How to Clean a Fabric Sofa​: Easy Steps for a Shiny Sofa

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A woman in an apron diligently cleans a couch, ensuring a tidy and fresh living space.

The first thing to care for when you want to keep a clean, neat, and inviting living space is to maintain and clean your sofa perfectly, whether a sectional sofa or a standard couch, to allow you to create the most welcoming space that hosts your family gatherings and makes a perfect spot for your guests. Fabric sofas are considered one of the most daunting sofa types to care for and clean. However, you can clean a fabric sofa effectively if you follow a proper method.

Things to consider before cleaning your fabric sofas:

Homeowners sometimes directly get into the cleaning process, which may cause severe damage to their sofa, and may end up looking to buy a new sofa. There are some prerequisites and things to consider before starting the fabric sofa cleaning:

Check manufacturer instructions:
Before you start every step of sofa cleaning, make sure you read the manufacturer’s instructions. If you don’t, you could damage the furniture with the wrong cleaners.

Fabric type:
Different fabric types like linen, velvet, and microfiber require different cleaning approaches since every fabric type is sensitive to particular detergents; a cleaning process that is perfect for linen may severely destroy a velvet sofa.

Read the cleaning tag:
Reading the cleaning tag will save your sofa forever. Read the tag carefully to understand what type of cleaning product is suitable and will not cause your sofa to fade quickly.

Sofa Cleaning Code: The Key to Avoiding Sofa Damage

For a successful sofa cleaning at home, check the sofa cleaning code; it is a code that comes on a furniture tag. These tags guide you to clean your sofa without causing any damage. Below is a breakdown of the fabric sofa cleaning code:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Code

Meaning

W

Water-based cleaning solution or a mild detergent mixed with water

S

Solvent-based cleaning (water will damage your sofa)

WS

Both water- and solvent-based cleaners are safe on the fabric.

X

Only vacuum or brush the fabric to clean the dirt out of your sofa

 

Steps to perfectly clean your fabric sofas:

A woman using a vacuum cleaner to clean a couch, ensuring a tidy and fresh living space.

Unlike leather sofas, fabric sofas are much more sensitive to cleaning products and require a careful cleaning process where every step is done accurately with the right materials; therefore, let’s dive into the game of cleaning your sofa with easy steps and cleaning products to keep your sofa as bright as new:

Vacuum your sofa thoroughly:
Start by giving your sofa a thorough vacuum to remove all dirt and debris on the fabric surface for smooth cleaning; use a vacuum with a soft brush to ensure you remove every dust grain.

Tip: Never forget to vacuum the sides and back of the sofa; dust accumulates there quite a bit.

Choose the right cleaning product:
With the help of the cleaning code, you will pick the right cleaning product that suits your fabric type, or you can make a DIY cleaning product like water and vinegar in equal parts, which is almost suitable for all fabric sofas.
Tip: Baking soda detergent is a flawless dry-cleaning method for fabric sofas without causing any damage to your upholstered sofa.

Spot clean stains:
After choosing the right cleaner, whether water-based, solvent-based, or even dry cleaner, treat the visible stains before cleaning the whole sofa to guarantee every spot is well-treated and removed.
Tip: Avoid rubbing stains with clothing, since rubbing can push the stain deeper into the fabric, making it harder to remove.

Thoroughly clean the sofa:
It is time for a thorough sofa cleaning by misting the solution and scrubbing gently with a microfiber cloth in a circular motion. The circular motion is the best way to give your sofa a deep cleaning.
Tip: Avoid soaking the fabric with a cleaner, as this may lead to severe damage, even if the cleaner is fabric-friendly.

Remove the moisture and dry the sofa properly:

Use a dry fabric to remove moisture to prevent watermarks on the sofa surface, then let your sofa completely dry in the air to avoid mildew growth by ensuring proper ventilation. You can use a fan to speed up the drying process.
Tip: Avoid direct heat sources like the sun or heaters, as they may damage the fabric materials in the sofa.

FAQs

What is the best way to clean a fabric sofa?
You can always clean your fabric sofa with baking soda to remove the annoying odors, or, in a more budget-friendly manner, you can regularly clean your sofa with a vinegar-water solution in equal parts to remove all stains from the sofa surface.

How to clean a fabric sofa without washing it?
You can clean a fabric sofa without a drop of water with baking soda in easy steps: sprinkle dry baking soda onto the sofa surface, and use a soft brush to gently distribute soda into the fabric. Leave for at least one hour, then thoroughly vacuum your sofa.

Is baking soda safe for fabric sofas?
Yes, baking soda is safe for almost all types of couches; however, it is necessary to read the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to avoid damaging your sofas with improper cleaning elements.

What is the best DIY cleaner for a fabric sofa?
Fabric sofa cleaning can be a simple process without even spending a Dirham, with a DIY solution of water and white vinegar in equal parts. Not every DIY solution will fit a fabric sofa; random solutions and detergent picks may cause your sofa to fade quickly.

Can I leave baking soda on the couch overnight?
Yes, you can leave baking soda for the night; it will further help the soda absorb all odors in the fabric. Make sure to vacuum it in the morning before using the sofa.

Summing up


Whether sectional, modular, or standard sofa, cleaning your fabric sofa sets is a breeze now with these easy steps. Never deviate from reading the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions and choose the perfect solvent, whether ready-made or a seamless DIY solution. Always remember, a clean sofa is your key to creating a living room that cherishes all gatherings and occasions with your loved ones.