How to Clean a Sofa at Home

Over time, crumbs, spilled soda, pet hair and dirt build up on your sofa to the point that it’s starting to look old and dingy. But you don’t need to spend a fortune to get it looking like new again!

There are a number of ways to clean your sofa at home, all of which are very affordable. Some even involve using things you already have in the kitchen cupboard.

Steam cleaning

If you own a fabric sofa, consider buying a steam cleaner and using it regularly to keep your upholstery in tip-top shape. These machines use heat and water to remove dirt, so they’re a good option for most fabrics. However, they can be a bit messy and aren’t always suitable for removing tougher stains.

Blot-cleaning

For light stains, you can try blotting the area with water and a white paper towel or cloth. This will help to absorb as much of the stain as possible. Alternatively, you can use a mild solution of laundry detergent and water.

You can also spray on a stain-removing product and rub it into the stained area with a clean, dry cloth. This can be a good alternative to traditional blotting methods, especially for stubborn stains.

Baking soda and water

Taking a baking soda bath is another effective way to eliminate odors in your sofa. It works to capture and loosen odors in your couch’s fabric, and it can also be used to treat stains as well.

Apply the mixture to your couch’s cushions, arms and backrest, if available. Let it sit for 20 minutes if you’re tackling minor odors, and up to an hour if you’re trying to tackle a serious stench problem.

To make the cleaning process quicker, you can mix up your own cleaner to spray on the fabric. This can be a good option if you don’t have access to a specialist cleaner.

Leather couches are more sensitive to water than fabric, so make sure you choose a cleaner that’s designed for the specific type of leather your furniture is made from. Some of these are 2-in-1, meaning they’ll contain both a cleaner and conditioner to help you achieve a streak-free, clean finish.

If you do decide to clean your sofa with water, be sure to use a soft cloth to avoid spreading the stain around on the fabric. You’ll also want to blot any excess water from the stain, ensuring you don’t leave it sitting for too long.

Once the stains are removed, use a clean, dry cloth to wipe down the surface of your sofa. Don’t rub or press too hard; this can cause the fabric to snag, which is not desirable for a leather sofa.

For more stubborn stains, consider hiring a professional to deep-clean your couch. These professionals can help to lift stains and grime from your sofa and remove any built-up odours or staleness.

You can also spot-clean stains with an all-purpose cleaner or by applying a stain remover to the sofa. This will take the stain off in a few easy steps, but it’s important to use the right cleaner for your sofa’s fabric.