Cleaning tip: How to Clean a Sofa
Regardless leather or fabric, these 5 neat tricks will help to keep your sofa clean and smelling fresh, making your home welcoming to family and guests.
- Start by vacuuming
Begin by removing everything that is on the sofa or trapped in between the seats. Next, use a soft brush attachment to vacuum away any dust or dirt from your sofa’s upholstery. Make sure you get the crevices of the seats!
- Read the instructions on how to care for your sofa
Most sofas come with a care tag that provides instructions on how to clean your sofa. Make sure you follow the advised cleaning products and methods to be used. If your sofa has removable covers, you should remove the covers and either have them dry-cleaned or machine washed.
- Spot cleaning stains
To remove a stain from your fabric sofa, try using a solution of warm water with a little dishwashing liquid. We recommend that you test it on an inconspicuous area of the sofa first to ensure that it does not damage the fabric. Apply the solution to the affected area with a clean but damp cloth. Do not get the sofa excessively wet or rub the stain as it may make it harder to remove. Once the stain is removed, go over the area with another clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining residue before letting it air dry.
Should there be any odour left by the stain, sprinkle a little baking soda on your sofa to keep it smelling fresh, and dust the powder away afterwards.
- Tips on how to clean a fabric sofa
There are upholstery cleaning products available for fabric sofas that do not have removable covers. However, always make sure you read the care tag before proceeding to ensure that you do not damage the fabric with an inappropriate cleaning product. Follow the instructions on your sofa’s care tag and test the cleaning agent on a discreet area first. Alternatively, you can use a steam cleaner to deep clean your sofa and its cushions. Make sure everything is fully dry before replacing the cushions back on your sofa.
- Tips on how to clean leather sofas
Leather sofas can be a little trickier to clean than fabric sofas as they can be damaged by excessive water or soap. Begin by vacuuming dust from the surface of your sofa and its crevices. To remove any mold or mildew on the leather, spray a solution of vinegar and water on the affected area and use a cloth to wipe it away.
The key step in cleaning a leather sofa would be using specifically formulated leather products such as saddle soap or wax-based leather cleaners. These cleaning products will not damage your sofa but it will be better to test it once again on an inconspicuous spot first. Make sure you wipe away any excess product after cleaning.