How to Clean Your Fabric Sofa & Make it Look New

As much as being a couch potato is fun, lounging on a grim sofa is nobody’s desire. Being one of the most used furniture, your sofa is bound to get dirty by pet hair, crumbs, liquid spills, etc. These stains can also make it look rusty if not cleaned thoroughly.

Thankfully, there are DIY ways you can apply to clean your sofa. This way, you won’t have to spend a fortune on professional cleaning services and can enjoy your favorite TV shows as well.

We have listed five such ways in this article. Have a look.

Vacuum Clean It

Vacuum cleaning your sofa is one of the most effective ways to get rid of dirt. Use your vacuum’s brush attachment to suck out the surface’s dirt & debris. Don’t forget to do the crevices as most food crumbs, pet stains, and dirt tend to accumulate there. Also, clean the cushions if they aren’t attached.

Moreover, it’s advisable to vacuum clean your sofa often. This can raise your electricity bills if you haven’t selected the right energy services for your home. Go through origin energy plans and find out the best energy plan for your home.

Understand Your Sofa’s Fabric Type

You will find a tag on your sofa having instructions on cleaning the upholstery. If you don’t understand the codes, here’s what they mean:

W: Use of water is allowed
X: Water isn’t allowed. A vacuum can be used.
S: Only dry-clean detergent is allowed
WS: use a dry-clean or mild detergent with a steam vacuum

Eliminate stains

Cleaning a sofa means you understand how to eliminate its stains. Commercial cleaners can get the job done for you. However, they might end up increasing your electricity bills. Moreover, using the ingredients from the kitchen is equally effective and nature friendly. Here’s how to use them based on the fabric:

Synthetic Upholstery: Mix one cup of warm water, half a cup of vinegar, and half a spoon of liquid Castile or dish soap in a spray bottle. Drizzle the stained patch and wash with a smooth fabric till the spot disappears.
Fabric Upholstery: Take a three-fourth cup of warm water, one tablespoon of Castile or dish soap, and one-fourth cup of vinegar and mix them well. Place the mixture in a spray jar. Spray the stained area. Wash with a smooth fabric until the spot disappears. Now use another fabric dampened with clean water to get rid of the soap. Use a towel to dry.
Leather upholstery: Add one-fourth cup of vinegar in half a cup olive oil and place it inside a spray bottle. Sprinkle the mixture on sofa’s surface and clean with a soft fabric.

Allow The Sofa To Dry

Dry up any moisture present on the sofa’s surface using a towel. Leaving the couch to air dry is an effective way to ensure a thorough cleaning. If you live in a humid area, place a table fan pointing towards the sofa to ensure a speedy dry. Water that remains on the sofa’s surface for a long can lead to mildew formation.

Shampooing Your Sofa

If you think the above methods aren’t able to fully clean your sofa, consider shampooing it. It is done through a steam cleaner. You can rent one easily from a nearby store. Here’s how to shampoo your sofa the right way:

Use the brush upholstery attachment to vacuum your sofa. Don’t forget to clean the cushions from both ends to get rid of any stains.
Add the combination of detergent or cleaning solution and water to the machine according to the fabric type.
Start the cleaning process. Ensure to move the cleaning brush back and forth evenly across the surface. Try to go on your sofa’s grain direction to ensure effective cleaning.
Put the cushions back on the sofa after they are completely dry.

If you have a sofa with removable sofa covers, like the ones available from Cover My Furniture, you can simply pop them in the washing machine to give them a good clean.

Wrapping Up

Cleaning your sofa doesn’t have to be a hectic task. With the right information, it rather becomes a fun DIY activity. Use the tips mentioned in this article to effectively clean your couch without denting your pockets!