At times, the prospect of cleaning a sofa can appear overwhelming, yet the result is truly worthwhile. In our blog post today, we’re excited to share with you various tips and techniques to refresh your couch and restore it to its original splendor. Let’s dive in!
Gather necessary materials
Before starting the cleaning process of your sofa, it is important to prepare the necessary supplies and materials. The following items are typically needed for a deep-cleaning job:
- Vacuum cleaner
- Soft-bristled brush
- Upholstery shampoo or fabric cleaner
- Sponge or terry cloth
- Warm water and/ or white vinegar
Additionally, you will need some clean cloths to dry the sofa. Make sure to read the labels of any product that you buy and use it only in its designed purpose. Avoid strong bleach-based cleaners as they may damage the fabric.
Remove surface dirt
Removing the surface dirt from the sofa is the first step in cleaning. Before you use any cleaners on your sofa, be sure to remove surface dirt and debris by vacuuming upholstered pieces. Pay special attention to crevices, seams, welts and tufts of fabric. To reach spots near the floor, use a handheld vacuum attachment or a dust brush.
Additionally, leather sofas should be dusted with a soft cloth prior to cleaning them with any collection products.
Spot clean
Just because your sofa isn’t covered with a big mess doesn’t mean it’s not in need of some routine upkeep. Spot cleaning, which is also known as deep cleaning, is an important part of maintaining the good looks and longevity of your upholstered furniture. When completed regularly and correctly, spot cleaning can help reduce the amount of wear-and-tear on a favorite piece over its lifespan.
Fortunately, spot cleaning can be made easy with the right products and just a few steps:
- Vacuum Fabric. Start by using the upholstery attachment included with most vacuums to remove surface dirt and debris before you begin deep cleaning.
- Pretest Cleaner In Hidden Area. Before you use any cleaner on the entire couch, you want to make sure it won’t damage or discolor the fabric or stuffing beneath it by performing a pretest in a hidden area such as underneath a cushion or at the back of the sofa.
- Blot Spills Immediately With A Damp Cloth To Absorb Liquid And Reduce Staining. This not only keeps your cushions looking their best but also helps to prevent any unpleasant odors from setting in as moist materials dry more quickly than dry ones do when exposed to air over time.
- Treat Stubborn Stains With The Appropriate Cleaner. Find an appropriate cleaner for tackling stains such as oil-based materials, pet urine odors, paint stains etc. Beware that all cleaners – even those that are labeled “natural” – can affect fabric color so take great care when using them! Spot clean only areas that are visibly dirty; an entire section may not need treatment if there are no visible marks or smells present at all spots within the section.
- Continue Treating As Necessary; No Deodorizer Is Permanent Solution. Some owners opt for special deodorizing agents or solvents like vodka sprayed directly onto sections that seem musty due to humid climates or pets being around furniture frequently—but these aren’t permanent solutions and will require repeated applications in order maintain pleasantness throughout your home long-term!
Clean the arms and cushions
Clean the arms and cushions of the sofa. Start with a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt, dust, crumbs, pet hair and other debris. If stained, use a damp cloth or sponge with a diluted solution of mild dishwashing soap to gently scrub textured or smooth surfaces without ruining them. Once cleaned, dry any wet areas with an absorbent cloth to avoid developing mildew.
Use an upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner for fabric surface areas as this will more effectively sweep hard-to-reach crevices and creases in the cushions and armrests.
Deep clean
A deep clean of your sofa should occur at least once a year as part of your regular maintenance routine. This will help keep it looking its best and also help extend its life. It’s important to use the right cleaning products and techniques so you don’t cause any damage to the material or make it difficult to reapply the protective coating. Follow the tips below for a deep clean that won’t damage your sofa.
- Vacuum all surfaces, including cushions, borders, and armrests. Use an upholstery attachment and be sure to get into all nooks and crannies where dirt may be lodged.
- Remove any removable cushions and put them in a cool wash on light cycle with low spin speed, if possible.
- Apply a clean cloth saturated with lukewarm water to any stains on fabric sofa coverings or touch marks on leather sofas. Carefully rub out any remaining dirt until it is gone.
- For more stubborn stains, gently spot clean with a solution of mild detergent mixed with lukewarm water and blot dry with another cloth or paper towels.
- If necessary, gently apply leather conditioning cream to any worn areas of leather that may need extra protection after being cleaned up*.
- Allow all wet areas on the sofa to dry completely before using it again or applying protective spray or another type of finish*.
However, if you are not comfortable doing this, you can always just hire a reputable cleaning company to clean your sofa.
Dry the sofa
Once the sofa is completely vacuumed, it’s time to physically remove any remaining dirt and stains. It’s best to use a broom or brush to scrub away stubborn spots, taking care not to damage fabric or leather upholstery. Afterwards, it’s important to thoroughly dry the sofa with a towel or cloth. Allowing a wet sofa to sit before performing any additional cleaning is likely to cause mold and mildew growth.
Do not use an excessive amount of moisture during cleaning – allow the furniture ample time to air-dry between applications of water and detergent solution.
Protect the sofa
Protecting your sofa is the first step to cleaning it. If you have a removable cover, take it off and check for any stains or dirt. If there are visible stains, work on those areas first with a spot cleaner or warm water mixed with mild detergent. After cleaning, use a fiber protector spray on the entire surface to guard against future spills and accidents.
If you do not have a cover, consider investing in one – it will help protect your sofa from wear-and-tear and spills over the long run.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, cleaning a sofa is not that difficult, but it will take some time and effort on your part. Always use the power of vacuuming to remove dirt and dust from the surface. Spot clean stains with foam cleanser and use a combination of blotting and scraping techniques to remove dried-on messes. Finally, you can use steam or dry cleaning methods to refresh fabric upholstery, but make sure to follow all manufacturer instructions carefully.
With these tips in mind, your sofa should look good as new in no time.