How to Clean a Fabric Sofa: Here’s a Guide

Dust, germs, and other pollutants can accumulate in your fabric sofas, even without you noticing. If they get released into the air, they can affect indoor air quality and give unpleasant odors. This is why sofa cleaning is important, so that you can maintain a healthy and clean atmosphere in your home.

There are many benefits of sofa cleaning, such as a fresh appearance, a fresher smell, and better air quality. But you may be wondering, “How to clean a fabric sofa?” Here’s a guide:

Check the Labels or Manufacturer’s Instructions

Before you begin, it is better to check your fabric sofa’s labels or cleaning codes and the manufacturer’s instructions. Check the type of sofa fabric. Generally, sofas will contain the following codes:

• “W” – Water-based cleaner. You should only use a water-based cleaner in cleaning the fabric sofa. Water-based cleaners are types of solutions that use water as the main component.

• “S” – Solvents. This means that only solvent-based cleaners or dry cleaning products can be used to clean your fabric sofa. Do not use water to clean the sofa, as a solvent-based cleaning solution is what is needed.

• “W/S” – Water-based cleaners and solvents. This means that it is safe to use both solvents and water-based cleaners for cleaning your fabric sofa. A dry or mild detergent and a steam cleaner can be used for cleaning your sofa.

• “X” – Vacuum or light brushing only. This indicates that you can only use vacuuming or light brushing as cleaning methods for your sofa. You cannot use water or solvent-based cleaners to clean your sofa.

If you are uncertain about the cleaning method, you can always do some pre-testing on a small or hidden area first and see if the fabric does not get damaged. However, sofas come with instructions on how to clean it.

For instance, the instructions will tell you that you can use mild detergents with a steam cleaner, or just vacuum and water only. So, before you begin cleaning your fabric sofa, check the labels or manufacturer’s cleaning instructions first.

Brushing the Sofa

Get rid of dust and dirt by brushing your sofa. You can use a dusting brush or a dry cloth to do so. If you use a brush, make sure to use a soft one to prevent damage to your sofa. Gently brush away the dust on your sofa.

A dry cloth will also do, but make sure to match the color of the cloth to your sofa to prevent color stains. If your sofa is lightly colored, you can use a white cloth to avoid discoloration.

Go over your entire sofa and brush away dirt or crumbs from both the surface and in-between sofa cushions. To loosen stains, use a stiff brush, but be careful not to damage your fabric sofa.

Vacuuming the Sofa

Remove dirt, debris, and food remnants from your fabric sofa’s surface by vacuuming. Vacuum your fabric sofa thoroughly. Take off removable cushions and accessories from the sofa so that you can access all the areas and clean thoroughly.

Start by vacuuming the top of your sofa all the way to the bottom. Pay attention to the areas where dust and dirt tend to accumulate. Clean cushions, your fabric sofa’s arms, back, side, and deeper areas. For cushions, you can flip them and vacuum each side separately.

Vacuuming your sofa will help remove dirt, dust, pet hair, or other allergens and make it easier for you to clean stains.

Steam Cleaning Your Fabric Sofa

Steam cleaning your sofa can help remove remaining dirt and debris and at the same time disinfect and eliminate germs and bacteria. Fabric sofas labeled as “W” and “W/S” can be cleaned using a steamer. However, you also have to check if your sofa can withstand the heat to avoid damage.

Gently steam your sofa by starting with a small area and working your way to clean the entire sofa. With steam cleaning, your sofa will be fresh and much cleaner, free of dirt and debris. However, always remember to check labels and instructions first and perform a spot test before cleaning the entire fabric sofa.

Removing Stains on Your Sofa

There are several ways to remove stains on your sofa, and they are as follows:

Remove Stains with Baking Soda

Baking soda can be effective for cleaning; it’s not just for baking. Sprinkling baking soda over your entire sofa will help loosen stains and remove odors. You can sprinkle baking soda directly on the stain and leave it for about half an hour so that it can break down the stain.

You can also add water and dish soap to the baking soda to remove the stain. Once the baking soda has absorbed the stain, you can clear the residue with a vacuum or cloth.

Remove Stains with Water, Distilled White Vinegar, and Liquid Dish Soap

For sofas labeled as “W” and “W/S”, you can clean stains with distilled water, dishwashing liquid, and vinegar. Mix three cups of distilled water with one tablespoon of distilled white vinegar and dish soap.

Dampen a microfiber cloth with the cleaning solution and gently blot the stain. After such, use another microfiber cloth with distilled water to remove remaining soap. You can then use a dry cloth and blot the area again.

Spot Treat Using the Recommended Agent

Get a stain remover spray, and then spray the stain. Leave it for at least two minutes and then blot with a microfiber cloth. Use recommended products and do not forget to test a small area before cleaning.

Dry Your Fabric Sofa

Don’t sit down on your sofa after cleaning. Make sure to dry it thoroughly first. You can use dry towels or cleaning cloths to do so. You can also open your window or point a fan towards the sofa for it to dry completely. After the sofa is completely dry, you can vacuum it again to remove dirt or dust that may have come loose during cleaning.

Why Professional Sofa Cleaning Is Important

You may be in doubt about how to clean a fabric sofa and may commit sofa cleaning mistakes while attempting to clean your sofa. Thus, it is better to seek professional sofa cleaning services.

With professional sofa cleaning services, your sofa will get deep cleaned. Professionals can remove stubborn stains, spots, germs, or grime without damaging your sofa. They know the right cleaning products to use and what cleaning methods work well for your fabric sofa.

Does your fabric sofa need cleaning? Contact us today!