Fabric sofas, sofas, upholstered beds, and chairs are popular with all for their comfort and durability, but even the best fabrics need cleaning to keep them looking their best. Most sofas should be deep cleaned once or twice a year, but upholstered furniture may sometimes require more cleaning, including vacuuming once a month and dealing with spills and stains as soon as possible. Now you can follow Royal Family Furniture to learn how to professionally clean your fabric sofa.
How to Clean a Fabric Sofa
The first thing you should do is have your fabric sofa cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions. Many fabric sofas are pretreated to prevent stains, and some cleaning solutions may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment and even void the sofa's warranty. Thus making your sofa lose the warranty timeMany sofas have cleaning instructions on the label. Below are some of the most common cleaning codes and what they mean. You'll usually find the sofa's tags under the cushions.
Specification for Cleaning of Fabric Upholstery
| W | Use a water-based cleaner on this fabric |
| S | Use a solvent-based cleaner (dry clean only) |
| W/S | Can use water-based or solvent-based cleaners |
| X | Do not use water or solvent-based cleaners, vacuum or brush clean only |
Always spot-check an inconspicuous area before cleaning your sofa. This will ensure that you do not damage the finish of the fabric. Also, scrub a small area with a white cloth and the cleaner of your choice to make sure the color won't fade. Do not use this cleaner on the entire sofa if the color comes off the cloth.
How to Clean Upholstery Without a Machine
Steam cleaning is a great way to remove dirt from a fabric sofa and bring it back to life, but it's not the only solution. You can easily clean your sofa with a brush, a vacuum cleaner, and a little elbow grease.
To Clean a Fabric Sofa, Follow these Simple Steps:
- Use a stiff brush to remove any debris or loose dirt
- Vacuum Sofas Using the Brush Attachment
- Topical treatment of stubborn stains with a suitable cleaning solution
- let the sofa air dry
How to Clean Couch Cushions
If your upholstered sofa has removable cushions, they can be cleaned individually. First, check the label for cleaning instructions. Some fabric cushion covers are machine washable. If your mats do, remove the mats and wash them.
To clean foam cushions, add a small amount of mild detergent designed for hand washing to warm water. Dip the pads and press them down to work the water and soap into the lather. Wipe away any stains, then rinse with clean water to remove any soapy residue. Let them air dry, turning occasionally to prevent water from being trapped in or under the mat.
If you can't wash your rugs, take them outside and give them a beating. This will remove all dust and grime. Treat any stains with a suitable cleaning solution, or steam clean sofas with a W or WS code on the label. Sofas marked with an X or S cannot be steam cleaned.
Now you know how to clean sofa cushions at home!
Pro Tip: Learn how to clean your pillows and keep your whole house looking fresh and clean!
How Do You Deep Clean a Sofa
Sometimes a routine cleaning isn't enough and your sofa may need a deep cleaning. Children, pets, and even clumsy adults can cause stains that need to be removed. Whether you're giving your family sofa some expired TLC or cleaning and sanitizing a used sofa, here's how to give it a new look.
- Brush the sofa to remove crumbs, dirt, and hair
- Use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner for a more thorough clean
- If possible, remove the mat and clean it separately
- Sprinkle baking soda on the sofa and let it sit for 20-30 minutes
- Vacuum the baking soda
- Spot treatment stains
- Let the sofa air dry
Pro Tip: Finished Cleaning Your Couch? Learn how to clean your mattress next!
DIY Fabric Sofa Cleaner
There are many professional fabric cleaners on the market, but you don't have to spend a fortune to clean up your sofa. These DIY cleaners work on many different fabrics. Just check the label and spot-check an inconspicuous area first, and don't forget to check the sofa's cleaning label to make sure you're using the proper solution.
How to Clean a Fabric Sofa with Vinegar
White vinegar is great for removing stubborn stains and is safe to use on most fabrics. This makes it ideal for cleaning fabric sofas naturally. Make the following solution and use it to blot the stain – do not soak the sofa, and do not rub it as you risk spreading the stain.
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 cup white vinegar
- Optional: 1 teaspoon of dish soap
How to Clean an Upholstered Sofa With Detergent
Always use a detergent that is safe and suitable for your fabric. You can buy a professional upholstery detergent, or use a mild soap designed for hand washing. Alternatively, make the following solution and apply it to the stain with a sponge. Don't get the stain too wet. After the stain is removed, blot up the cleaner with clean water and wipe off excess moisture with paper towels.
- 2 cups of water
- 1 teaspoon detergent
How to Clean the Fabric Sofa Without Water
One of the best ways to remove dirt and stains is to use baking soda, especially for wet stains. Sprinkle on the area and leave on for 20-30 minutes (or until the baking soda dries if the stain is still wet). Remove the baking soda with a vacuum cleaner.
Alternatively, you can use a dry cleaning cloth to remove dried stains. These cloths are pre-treated with a dry cleaning solution, so they're easy to take with you. Follow the directions on the label. Most dry cleaning cloths work by dabbing the stain to break it down. If heat-activated cleaning fluid is desired, use a hair dryer to heat the area.
How to Shampoo a Sofa
The easiest way to clean your sofa is with a carpet cleaner or professional sofa cleaner. Start by vacuuming the sofa thoroughly, removing as much loose dirt as possible. Next, follow the directions to fill the cleaner with water and detergent. Try to avoid getting your sofa too wet, as this can create dampness and mold problems if it doesn't dry out quickly enough. Use the suction function on the cleaner to remove as much water as possible. When you're done cleaning, you can speed up the drying by using an old towel to blot up excess water. Let the sofa air dry before replacing the cushions. A fan can help speed things up by circulating the air more quickly.
How to Steam Clean a Sofa
Another great way to clean your sofa is with a steam cleaner. These machines use only heat and water to clean, so they are suitable for a wide variety of fabrics. Choose a steam cleaner with a padded attachment to make the job easier. Operate according to the instructions of the machine, and keep away from the hot steam to avoid scalding. Remember, heat will build up, so don't lean on the applicator while applying. It may be easier to pull the sofa away from the wall to a cleaner area so you can work around it with ease.
To steam clean a fabric sofa, first, remove the cushions and steam clean them one side at a time. Let each side dry before turning them over and cleaning the other side. This prevents them from smelling damp. Use the steamer attachment for quick bangs instead of blasting an area with steam continuously. This will prevent the sofa from getting wet.
Next, clean the frame of the sofa. Do this in small sections to ensure that each area is thoroughly cleaned and nothing is missed. Allow the sofa to air dry before placing back the cushions. Placing a fan nearby can speed up the process.
How to Disinfect a Sofa
Steam cleaning is an effective way to sanitize your sofa, but if you don't own a sofa or want to hire a cleaner, there are other options. Rubbing alcohol, which kills many types of bacteria and pathogens, is a good choice.
- 2 cups of rubbing alcohol
- 1 cup of water
Mix the above substances in a spray bottle and spray it lightly on the sofa. Be careful not to get too wet. If possible, remove the cushion and spray the frame and all sides of the cushion separately. Let the sofa and cushions air dry.
How to Remove Stains from Fabric Sofas
Sofa stains happen from time to time. Food, drink, dirt, and more can cause stains. The cleaning methods listed above will all remove most food and stains, but some types of stains will require a little extra treatment to remove completely.
How to Remove Water Stains from a Sofa
If your sofa fabric isn't waterproof, it could end up watermarking if spilled. Mix 1/2 cup of white vinegar with 2 cups of distilled water in a spray bottle and spray lightly on the stain. Work from the outside of the stain inwards. Wipe the area thoroughly with a microfiber cloth so it doesn't get too wet and remove old marks. Use a fan or hairdryer to quickly dry the area and prevent new stains from forming.
How to Remove Oil Stains from a Sofa
The best way to remove oil stains is to use dish soap. It is designed to cut through grease quickly and easily. Simply add a teaspoon of detergent to 2 cups of water and blot the stain with a cloth or sponge. If you can't use a water-based cleaner on your fabric, use a dry-cleaning cloth instead. These cloths are also treated to instantly cut through grease.
Summarize
Getting a stain on a fabric sofa doesn't have to be a disaster. Upholstered furniture may seem difficult to clean, but you can easily clean it with this article! Plus, cleaning your couch as part of your spring cleaning routine will help extend its life and keep it looking like new for years to come. Can make your sofa life longer.
