How to Clean a Sofa Like a Pro

Couches and sofa seats are hard to clean. We get it. You can’t simply throw it into the washing machine and wiping it down with a wet cloth doesn’t get you very far. So that unfortunate red wine spill looks devastating when it happens, even if you jump to clean it up immediately.

And even if you’ve managed to avoid the big spill, sofa seats get a lot of wear and tear on them before you even consider a clean. Chances are, your sofa has got some combination of crumbs, mysterious stains, pet hair, and dirt on its surfaces and crevices. Yes, it’s time to learn how to clean a sofa. Here are some effective sofa set cleaning tips to help you remove even the toughest stains.

Fabric sofa cleaning – Shutterstock.

Pre-Clean a Sofa

This involves removing any surface debris before embarking on the deep upholstery cleaning. You will need to vacuum up any large particles or debris from the surface of your sofa including the surfaces of the cushions and the base of the sofa. In case of stubborn spots with heavy dust, use a bristle brush to break up these spots before vacuuming up the loose dirt. Ensure that you do not rub the sofa hard enough as this may destroy the fabric.

Pre-cleaning also involves lint and pet hair removal. Any exposed hard surfaces such as wood should also be cleaned using appropriate cleaning products depending on the surface you intend to clean. You can use an all-purpose surface cleaner but ensure that you do not get unwanted chemicals on the fabric. Colored sponges or clothes should not be used as the color may sometimes transfer onto the couch or sofa.

Determine the Sofa Material

Before you begin cleaning your sofa, you will want to identify the fabric which is usually printed on the tag accompanied by signs which will tell you the right procedure to follow during your sofa cleaning or couch cleaning. The signs to look out for include the following:

• (W) means that the sofa can be washed with water
• (X) means that you can only vacuum clean
• (W/S) which means that you can either use solvent cleaner or water
• (S) means that you can only use solvent cleaner to clean the sofa
• (O) means that the material can be washed with cold water since its organic

Get Stains Out of a Sofa

For fabrics that can safely be cleaned with water, treat food and pet stains with a good sofa cleaner that tackles both spots and the lingering odors. In a pinch, you can also use a little mild dish soap mixed in warm water. Always test any cleaner on a hidden part of the fabric for safety first.

If your cushions have removable covers, unzip them and place a paper towel between the fabric and the filling to absorb any stain and cleaner as you work. Apply the cleaner to a cloth and blot the stain carefully, working from the outside in to keep it from spreading. Apply cleaner sparingly, if needed. Once the stain is removed, dab the area with another damp cloth to rinse thoroughly and blot dry. For “S” fabrics, remove stains with a solvent-based product according to package directions.

Wine spill on a sofa – Shutterstock.

Removal of Odors

The next step will involve removing any unpleasant odors using baking soda which is a great and budget-friendly cleaning solution. The baking soda should be sprinkled on the sofa and allowed to sit for at least 20 minutes before vacuuming the sofa using a brush attachment. For a new and fresher look of the sofa, you may also mix the baking soda with a small amount of dry carpet cleaner.

Cleaning Fabric Sofas

If you are on a budget, you can make your own couch cleaning solution by simply mixing some warm water with baking soda, white vinegar and a teaspoon of washing-up liquid. Vinegar and baking soda are specifically great for removing stubborn stains rather quickly but ensure that you test the solution on a concealed fabric to avoid discoloring the sofa. A fabric sofa can also be cleaned with water-based detergent and a steam cleaner for the best results.

Pre-condition the fabric to help dissolve and loosen oil and soil debris for easier cleaning during shampooing. Before spraying the pre-conditioner on all the surfaces you intend to shampoo, it is important to do a spot-test on a hidden piece of the fabric to avoid discoloration. After shampooing with a steam vacuum, use the same steam vacuum to remove any excess detergent and allow the sofa to air-dry.

Cleaning Leather Sofas

The process of cleaning your leather sofa is a little different from that of fabric sofas but the care label should guide you when cleaning. The first thing to do is to dust the sofa to avoid pressing the dirt further into the leather during cleaning. You will then use a soft brush set to vacuum your sofa gently so that you do not scratch the leather surface. If any spots or stains are left on the sofa after vacuuming, clean them using a slightly damp piece of cloth. Persistent stains on your leather sofa should be lightly rubbed with gentle soap and some little water. This is all your leather sofa needs.

Leather sofa cleaning – Shutterstock.

Let The Sofa Air-Dry

No amount of vacuuming with the button released will dry the fabric out. Just leave the sofa alone until it air dries completely for approximately two hours.

If it’s humid, you may want to set up a box fan pointed at the sofa for speed drying. Water can cause cushions and fabric to mildew.

Now that you know how to clean a sofa, you can get right back to snuggling and streaming your favorite shows. Regular furniture cleaning in your home will help you get rid of many problems such as dust, mold, mildew, and allergens. Your furniture will also stay in tip-top condition besides improving your health and your indoor air quality. If you need expert help in sofa cleaning services call us on +254737898884, +254759292158, +254789231328, +254742448334, or drop an email to .