Learn easy tips on how to clean a sofa and keep it looking fresh. Keep your sofa looking fresh and inviting with these simple yet effective cleaning methods.
Your living room sofa is one of the most beloved spots in your home—perfect for binge-watching movies, taking the occasional nap, working from home, or reading a book. The sofa creates a cozy centerpiece where we spend a lot of our time.
But with all that use, it's only a matter of time before it starts showing signs of wear—pet hair, crumbs, dust, dirt, water stains, and grease can all build up. It's easy to overlook the sofa during your daily chores when you're busy—unless there's an obvious stain screaming for attention.
Remember, cleaning your sofa isn't just about keeping it looking good. It's also crucial for your health. Regularly cleaning your sofa can eliminate allergens and bacteria, making it easier to breathe and keeping you healthy. Sure, it might seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be.
Don't worry!
With a few practical cleaning tips, you can get your sofa back to its comfy, welcoming state. We'll guide you through the entire process—from deodorizing your sofa to spot-cleaning stains. Let's get started!
The frequency of cleaning your sofa is almost as important as knowing how to clean a sofa. Dust, dirt, and spills accumulate over time, making your sofa look worn out. A clean sofa not only looks fresh but also lasts longer.
To keep your sofa in top shape, we recommend surface cleaning every 2-3 weeks and deep cleaning every 3-6 months.
Generally, the frequency of cleaning should depend on how often you use your sofa and who uses it. For example, food and drink spills, pets bringing in odors, and young kids making a mess can all mean you need to clean more often.
Start with a simple vacuum to remove loose hair, dust, dirt, and other accumulated debris. Use a brush attachment to get into crevices and seams. This step is crucial before any deep cleaning method.
If you don't have a vacuum handy, don't worry—a lint roller works just as well, especially if you have pets.
Some sofas come with removable covers that you can take off and throw in the washing machine. If that's the case, you can skip straight to the spot cleaning section after washing the covers.
Hold on, there's more you need to check—the manufacturer's instructions.
Taking a close look at the cleaning label can save you a lot of hassle! Regardless of the sofa's fabric, it will come with a cleaning tag providing crucial information. One part of the tag gives instructions for cleaning the sofa covers, while the other part offers guidance on how to clean the cushions.
Typically, you'll see four letters on the sofa's cleaning tag. Before you start cleaning, make sure you're looking at the correct tag.
W—This means you can clean this material with water. We recommend using water sparingly and avoiding overwetting the upholstery.
S—This means you need to use a special solvent-based cleaner (dry cleaning) and cannot use water.
WS — This means you can use water or a solvent-based cleaner to clean this sofa. In this case, using a gentle solution for dry cleaning or steam cleaning is a good option. However, most people recommend calling a professional upholstery cleaner to ensure reliable cleaning for your investment.
X — This means you can't use water, solvent-based cleaners, or foam cleaners; only vacuuming is allowed.
If you can't find the label or are unsure about the code on the label, contact the manufacturer. They can identify the correct cleaning agents to use. Otherwise, we recommend testing a small area of the upholstery before cleaning.
Fabric Sofas |  |
Most fabric sofas fall under the "X" category, which means you need to be extra careful when maintaining and cleaning them. Here's a simple guide on how to clean a sofa made of fabric.
Gentle Brushing - Use a clean white towel or a soft brush to gently brush off dust and dander from the surface of your sofa. This helps to loosen any pet hair or debris, making vacuuming more effective.
Vacuuming - Use a vacuum cleaner to suck up all the dust and debris from your fabric sofa!
Using Baking Soda with Caution - Many blogs recommend using baking soda as a deodorizer and to tackle tough stains like red wine spills, pet accidents, or ink. This magic substance can quickly neutralize odors and lift stains from your sofa fabric.
However, it's important to note that different fabrics react differently to moisture and varying pH levels. Baking soda, with a pH of around 9, can cause cellulose browning on natural fiber fabrics like cotton, linen, and rayon. If you decide to use it, test a small, inconspicuous area of your sofa first. Apply a small amount, let it sit, then quickly dry the area with a hairdryer to see the results.
Tip: Baking soda should not replace professional steam cleaning or wiping down your sofa.
Microfiber or Suede Sofas |  |
Microfiber sofas are popular for their affordability and comfort. As always, check the care label before cleaning to avoid using the wrong solution on your upholstery. Depending on your specific microfiber sofa, it might have a W or S code. Here's how to clean a sofa of this type:
Prepare Your Cleaning Solution - Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water in a clear spray bottle for a W code. For an S code, rubbing alcohol is a good choice; just pour it into a clear spray bottle.
PS: Using a spray bottle helps prevent over-saturating your upholstery during the cleaning process.
Spray and Wipe - Lightly spray the stained area, then use a clean white towel to wipe the stain in a circular motion.
Gentle Brushing - Once the fabric is dry, use a soft-bristle brush to gently fluff the fibers. This will help make the fabric look fresh and new again.
By following these steps on how to clean a sofa, you can maintain your microfiber or suede sofa's appearance and extend its lifespan.
Leather Sofas |  |
Leather sofas might just be the easiest type of sofa to clean—usually, a simple wipe-down after use or when there's a spill is all it takes. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean a sofa that's made of leather:
Before cleaning your leather sofa, read the label to see if it's water or solvent (WS) cleanable. Also, determine if your sofa is genuine leather or faux leather.
Vacuum - Use a soft brush attachment to vacuum the sofa, making sure to get into the crevices and corners to remove dirt and dust.
Prepare the Cleaning Solution - Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Alternatively, you can use a mild soap solution made with natural liquid dish soap and warm water.
Wipe Down - Apply the solution to a white microfiber cloth and gently wipe the sofa in circular motions. Using a white cloth ensures that no dyes or colors transfer to the sofa.
Dry - Use another clean towel to dry the sofa.
Condition the Leather - Mix one part vinegar with two parts flaxseed oil and apply it with a soft cloth in circular motions. Let it sit overnight.
Polish - In the morning, buff the sofa with a clean cloth to restore its shine.
Leather and faux leather sofas are relatively easy to clean using leather cleaners or diluted mild hand soap. You can find leather soap and cleaning wipes in many stores, often in the automotive section. If you spill something, wipe it up quickly with a damp cloth to avoid stains.
Regular Dusting and Vacuuming - Keep your leather sofa well-maintained by vacuuming it once a week.
Avoid Direct Sunlight - Direct exposure to sunlight can cause your leather sofa to fade and crack. Use blinds or curtains to protect it from harsh sunlight.
Clean Spills Immediately - Just like with other upholstery, it's crucial to quickly clean spills and dirt to prevent stains from falling into the leather.
Keep Away from Heat Sources - Position your leather furniture away from heat sources like radiators or vents to prevent the leather from drying out and cracking.
Condition the Leather - Leather can naturally dry out and crack over time. Follow the conditioning method mentioned above every six months to keep the leather supple and looking its best.
Velvet Sofa |  |
Velvet sofas are known for being high-maintenance and need special care. The best way to keep a velvet sofa clean is to use a steam cleaner regularly.
Spot clean the stain—Place a microfiber cloth or paper towel over the spill to soak up as much as possible, but never rub it. Next, mix a few drops of dishwashing liquid with some warm water to create a foam, soak the cloth in the foam, and gently rub the stain, making sure not to saturate the velvet.
Removing Wrinkles - Use a steam cleaner (a garment steamer works well) to get rid of wrinkles in the fabric. Begin with the lowest heat setting and slowly raise the temperature.
Once the sofa is dry, use a soft brush attachment to brush the velvet in the direction of the nap to keep it looking new.
Tip: Velvet can fade, so try to keep your sofa out of direct sunlight to maintain its color.
When it's time to replace your old sofa, investing in a high-quality option ensures your new piece will stand the test of time, no matter how much use it gets. Of course, even the best sofas need proper care to stay in top shape.
FFM offers a wide range of high-quality furniture, making it easy for you to own a durable, stylish sofa without the hefty custom price tag. Whether you're after a specific style, size, or color, we're here to help you find the perfect sofa that matches your taste and fits your space.
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With our guides and services, you'll have everything you need to make a smart choice. Transform your space with beautiful, high-quality furniture, and enjoy the process with the support of our expert team.
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