How to Clean a Fabric Sofa
Welcome to our comprehensive blog post on how to clean a fabric sofa! If you've found yourself grappling with the challenges of keeping your upholstered furniture clean and looking as good as new, fret no more. In this essential guide, we'll delve into the art of cleaning a fabric sofa using the power duo of baking soda and cleaning detergents.
Maintaining the allure of a fabric sofa can be a daunting task, especially when faced with stains, odours, or general wear and tear. However, armed with the right knowledge and a few handy cleaning tools, you can easily restore your sofa's vibrancy and freshness.
Our step-by-step instructions will walk you through the entire process, ensuring that you achieve remarkable results without the need for expensive professional services. With the combined potency of baking soda and the appropriate cleaning detergents, you'll be amazed at how easily you can tackle even the toughest sofa stains.
Required Tools
We recommend the following tools for the job:
A Guide to Sofa Upholstery Cleaning
As you should always do, check the care labels for the item you are cleaning. This doesn't just apply to your sofa, but anything you clean including furniture, your car or carpets to name a few. Always test a product on an inconspicuous area before going all in with the cleaning. It's best to be precautious and prevent the possibility of ruining what you're cleaning!
The care label will detail what kind of cleaner to use. Generally, we recommend The Pink Stuff Oxi Stain Remover Spray for fabric sofas. This product has an active oxgen formula that removes even the toughest of stains.
Top tip - when cleaning fabrics with a stain remover, always blot the cleaning solution dry and never rub. Rubbing can cause the stain to become more ingrained.
We recommend giving your sofa a regular clean once a week, and treating any spills or stains as you go. The longeer you leave them, the more difficult they become to remove!
Regular Cleaning
All you need for this stage is your brush, vacuum and if you want to freshen up your sofa, baking soda. Follow the steps below to clean your sofa:
- Use a dry brush to gently remove loose particles - hopefully you cleaned any stains as you go. However, if your sofa does have a dried on stain, food or any other soiling, follow this step.
Use a stiff brush to gentle loosen each stain, also bringing dust and dirt to the surface. - Vacuum the sofa - this step removes the dislodged dry soiling that you have just agitated. It also removes any dust from the sofa.
Using your machines upholstery attachment, vacuum the sofa in full. Remove the cushions and make sure to vacuum underneath these too! - Deodorise with baking soda - bicarbonate of soda doesn't mask smells, it absorbs them. This makes the product perfect for freshening upholstered furniture.
Simply sprinkle your baking soda over the surface of the sofa, covering it in full. Leave for 15-20 minutes, then vacuum it away. Don't forget to test the baking soda on a small area of your sofa first! - Remove stains - if you sofa has any stains present, follow the next section to remove these.
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Stain Removal
This section will show you how to remove stains. The best method to remove stains is to clean them as soon as they happen. The longer you leave them, the harder they become to remove.
Follow the below steps to remove the stain:
- Reach stains quickly - If a spill or stain happens, try to clean it up immediately. Moreover, laying around before treating a spill, even a few minutes, can cause it to set in to the sofa.
As soon as the spill occurs, use kitchen roll to soak up excess liquids or solids. - Check the manufacturer’s recommendations - Always check the sofa’s tags for care instructions before using cleaning products. Using harmful chemicals could permanently damage your upholstery. Test the product on an inconspicuous area first to ensure the product is suitable for your sofa.
- Use a dry brush to gently loosen particles - if you are removing a stain after your regular sofa cleaning, following the guidelines above, skip this step.
Else, use a brush to gently agitate the stain, then vacuum to remove any dislodged particles. - Spot treat with the recommended agent - take your stain remover spray, and spray the stain completely.
Leave for two minutes, then blot with a microfibre cloth. Ensure blotting is thorough to draw out as much of the stain as possible. - Let your fabric sofa air dry - Let the upholstery air-dry overnight, and enjoy your squeeky clean sofa the next morning!
Cleaning Fabric Sofa Cushions
Cleaning fabric sofa cushions require a gentle touch. Most fabric sofa upholstery is not meant for harsh scrubbing or soaking. That's why it's essential to use the right cleaning tools, products, and techniques.
To clean fabric sofa cushions, start by removing the cushions. Afterwards, vacuum all sides of each cushion using the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. This removes any dust or debris.
In case of stains, spot-clean them with your stain remover spray. Spray the stain, leave for 2 minutes then blot with a microfibre cloth until dry.
If permitted on your sofas care instructions, you can stick the covers in the washing machine, using a suitable detergent.
Ensure the cushion covers are dry before placing on the cushions and putting them back into use.
Washing Couch Cushion Foam
Remove all the loose dirt by vacuuming, using a brush attachment. Vacuum along each crease to ensure you collect all the dust and dirt.
Make a mild detergent solution using a few drops of white vinegar and cold water in a large bowl. Dip a microfibre cloth into the solution, squeeze out any excess liquid and gently blot away stains from the foam. Dry it with a clean towel, then allow it to air dry for 24 hours before replacing it on your sofa.
Now that you know what's required to get your sofa looking cleaner than ever, why not give it a go? If you're not 100% happy with the look of your current sofa or chair, you can always opt for sofa or tub chair upholstery service!
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