Sofa Cleaning - Tips and Tricks

Whether your sofa is leather or fabric, it’s no problem to clean – this article has five tips and tricks for keeping each of these faithful furniture staples looking great and smelling fresh.

1) How to Clean a Sofa: Start by Vacuuming

Remove all the cushions and clear away anything that’s fallen in between. Pens, coins, remote controls – it’s amazing what you can discover. Now use your vacuum to clear away any dust and surface dirt from your sofa. Use the specialist vacuum attachments to get inside the crevices, and ideally use the soft brush attachment to be as gentle possible on your sofa’s upholstery.

2) Read the Care Tags for your Sofa

Most sofas come with a care tag or certificate that provides instructions on cleaning. Read these closely, as they will advise on the right kinds of products to buy and the right method to use. If your sofa has removable covers, you may even be able to zip them off and either machine-wash or dry-clean them.

3) How to Clean Sofa Fabric: Spot Cleaning Stains

If you simply want to remove a stain from your fabric sofa, you may not need to do a thorough cleaning. You can try a mild solution of warm water and dishwashing liquid (like Vim Liquid Lemon) to treat a small stain. Make sure to test it first on an inconspicuous part of the sofa, to make sure it doesn’t damage the fabric. Apply the product gently with a clean, damp cloth – do not get the sofa too wet, and do not rub the stain as this may make it more difficult to remove. Rinse the area by using another clean, damp cloth, and then let it air dry.

A sprinkle of baking soda will keep your sofa smelling fresh — just remember to dust the powder away afterward.

Key Steps:

- Vacuum your sofa regularly to prevent dust and dirt from building up.

- Do not oversaturate the material. This is especially important when cleaning leather sofas.

- If your sofa covers aren’t removable, one method of cleaning them is to use a steam cleaner. Just be sure to consult the manufacturer’s manual to check this is a suitable method for the type of fabric.

4) Tips on How to Clean a Fabric Sofa

If your fabric sofa does not have removable covers, there are several methods for a deeper clean — although be sure to follow your sofa’s care instructions first. Upholstery cleaning products are available – if you use these, be sure to follow the directions on the label and test them in a small area first. In some instances, you can hire a steam-cleanerto deep-clean your sofa and its cushions; make sure to let everything dry fully before you put the cushions back on the sofa.

5) How to Clean Leather Sofas

Cleaning leather sofa covers is a very different matter from cleaning fabric sofa components, as leather can be damaged by too much water or soap. Start by gently vacuuming any dust from the leather sofa and its crevices. If there is any mould or mildew on the leather, spray a mild solution of vinegar and water onto this, and quickly wipe the mould or mildew away.

Using specialist leather products is the most important step in knowing how to clean leather sofa covers. Saddle soap or wax-based leather cleaners will not damage your sofa. Make sure to spot-test the cleaner first in an inconspicuous place, and read the directions on the label before starting. Once you’ve applied the cleaner, wipe away any excess. In general for cleaning leather, remember that less is more.

These five simple tips will make it easy to clean your sofa, regardless of its material. With the occasional clean, this very important piece of furniture will stay fresh and welcoming for your family and guests.