A Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Sofa

by Tessa Kendrick

Since lockdown began, so many of us have been spending more time on our sofas. Whether it’s for family movie nights, an at-home office setup, or just general daily activities, crumbs and stains manage to find their way into every nook and cranny. Nobody likes lounging on a messy sofa, so we’ve created a guide to help you freshen up your favourite spot!

Vacuum

Start by using the brush attachment on your vacuum or a hand vacuum to suck up any debris on all surfaces on the sofa. Be sure not to forget those tricky crevices between sections where crumbs like to hide! If your cushions aren’t attached, remove them and vacuum both sides.

Wipe

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Mix up some warm water and mild liquid dish soap to wipe down any non-fabric areas of the couch, such as metal or wooden feet. Be sure to dilute the soap well to avoid damaging any wood finishes.

Code

Different fabrics require different types of care. Check the tag on your sofa to find the code that tells you which cleaning method is best. Certain fabrics can be ruined if you clean them improperly – so make sure you know your code! If your sofa does not have a code, which is common for vintage or antique pieces, do a small spot-test on a hidden piece of the upholstery first.

Stain Removal

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Stains are inevitable. Removing them can improve the look of your furniture significantly, but commercial cleaners aren’t always available and sometimes aren’t necessary! Try these methods before dropping some serious bucks on fancy products:

  • If your fabric type can be cleaned with water, try steaming the stain! A few passes with a steamer or even the steam setting on your iron could loosen up the stain and make it easier to remove.
  • Once you’ve loosened up the stain, mix some mild dish detergent and cool water together and blot it with a sponge. Make sure not to rub; this could pill your fabric.
  • Next, rinse out your sponge and blot out the soap mixture.
  • Once you’re done, pat it dry with a cloth or paper towels!
  • If your fabric type cannot be cleaned with water, try using vinegar or vodka to blot. Make sure to do a spot-test in a hidden area before trying this one.

Dry

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Finally, use a towel to dab away any excess water and then let your sofa air dry. If it’s a humid day, try using a fan to speed up the process. Wet mildewy cushions will undo all your hard work!

Now you’re all set with a fresh spot to relax! If you’d like to keep up-to-date with our blog posts, news, and promotions, be sure to sign up for our newsletter below.