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Your sofa is the heart of your house in many ways. It’s where you and your family get together to play games, unwind after a hard day at work, and binge-watch the latest shows. As a result, your sofa becomes a dumping ground for snack remnants, popcorn kernels, and the rare alcohol spill.

While vacuuming or wiping down your couch can remove surface filth and pet hair, if you truly want to get rid of fixed discoloration, stains, dust and dirt, you should use fabric steamers and steam cleaners. Follow this step-by-step instruction on how to clean a sofa every six months or so to get your living space prepared for yet another jam-packed night of movie-watching.

1) Sanitizing ​your sofa, for beginners

Whether you’re attempting to remove a stain from a single cushion or want to give your entire sofa a refresh every two years:

• To eliminate dust mites, use a portable garment steamer or steam bursts from your steam iron. Allow only the heat to contact and permeate the cloth as you go over the entire couch. Skip this step and move directly to vacuuming with a vacuum cleaner if you don’t have a steamer or iron.
• Go through the entire sofa with your vacuum’s upholstery attachment: back, arms, skirt, and cushions. If the pillows are detachable, remove them and suction the material below, extending as far as your machine’s brush attachment can reach – underneath the back and arms.

2) Check the care tag on your sofa to discover what’s safe to use on the fabric

The letter W is the simplest to clean, indicating that water-based cleaners are acceptable. Take note of the cleaning codes on the following labels on your sofa care tag for specific instructions on how to clean your sofa:

• W/S denotes that cleansers based on water or solvents are both safe.
• S denotes the use of exclusively solvent-based cleaners.
• X denotes that the cloth should only be vacuumed or brushed.

Treat food and pet stains on textiles that can be safely cleaned with water using an enzyme-based treatment. If you’re in a hurry, use mild dish soap and warm water. Always do a test on the cleaner in a discreet location first.

• Unzip the covers if your cushions have detachable covers and lay a paper towel between the fabric and the stuffing to absorb cleaning.
• Apply the cleanser on a cloth and carefully wipe the stain from the outside in. After the stain has been removed, thoroughly clean the area with a moist towel and blot dry.
• Remove stains from “S” textiles with a solvent-based product as directed on the packaging.

A portable extraction cleaner may be used to clean soiled arms and headrests. Simply use the hose to pour the cleaner and water combination, agitate the cloth with the brush nozzle, and vacuum the dirt into the tank.

It’s important to hire a professional to clean solvent-only materials safely and thoroughly.

After your couch is clean and dry, use a fabric sanitizer to eliminate any leftover bacteria and odors on water-safe upholstery.

3) Eliminate odours from your sofa

Freshen up your sofa on a frequent basis in between deep cleans, especially if it emanates an unpleasant odor. You may get rid of odors by putting baking soda all over the sofa or spraying it with Febreze FABRIC, whatever the cause is – greasy takeout, wet dog, or dirty kids. These solutions, unlike some air fresheners, don’t merely disguise scents; they truly eradicate them.

4) DIY sofa cleansers 

There are a lot of specialty fabric cleaners on the market, but you don’t have to spend a lot of money to make your sofa look nice. These homemade cleansers may be used on a variety of materials. Simply check the label and test an inconspicuous area first, and don’t forget to check the cleaning label on your sofa to find out how to clean your sofa properly and ensure you’re using the right solution.

5) The best way to clean a fabric couch with vinegar

When it comes to cleaning a couch, white vinegar is a great stain remover that is safe to use on most materials. As a result, cleaning a fabric sofa organically is perfect. Make the following solution and blot the stain — don’t wet the sofa or rub since you’ll spread the stain.

You will need:

• 1 cup of hot water
• 1 cup vinegar (white)
• Optional: 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid

6) How to use detergent to clean an upholstery couch

Always use a safe and adequate detergent for your cloth. You can use a light soap meant for hand cleaning or purchase upholstery detergents. Make the following solution and use a sponge to apply it to the stain. Make sure the stain isn’t too moist.

After the stain has lifted, dab with clean water to remove the detergent and dry the remaining moisture with paper towels.

You will need:

• 1 teaspoon detergent
• 2 cups water

7) The best way to clean a fabric sofa without using water

Baking soda, particularly on damp stains, is one of the greatest cleaning methods to eliminate grime and stains. Wait for 20-30 minutes after sprinkling over the surface (or if the stain was still wet, until the baking soda has dried). To get rid of the baking soda, vacuum it up.

Dry cleaning towels can also be used to erase dehydrated stains. Because these cloths have been pretreated with a dry cleaning solution, they’re convenient to have on hand. Follow the label’s directions.

Many dry cleaning rags dissolve away stains by gently rubbing them. If the disinfectant requires thermal activation, heat the region with a hair dryer.

8) How to create your own DIY sofa disinfectant

Steam cleaning is a good way to disinfect a sofa, but if you don’t have one or don’t want to pay a cleaner, there are alternative options. Rubbing alcohol is an excellent choice since it can kill a wide range of germs and viruses.

You will need:

• Rubbing alcohol (two cups)
• 1 quart of water

In a spray bottle, combine all of the ingredients and softly sprinkle your DIY disinfectant on the couch. Make sure it doesn’t become too moist. If possible, remove the cushions and spray the frame and both sides of the cushions individually. Allow for air drying of the couch and cushions.

To sum it up 

There you have it – 8 useful tips on how to clean a sofa. It doesn’t have to be a disaster if you get a stain on your fabric couch. Although cleaning upholstered furniture may appear difficult, with the Pros on your side, it’s a breeze!

Cleaning your sofa as part of a spring cleaning regimen will also help extend its life and keep it looking new for years to come.

Drop us a message today to find out more about our cleaning services.