Since the rise of Mrs. Hinch, one thing is certain, more and more of us are working hard to keep our homes clean. And our sofas are no expectation.
We have found ourselves fascinated with sofa cleaning videos, watching dirt and grime we never knew existed, getting pulled out, and seeing the satisfying results.
But then our eyes turn to our fabric sofas, and we wonder just how clean is my sofa? Suddenly, your new obsession is a clean fabric sofa. But how do we do this?
There are so many methods online, and with the fear of accidentally damaging our sofas, we are unsure where to turn, so what can you do?
Well, you can stay with us! For we have scoured the internet and have the answers to all your sofa cleaning questions. We’ve got the only methods you will ever need to transform your fabric sofa into a clean and relaxing haven. Just keep reading for all the answers!
How can I clean my fabric sofa at home?
Before cleaning your fabric sofa, be sure to check the manufacturer’s label to ensure that the products you want to use are appropriate. Checking the label also ensures that you don’t inadvertently void your warranty!
You have a few options when it comes to cleaning your sofa. You can use shop-bought sofa cleaners that are designed with fabric sofas in mind. To use these, we recommend following the instructions on the label to ensure your couch is cleaned appropriately.
Before using cleaning products, vacuum or brush your sofa to remove any debris or dirt; this step is great for tackling pet hair or any crumbs from the messy eaters in your home! Next, mix some washing-up liquid with warm water and wipe your sofa down using a damp cloth.
Change the water regularly while you do this to avoid using dirty water on your fabric sofa. Leave this to air dry and repeat the process if necessary.
For stains, add some baking soda and white vinegar to the mixture and dab it on the stains. Leave these for at least 20 minutes before wiping clean and taking the stain with you!
How can I clean my couch without a machine?
Without a machine, there are several easy ways to clean your couch! Before beginning, be sure to check the label on your sofa; this will let you know the material used and if there are substances you cannot use on it or if it’s machine washable.
It’s worth checking here to avoid damaging your sofa when cleaning it!
Vacuuming the couch will remove any debris and make your cleaning job easier! If you don’t have a vacuum, a dustpan and brush will work, but they might take you longer depending on the size of your sofa.
Don’t forget to go in between your couch cushions or lift them out to remove dirt and pet hair! You can also use dish soap to clean your couch. Mix some in with warm water, and use a sponger to dab the stains or your sofa in general.
Change the water regularly to avoid using dirty water to clean your sofa and allow it to dry. You can go over it with a dry clean cloth, or leave the fabric to air dry.
Alternatively, you could sprinkle baking soda over the couch and cushions. Leave the soda to sit for 20 minutes or longer for a deep clean. Overnight or roughly 12 hours will provide your couch with a deep clean. Once the time is up, you simply brush the sofa off or hoover it up if you wish.
You can also use a couch cleaner following the instructions carefully on the label. Be sure to check that it’s appropriate for your sofa to avoid causing any damage.
You can also use carpet cleaner on fabric sofas providing they are suitable for the fabric your couch is made from. These are usually easy to use and will leave your couch clean and smelling fresh!
How can I clean my fabric sofa naturally?
To clean your sofa naturally, mix a teaspoon of washing liquid with white vinegar, baking soda, and warm water.
Combine these ingredients to make a lather; ideally, you want to see foam from the baking soda and vinegar reacting together. It’s best to mix this in a large bowl or jug, whatever you have to hand!
Make sure the water isn’t too hot, as this can hurt your hands and sometimes damage the fabric on your sofa too! Apply the mixture directly to any stains or smudges on the couch. We like to do this with a reusable cloth or some kitchen roll if you are in a pinch!
Leave the mixture to sit on the stains for 10 minutes and wipe off with a clean cloth. Any residue will be lifted off, and you will be left with a clean sofa!
For those looking for extra tips, give your sofa a brush with a carpet cleaning attachment to remove any crumbs. You can do it with a clean, dry cloth if you haven’t got the attachment.
Next, sprinkle baking soda over the entire sofa and leave it to sit for twenty minutes. Once the time has passed, hoover up the soda, and your sofa will be clean and free from any smells!
How can I polish my sofa at home?
Before attempting to polish your sofa, you will need to check the leather your couch is made from and that the polish is suitable for it. The last thing you want to do is cause any damage to the sofa as using the wrong polish can cause the leather to crack!
Use a small amount of polish and spray it onto a duster or microfiber cloth. It’s best to follow the instructions on the polish, but generally, we don’t recommend spraying the polish directly onto the sofa as it can damage the leather.
It’s best to go for less is more and gently wipe the cloth over the sofa until it is clean. While you can polish your couch at home, often we think it’s best left to the professionals.
They will know the best polish to use for your sofa and do so without causing any damage to your sofa. Alternatively, you can ask the manufacturer for advice or recommendations for a polish and how to clean your sofa.
You can always use our other methods to clean your sofa if polish doesn’t seem like the solution for you. You can’t go wrong with some washing-up liquid and warm water to wash your sofa using a damp and clean cloth.
How do you clean old couch fabric?
When cleaning old fabric, try and find out what the material is first, so you don’t cause any damage to it. The last thing you want to do is ruin your family's sofa! Once you have done this, you can check what substances should and shouldn’t be used on it.
Generally speaking, we suggest mixing one cup of warm water with ¼ cup of white vinegar and a tablespoon of Castile soap. Alternatively, you can add mild detergent if you don’t have Castile soap. Mix the ingredients in a bowl, or you can use a spray bottle if you have one.
Using the spray bottle or a damp cloth, apply the mixture to your sofa. We recommend a dabbing motion instead of rubbing to avoid spreading any stains. You can leave the mixture until the sofa air-dries or follow with a dry clean cloth afterward.
For stains, leave the mixture to sit on the stains for at least 20 minutes before removing it with a clean cloth.
As always, be sure to check these ingredients are safe for use on your couch before trying! You could also patch the test on an inconspicuous area first if you want to air on the side of caution.
How do you deep clean a fabric sofa?
To deep clean a fabric sofa at home, start by brushing off any debris. You can use your vacuum here or a brush, whatever suits you best. Ensure all the debris is removed before beginning to clean your fabric sofa. You can choose to use a fabric sofa cleaner or use an alternative method.
If you are using a sofa cleaner, be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle and check that it's suitable for your sofa. You don’t want to cause any damage to your couch! Alternatively, you can use washing-up liquid and some water to clean your sofa.
Wipe the sofa down with this mixture on a damp cloth and leave it to dry. To speed up the process, you can follow with a dry and clean cloth.
Follow with baking soda. Dust a layer of baking soda over your sofa so that the entire fabric is covered. For a deep clean, leave the crystals overnight for them to soak up any odor or stains. You can vacuum or brush these off then to reveal the finished sofa!
If needed, you can repeat these steps or leave the washing liquid or sofa cleaner on for longer to target deep-set stains. You can adjust the routine to suit your needs and repeat if necessary for the deep clean your sofa needs.
Before using any products, be sure to check that it's suitable for your sofa to avoid causing any damage during a deep clean!
