How To Clean Sofa: Proven Tips & Tricks

Knowing Codes Before Cleaning

Before you start cleaning, kindly check manufacturer instructions. There you can find cleaning codes that will tell you what kind of cleaner you may use.

Code W

Code W is often used for water-based cleaners. The water must be lukewarm, and the fabric must not be chemically treated (for example, with flame retardant). Laundering with bleach or similarly harsh chemicals should be avoided as it will undoubtedly damage your sofa. Always test an inconspicuous area of your furniture before proceeding. 

If you are uncertain whether the stain you are attempting to remove is water-based, consult the cleaning label on the fabric care label of your sofa to see if it will accept a Code W or, if not, where that particular type of stain should be addressed on the cleaning code list.

Code S

You may apply strong cleaners with solvent. Allow to fully dry, then treat with a mild solvent (like rubbing alcohol).

Code W/S

Remove any visible traces of the stain with detergent and water or laundry detergent only; do NOT use bleach. Sponge lightly on stains that cannot be removed by rubbing, then let air dry completely before replacing covers or cushions.

Code X

Avoid cleaning with solvents or bleach on this stain, as they can often look worse than the original spill. If the stain is persistent, wipe as much of the stain out as possible with a dry cloth and then allow to air-dry completely before replacing any furniture covers or cushions.

How To Clean Sofa: Step-By-Step Guide

Many people tend to think that their sofa is a piece of furniture meant to take a beating. But, unfortunately, they don’t know how easy it is to maintain it and how much nicer the couch will look after cleaning it every few months. To do it, just follow these basic steps for cleaning your sofa.

Vacuum Your Couch

Vacuum your couch using an upholstery attachment with a brush. This will remove dirt from the deep cracks in the material. It will also help eliminate any hair, dust, or pet fur that might accumulate over time.

Remove Stains

Remove stains by blotting with paper towels or spray on some pre-wash stain remover if you have one on hand. This should work for light stains. If the stain is still there, mix a solution of warm water with oxygen-based bleach. Start with a 1:10 ratio and mix until you have a smooth mixture. Next, dip a clean cloth in it and blot at the stain until most of it has disappeared.

Rinse And Dry

Rinse what is left of the bleach off with water. Let your couch air dry, preferably in the sun or using an indoor/outdoor fan.

You can use this same method for cleaning pillows or the other upholstered furniture in your home.

How Often To Clean Sofa

An excellent way to know how often to clean a sofa is by following the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. These instructions are usually found inside the sofa’s warranty information or on tags sewn into the underside of a cushion.

The most common recommendation is that an upholstered or leather sofa should be professionally cleaned every 2-3 years unless subjected to heavy use. If you are following these recommendations, you will need to employ a professional furniture cleaning service. Ask your local dry cleaner for their guidance, as they are more likely than other services to have experience in this area.

How To Clean Sofa With Baking Soda

Baking soda is safe for sofas and easy to use. Follow these steps:

1. Give the upholstery a light vacuuming using a hand-held vacuum cleaner to remove surface dirt, hair, and other debris.
2. Mix three tablespoons of baking soda in one quart (4 cups) of water in the spray bottle and shake the mixture until it is dissolved. Spray on the stains until they are covered with baking soda foam. Wait at least 30 minutes for the baking soda to do its work before applying any detergent solution or scrubbing vigorously with a brush or cloth.
3. With a sponge or in a bowl, scrub the affected areas in the upholstery with a mild detergent solution or liquid dishwashing solutions.
4. For lighter soiling of furniture, you may use a one-quarter cup of white vinegar in one quart of warm water to thoroughly clean your upholstery and furniture. Let this mixture sit for five minutes, then rinse with warm water. This technique removes dirt, bloodstains, urine, and other similar stains without having to scrub.

How To Clean Sofa Fabric

Many times people have to clean the fabric of a sofa. This may happen because the material has stains, and there are no longer any cleaning products that can remove them. When this happens, it’s important to know how to clean a sofa fabric so that you can get rid of the stains without causing any damage in the process.

A good way to start is by using cold water. You should also make sure that your washcloth or sponge (that you use for scrubbing) is dry before you begin so it won’t absorb any more dirt or oils from the sofa’s surface while scrubbing it with soap and water. Once you’ve cleaned the couch with water, now it’s time to scrub the fabric with a soft brush to eliminate dirt that has been embedded in the fibers.

Using a clean cloth or sponge, wash the sofa again using soap and warm water. This will help to release tannic chemicals from the fabric. If there still are stains, you can use liquid dishwashing detergent for removing hard-to-remove stains, but rubbing alcohol will work just fine too. You should also make sure that you’re using a clean washcloth or sponge so that you don’t absorb any of the detergent or stain remover on it.