How to clean sofa upholstery at home

Fabric sofas are an incredibly popular choice among homeowners. Whether it’s a fabric corner sofa bed or a smaller 2-seater, they are not only super comfy but can easily become the central element of any living room decor, adding unique character and style. But to keep your sofa looking beautiful despite everyday use, regular cleaning is essential. From frequent dusting to getting rid of stubborn stains, there are different ways to clean upholstery, and knowing the right method for your sofa will help you do it quickly and effectively.

What is the best way to clean a fabric sofa?

Before you start cleaning your sofa, you need to find out what type of fabric you’re dealing with. It’s important because different fabrics have specific requirements. For example, some are very delicate and using the wrong detergent or a steam cleaner to clean them may end up damaging the upholstery. Another thing to keep in mind is the fact that not all stains can be removed in the same way, with certain types, e.g., grease stains, being especially difficult to clean.

Check the label for cleaning instructions

The best way to find out how to clean your sofa is to check the label. It should show a cleaning code that will tell you what cleaning methods are safe for the type of fabric on your sofa. Some manufacturers include detailed guidelines and suggestions as well, so it’s a very useful source of information.

Common upholstery cleaning codes:

• W: You can use water and water-based cleaners,
• S: You can use solvent-based dry cleaners,
• S-W: You can use both solvent-based and water-based cleaners,
• X: You can only clean it with a vacuum cleaner. Any stains will require professional cleaning.

If you cannot find the label or it’s illegible (this can often happen with second-hand or older sofas), you can:

• contact the manufacturer for more information,
• hire professional upholstery cleaning services,
• use a cleaning method meant for similar fabrics, but always test it on a small area first to see the result.

How to clean sofa upholstery

1. Start by vacuuming your sofa with a brush attachment. This will remove any crumbs, pet hair, dirt and dust. It is a great option for a routine cleanup to keep your upholstery nice and dust-free. But vacuuming is also necessary before using any other cleaning method.
2. Now it’s time to tackle any stains. Make sure to check the label first and choose the right cleaning solution accordingly. Always test your chosen cleaner first to avoid damaging the fabric, and follow the instructions on the packaging.
3. When using water to clean, make sure to let the fabric air dry properly before covering it with cushions or blankets.
4. You can also disinfect your sofa by lightly spraying it with a mixture of 1 cup of water and 2 cups of rubbing alcohol.

How to remove stains from sofa upholstery

You can use a specialist detergent for your type of upholstery or mix your own cleaning solution. A popular homemade fabric cleaner can be prepared with just 1 cup of warm water and 1 cup of white vinegar and is very effective against stains, even the more stubborn ones. And if you want to get rid of grease stains, mix a teaspoon of dish soap with 2 cups of warm water.

1. Use a piece of cloth or a sponge to apply your cleaner to the stained area. Don’t rub or scrub the fabric.
2. Avoid getting the fabric too wet. You don’t want the stain to spread or your sofa to take a long time to dry.
3. Gently clean the area with water (clean water without any detergent) to remove the cleaner.
4. Use paper towels or a dry piece of cloth to soak up any leftover water and moisture.
5. Leave the fabric to air dry.

If your sofa cannot be cleaned with water, use baking soda. It works great as a stain remover and additionally can get rid of unpleasant smells. Apply baking soda to the stained area, leave it for around half an hour and vacuum the fabric to remove it completely.

How often should you clean a fabric sofa?

It’s best to vacuum it at least two or three times a month to prevent dust from building up. As for a more thorough cleaning, once or ideally twice a year should be enough. To avoid difficult-to-remove stains, don’t let them dry out and take steps to remove them immediately.

Find your perfect sofa at Sofafox!

Whether you’re looking for an elegant fabric couch or a modern leather corner sofa bed, we offer a wide range of high-quality and affordable comfy sofa beds, corner sofas and stylish two and three-seater sofas. Check out our offer and bring more style and comfort to your living room!

Written by: Liam Goddard

Liam Goddard is a furniture expert with many years of experience in this industry. He knows the business inside out and is always keen on exploring new solutions and possibilities - that's what makes him the best person to ask whether you're interested in the newest trends on the market, furniture design, or manufacturing process.