How to Clean Your Sofa in 4 Steps
Furniture cleaning isn’t rocket science: You will have to try several techniques to choosing the one that is right for your upholstery. This guide explains how to clean your sofa in a few steps:
Before using any upholstery cleaning products, vacuum the sofa or chair first to remove as much surface dirt and dust as possible. Be sure to use the correct attachments to avoid damage to the material – a soft brush attachment is ideal.
Spot Clean. Using baby wipes or vinegar poured onto a strong microfiber cloth, apply to any obvious stains, wiping gently as you go. Remember to test the upholstery cleaning products on an inconspicuous area first.
Overall Clean. Using soapy water and a microfibre cloth, gently wipe your sofa with the solution, allowing it to soak into the fabric and tackle the dirt beneath the surface. You only want to use a very small amount of water – don’t saturate the material.
Dry. Some people use a hairdryer to quickly dry a sofa, but allowing it to dry naturally is always the better option, if you have the time. To speed things up, open windows and allow the breeze to help with the drying process.
Leather Sofa Cleaning
If you’ve got a leather sofa or other furniture, you’ll have to use a different method for treating and cleaning upholstery:
Stay away from water as much as possible, as this could stain the material.
Try using a steam cleaner when possible
Apply cleaning products made with oils and waxes, like saddle soap – this cleans while also moisturizing the furniture, preventing it from drying out and cracking and protecting it from future dirt and stains.
Everyday Furniture Cleaning and Maintenance
Sofa upkeep and maintenance means you’ll need to thoroughly clean your furniture less often. Here’s how to prevent the dirt and grime build-up:
Clean up surface stains as soon as possible. Fresh stains are always easier to lift off – keeping a clean sofa will always reduce the time spent carrying out intensive, deep cleaning treatments.
Vacuum your sofas and chairs at least once a week to keep dust and dirt to a minimum and prevent grime from becoming ground in with constant use.
If any parts of the sofa or chair are removable, make sure to wash them regularly. A handy hint is to replace covers while they are still slightly damp, so they can dry around the shape of the sofa.
