can’t just use any old random cleaning solutions on leather sofas, as this will damage the material. To clean a leather sofa, you can opt to use a store-bought cleaner made specifically for cleaning leather, or choose to make your own cleaner using simple ingredients that you probably have laying around the house.
To clean a leather sofa, you will need:
- A microfibre cloth
- A vacuum cleaner
- A leather conditioner or mild dish soap
- A bowl of warm water
- Baking soda (optional)
- The first step is to vacuum the sofa with a soft brush attachment to remove any surface dirt or dust. Be careful not to use a vacuum cleaner with a hard brush attachment, as this can damage the leather.
- Next, mix together a leather conditioner or mild dish soap with some warm water in a bowl. Soak a microfibre cloth in the solution and then wring it out so that it is damp but not dripping wet.
- Now, start wiping down the leather sofa with the damp microfibre cloth, using circular motions. As you are wiping, you will notice the dirt and grime being lifted from the sofa.
- Once you have cleaned the entire sofa, you can optionally sprinkle some baking soda on a dry microfibre cloth and use it to buff the sofa. This will help to remove any leftover dirt or residue and will also leave the sofa with a nice shine.
- Finally, let the sofa air dry completely or use a hairdryer on the cool setting to speed up the process.
- Once the sofa is dry, you can vacuum it again with a soft brush attachment to remove any baking soda that might have been left behind.
How to clean suede sofa
Suede sofas are becoming increasingly popular, but they can be a bit tricky to clean. The key to cleaning a suede sofa is to use the right products and to be gentle so as not to damage the material. If you’re wondering how to clean a velvet sofa, these steps are applicable as well.
To clean a suede sofa, you will need:
- A vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
- A suede brush
- A small amount of white vinegar
- A clean microfibre cloth
- Baking soda (optional)
- The first step in cleaning a suede sofa is the same as cleaning any sofa – you’ll want to vacuum the sofa with a soft brush attachment to remove any surface dirt or dust.
- Next, pour a small amount of white vinegar onto a clean microfibre cloth. Gently rub the cloth over the surface of the sofa, using circular motions. The vinegar will help to lift any dirt or grime that is stuck to the suede.
- Once you have gone over the entire sofa with the vinegar-soaked microfibre cloth, you can use a suede brush to further scrub the sofa. The brush will help to remove any stubborn dirt or stains.
- If there are any areas of the sofa that seem particularly dirty, you can repeat the process as needed.
- Once you have finished cleaning the sofa, let it air dry completely.
How to clean fabric sofa
Cleaning a fabric sofa is a bit more complicated than cleaning other types of sofas, as you need to be careful not to damage the fabric. The best way to clean a fabric sofa is to use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove any surface dirt or dust. You can also use a lint roller to pick up any hair or debris that might be stuck to the fabric. If you have removable sofa covers, you can take them off and wash them in the washing machine.
To clean a fabric sofa, you will need:
- A vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
- A lint roller
- A clean microfibre cloth
- A small amount of white vinegar
- Water
- Baking soda (optional)
- If there are any stains on the sofa, you can try spot cleaning them with a mild detergent or upholstery cleaner. To do this, mix together a small amount of detergent with some warm water and then apply it to the stained area with a clean microfibre cloth.
- Gently rub the cloth in a circular motion until the stain is lifted. Rinse the area with clean water and then pat it dry with a towel.
- Once you have removed all of the stains, you can vacuum the sofa again with a soft brush attachment to remove any lingering dirt or dust.
- Next, mix together a small amount of white vinegar and water. Pour the mixture onto a clean microfibre cloth and then use it to wipe down the entire sofa. The vinegar will help to remove any remaining dirt or grime.
- Once you have finished cleaning the sofa, let it air dry completely. You can also sprinkle some baking soda on the sofa to help absorb any moisture and freshen up the fabric.
How to clean a sofa that smells
Unfortunately, sometimes couches can start to smell. This is often due to spills or pet accidents that have not been properly cleaned up. If your couch has started to develop an unpleasant odour, there are a few things you can do to try and remove the scent.
To clean a couch that smells, you will need:
- A vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
- A small amount of white vinegar
- Water
- Baking soda
- A clean microfibre cloth or paper towels
- The first step is to identify the source of the smell. If there is a spill or accident that has not been cleaned up, you will need to remove the soiled area of the couch and clean it thoroughly.
- Once you have removed the source of the smell, you can vacuum the couch with a soft brush attachment to remove any dirt or dust.
- Next, mix together a small amount of white vinegar and water. Pour the mixture onto a clean microfibre cloth or paper towels and then use it to wipe down the entire couch. The vinegar will help to remove any lingering odours.
- Once you have finished cleaning the couch, let it air dry completely. Just like in previous methods, you can also sprinkle some baking soda on the sofa to help absorb any moisture and freshen up the fabric.
How do you deep clean a settee?
Sometimes, a light couch cleaning isn’t enough. If your couch is in need of a deep cleaning, there are a few things you can do to get it looking and smelling fresh again.
To deep clean a couch, we recommend using a store-bought cleaning product or upholstery cleaner. Be sure to read the instructions on the product before using it on your couch.
- In general, you will want to vacuum the couch first with a soft brush attachment to remove any dirt or dust.
- Next, follow the instructions on the cleaning product and apply it to the couch.
- Once you have applied the cleaner, use a clean microfibre cloth to rub it into the fabric in a circular motion.
- Let the cleaner sit on the couch for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer. Once the time is up, use a clean cloth or paper towels to remove any remaining cleaner or residue.
- You can also vacuum the couch again with a soft brush attachment to remove any lingering dirt or dust.
- Finally, let the couch air dry completely before using it again.
Need extra help? Call on professional sofa cleaning services
If you’ve done everything you can to clean your sofa but it still doesn’t look or smell its best, you may need to call in a professional to help clean and organise your living room.
When searching for a professional sofa cleaning service, be sure to ask about their experience and whether they have any specialties. You will also want to make sure that they use eco-friendly products and methods. Calling on the help of professional cleaning services can be pricey, but it may be worth it to get your couch looking and smelling like new again.
Your sofa cleaning problems, solved
Couch cleaning is important because it helps to keep your furniture looking its best and prolong its lifespan. Sofa cleaning is also important for hygiene reasons, as it can help to remove any dirt, dust, or stains that may be present. There are a number of ways you can clean your couch, including using store-bought cleaners, homemade cleaning solutions, or professional couch cleaning services.
No matter which method you choose, be sure to vacuum the couch first and let it air dry completely before using it again. By following these simple tips, you can keep your couch looking and smelling fresh for years to come.