Sofas are one of the most heavily used pieces of furniture in the home and are bound to get dirty. Stains are the immediate threat, but everyday dust can also cause contamination over time. To extend the life of a couch and keep it looking fresh, vacuum it regularly and be prepared to quickly clean up messes. Most couches should be thoroughly cleaned once or twice a year, but upholstered sofas sometimes need a little more care. Find out how to clean your sofa below!
Getting your upholstered sofa clean again – important tips
Tip #1:Test any upholstery cleaner or cleaning device in a hidden area first to ensure that the product is safe for the fabric and will not cause water stains or color loss.
Tip #2:Before using a cleaning product or solution, you should follow the manufacturer's care instructions, which can usually be found on the sofa's label. If you don't use safe cleaning products, you can permanently damage the upholstery.
Clean the sofa and remove odors with home remedies: baking soda
As soon as there is a spill, you should start cleaning immediately. If you wait too long before treating a stain—even just a few minutes—the stain can set. After that it becomes more difficult to remove.
This is how your couch shines like new again:
- Use a dry brush to remove loose particles. Go over the entire sofa with a stiff, natural-bristle brush to loosen stains and bring dust and dirt to the surface.
- Before scrubbing and cleaning your fabric sofa, vacuum up crumbs and other loose particles with a vacuum cleaner. This is how you canClean those annoying stainseasier to recognize and focus on.
- Baking soda is an effective cleaning agent: If you clean the entire upholstered sofasprinkle with baking powder, you can remove odors and loosen stains. For stubborn stains, you can also use a homemade baking soda solution. To do this, mix equal parts baking soda and water in a bowl. Allow the baking soda to sit for 15 to 20 minutes, either as a dry or wet solution. Once the baking soda has completely absorbed the stain, vacuum it up with a vacuum brush.
- Blot wet areas with a dry towel to absorb any remaining moisture. Gently brush off any remaining cleaning solution.
- Let the upholstery air dry overnight and enjoy a fresh upholstered couch the next morning.
Clean the couch and remove stains with vinegar
There are many specialty fabric cleaners on the market, but you don't have to spend a fortune to get your sofa back in shape. This DIY cleaner is suitable for many different fabrics. Just check the label and take a spot check in an inconspicuous area first.
How to clean a fabric sofa with vinegar:
White vinegar is great for tackling tough stains and is safe for most fabrics. Therefore it is ideal for a fabric sofato clean naturally. Prepare the following solution and blot the stain with it. Do not soak or rub the sofa or you risk spreading the stain.
You need:
- 250 ml warm water
- 250 ml white vinegar
- Optional: 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid
Clean the sofa with a steam cleaner
Before use, make sure that the manufacturer's recommendations state that the device is suitable for fabric sofas. As with other cleaning products, you should always test an area first before going full steam ahead.
- Read the Instruction Manual: There is a reason why a steam cleaner comes with instructions. Read these carefully before you begin.
- Vacuum First: If you vacuum your sofa – or anything else – before cleaning,it is much easier to clean it. Dirt, dust and other loose particles cannot penetrate and provide the steam cleaner with a clean work surface.
- Provide good air circulation: Turn on a fan and open all windows in the room to allow a strong breeze. This ensures strong air circulation and prevents moisture and residue from building up.
- Spot test an area first: This step is so important that it definitely needs to be repeated. Choose a small, hidden area to test the cleaner, such as the backrest or the inside of the sofa back (if available and if the interior fabric is the same fabric as the outside of the sofa).
- Allow the upholstered sofa to air dry: Do not sit on the sofa if it is still wet. Leave the windows open to allow the room to dry better. You may need to leave the upholstered sofa untouched overnight to allow it to dry completely.
- Vacuum Last: Vacuuming again after steaming the upholstery can ensure that any dirt loosened by the cleaner is removed. Remember to wait until the upholstered sofa is completely dry before vacuuming.
How to disinfect a sofa
Steam cleaning is an effective method for disinfecting an upholstered sofa, but there are other methods if you don't have your own device. Rubbing alcohol can kill a variety of germs and pathogens, making it a good choice.
- 200 ml rubbing alcohol
- 100 ml water
Mix the above ingredients in a spray bottle and lightly mist the couch. Be careful not to get it too wet. If possible, remove the cushions to spray the frame and all sides of the cushions separately. Allow the upholstered sofa and cushions to air dry.
