One of the most used things in your home is the sofa. You sit and relax on it, watch TV, and hang around with friends and family. Stained, dirty, and smelly upholstery will eventually look bad and be unpleasant to sit on. Clean and maintain your sofa for a good look and longevity. This article by the top-rated home improvement company in the UAE explains how to clean sofa upholstery step by step.
Know Your Sofa Upholstery Type Before Start Cleaning
Luxury Sofas come in many shapes, sizes, and fabrics. This little tag holds the key to cleaning your sofa upholstery safely. Look for a letter code on the label.
- W: Use water-based cleaners.
- S: Use solvent-based cleaners.
- WS: Use either water or solvent-based cleaners.
- X: Vacuum only.
If your couch does not have a tag, test a cleaning solution on a hidden spot to avoid damaging or staining it.
Easy Process of How to Clean Sofa Upholstery
Here are some step-by-step guides on how to clean sofa premium upholstery. Have a look at them:
1-Clear the Deck
Firstly, remove all cushions and other objects from your sofa. Then cover your floor coverings including luxury carpets so that your flooring designs don’t get damaged. You now have complete access to every nook and cranny. Now, search for any toys or other small things in all crevices.
2-Vacuum Thoroughly
Next, use your vacuum’s upholstery attachment to vacuum the entire sofa. Remember the back, sides, and even under, if possible. Look especially at the gaps and stitchings where crumbs and dust are easy to hide. If you have dogs, a rubber glove can help gather fur before you vacuum.
3-Treat Stains
Now’s the time to tackle any visible stains. Bloating is a good option, not rubbing. Rubbing may damage the fabric and cause the stain to spread. Use a clean white cloth and clean from the edges of the stain inward towards the center. This stops the discoloration from extending much further.
Warm water and light dish soap work well together to remove water-based stains like coffee or wine. A little baking soda can help soak up oil before you clean up grease stains. Always test your cleaning product on an inconspicuous area of the premium upholstery first to make sure it won’t damage or alter the color.
4-Deep Clean
If the care label on your sofa allows you to clean it with water, mix a little soft dish soap or furniture cleaner with warm water. Lightly mist your custom made furniture upholstery using a spray bottle, ensuring the material doesn’t get too wet.
Use a soft-bristled brush to rub the solution gently into the upholstery. Remember, Don’t scrub too hard. Work in little pieces and wipe away the soap and dirt with a clean, wet towel.
5-Rinse and Dry
Go over the whole sofa using a new, damp cloth. You may need to rinse your clothes several times to ensure you’re not just spreading soap around. Once you’re done, blot as much wet as you can with dry towels.
If the weather allows, open some windows to help your sofa air dry. Just be sure your sofa is dry before you continue using it.
6-Finishing Touches
Once your sofa is dry, give it another quick vacuum to restore the upholstery fabric’s nap. This helps it look fresh and new. Now’s also a good time to fluff up any cushions and put everything back in place.
Must Checkout: Best Ways to Clean Uphosltery and Carpets
Special Considerations for Different Fabrics
Not every sofa is made equally, and different fabrics need different care. Here is a quick outline:
Leather: Leather sofas need special care. Keeping the upholstery flexible and avoid cracking, use a leather cleaner and conditioner. Avoid water-based cleaners on leather.
Microfiber: This durable upholstery fabric can be tricky to clean. A solution of rubbing alcohol and water often works well. Once you’ve finished cleaning, gently use a soft brush to revive the texture.
Velvet: Velvet is delicate and can easily be crushed. Use a soft brush attachment when vacuuming, and if possible, avoid using water. A dry-cleaning solvent is often the best choice for stains.
Synthetic Fibers (like polyester or nylon): These are easiest to clean and also work with water-based cleansers. The care label should be checked first.
Natural Fibers (like cotton or linen): Water-based cleaners can clean these, but they shrink. Avoid over-saturating the fabric.
How to Remove Odors
Odors can linger in fabric. Here’s how to freshen up your sofa upholstery:
- Spread baking soda all over the sofa.
- Don’t sit for at least 15 minutes or overnight.
- Vacuum thoroughly.
For tougher smells:
- Mix equal proportions of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
- Lightly mist the sofa (test in a hidden spot first).
- Let it air dry.
The vinegar odor will disappear as it dries, taking other odors with it.
When to Call a Pro
Sometimes we face strong strains that are difficult for DIY washing. There are a few signs that it’s time to get help:
- The sofa is antique or very expensive.
- When the fabric is delicate, it is similar to silk or velvet.
- There are large or set-in stains you can’t remove.
- The sofa smells bad even after you’ve tried to clean it.
- You’re unsure what the fabric is or how to clean it safely.
The tools and skills of a professional cleaning service help even the toughest sofas to be cleaned. They can often restore a sofa you thought was beyond help. And in such situation getting a new custom made sofa would be a better option.
Conclusion:
A clean sofa looks nice and gives a home environment a good feeling. These steps, if followed and done regularly, will keep the fabric on your sofa looking and feeling new for several years down the line. Always refer to manufacturer recommendations before cleaning; test any new products in a small area. Now you know all about “How to clean sofa Upholstery.” A clean, comfortable sofa in the middle of your living room can be achieved with a little effort.
