I don’t know about you, but I spend a lot of time on my couch – not just to rest, but sometimes to work and even to have a bite. So it’s natural for it to get dirty and stained from time to time. And, since I LOVE a cozy room, having some sofa cleaning kept close to my sleeve was a skill I had to develop – and now you will too.
From the simplest dirt, like your pet’s dirty paw, to the most complex, like red wine, they all work. Whether you’re trying to remove a specific stain or simply giving your living room a general clean-up, stay tuned and put these sofa cleaning tips to good use.
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How to clean a sofa with a vacuum cleaner?
To clean the sofa more superficially, you don’t need a large manual. A conventional vacuum cleaner, handheld vacuum cleaner or even the vacuum cleaner brush will help with this job – in fact, the brush, or a towel, will help loosen animal hair or any dirt that may have dried on the fabric.
Don’t forget cracks and seams, as these are where dirt accumulates most. If cushions are not sewn directly onto the sofa, remove them to either vacuum the space they cover or to clean them individually.
Sofa cleaning: how to remove stains?
Sofa cleaning strategies may vary, but generally speaking, you will need an appropriate cleaning product. When removing stains, rub the marked area well and let the area dry naturally before checking whether you were successful.
The most important thing is that you are able to use the most suitable cleaning product for each type of fabric. Here are some examples of solutions you can make at home for different materials.
Home sofa cleaning
For fabric upholstery, mix ¼ cup vinegar, ¾ cup warm water and a tablespoon of dish soap. Place in a spray bottle and apply to the dirty area. Rub with a soft cloth until the stain is removed. With a second damp cloth, remove the product and dry with a towel.
For stains on leather upholstery, mix ½ cup olive oil with ¼ cup vinegar and place in a spray bottle. Apply to the area and buff with a soft cloth.
For synthetic upholstery, combine ½ cup of vinegar, one cup of warm water, and ½ tablespoon of liquid detergent. Place in a spray bottle and apply to the dirty area. Rub with a soft cloth until the stain disappears.
How to clean fabric and microfiber sofas?
Before cleaning the sofa, let’s get rid of dust mites – and the best way to do this is with steam. If you have a steam iron, a good blast will eliminate these little bugs. Do the process on the entire sofa, but without touching the iron. Only with steam.
Now let’s vacuum the entire sofa, without forgetting the back, arms, skirt (if you have one) and cushions. Explore your vacuum’s attachments and make sure to use a smaller nozzle for crevices, seams, and buttons.
When applying the cleaning product, be very careful – especially if you don’t know the reaction the product may cause. Apply the product to a more hidden area of your sofa to make sure the product is safe and will not cause the fabric to lose color or stain.
(Speaking of color, take advantage and see these inspirations we left for you for decorating in shades of orange.)
If your sofa’s fabric allows water to be used for cleaning, use a simple mixture of ¼ mild liquid detergent and a cup of warm water for food and pet paw stains. Apply the mixture to a cloth and rub the stain gently. Once the dirt is removed, wipe the area with another damp cloth to rinse and let it dry.
Another tip is to mix a teaspoon of liquid detergent, a teaspoon of white vinegar and a cup of warm water in a spray bottle. When they are well mixed, quickly add a teaspoon of baking soda. The combination becomes an excellent mixture for cleaning sofas. Just make sure to make this solution over the sink or in the sink, because the bicarbonate and vinegar, when combined, will create bubbles and may spill.
Once the sofa is clean and dry, kill any bacteria that may have survived with spray disinfectant. In addition to finishing cleaning, this technique will help eliminate possible odors.
Leather sofa cleaning
Cleaning a leather sofa is not difficult. Using a microfiber cloth, clean the sofa to remove any crumbs, hair or other dirt.
Vacuum the sofa paying attention to the cracks, seams and buttons throughout the finish. Then, use a leather cleaning product and clean one area at a time with a soft, damp cloth. Alternatively, you can use a mild liquid soap or a solution made from equal parts water and white vinegar.
Rinse the leather sofa with a damp cloth until all cleaner or soap is completely removed. Finally, apply a leather protective moisturizer to protect your sofa from future stains.
How to clean a velvet sofa?
Okay, do you have patience? You will need it to clean a velvet sofa, as this fabric requires high maintenance. You won’t need any special equipment or products, but you will need a lot of attention and care. For starters, velvet needs to be vacuumed at least once a week.
Any dirt should be quickly wiped off first with a paper towel to absorb as much moisture as possible. For solid dirt, use a butter knife to remove as much of the dirt as possible. Then, combine a few drops of neutral detergent and warm water and apply it to the dirt. DO NOT RUB.
After cleaning, the fabric may have creases or wrinkles. To eliminate them, spray hot steam from the iron. Start with the lowest temperature setting and work your way up until you remove the wrinkles.
Once the sofa cleaning process is complete and the fabric is properly dry, use a soft, dry brush to leave your velvet sofa looking like new.
And, regardless of the type of fabric, don’t be discouraged if the first experience doesn’t turn out how you wanted. Sofa cleaning It is something that requires practice and patience.
