How To Clean A Fabric Sofa? - Cleaning Tips And Tricks
TABLE OF CONTENT
- Steps To Clean Your Fabric Sofa And Make It Look Brand New
- Look What's On The Care Label
- Vacuum The Sofa
- Spot-Test A Cleaner
- Clean The Fabric Sofa's Stains
- Clean The Entire Sofa
- Dry The Sofa
- Brush The Fabric
- Maintain The Fabric Sofa
- When To Steam Clean A Fabric Sofa?
- Final Words
Did you look at your fabric sofa and wonder how it got so dirty?
We are glad you finally did. Be honest! We often get carried away and fail to put the effort needed into the most crucial piece of furniture in the house—your sofa.
When your fabric sofa goes through everyday use, has some accidental spills, or is simply used frequently, it starts to show wear and tear.
Here, maintenance gives it a fresh and clean look. Here's a quick guide that can help you clean your fabric sofa.
Steps To Clean Your Fabric Sofa And Make It Look Brand New
Cleaning your fabric sofa might seem like a big chore, but in reality, it's not, especially if you regularly upkeep it. With the right steps, you can make it look brand new again.
1. Look What's On The Care Label
When planning to clean your fabric sofa, first, you must check the label code. Otherwise, you might turn your comfy sofa into a hot mess, and nobody wants a ruined sofa.
- W means you must use only water-based cleaning solutions to clean your sofa's upholstery.
- S means only dry-cleaning solvent can be used. If water-based cleaning products are used, they may damage the fabric.
- WS or SW (water or solvent) means you are in luck if your fabric sofa has this. You have the option to use either water-based or solvent-based cleaners.
- X means no use of any cleaners, be they water- or solvent-based. Strictly stick to vacuuming or using a soft brush to clean your fabric sofa.
Only after figuring out the code and reading the instructions carefully can you start with the cleaning process. Otherwise, there is a high possibility of damaging the fabric.
2. Vacuum The Sofa
If the label shows "X," then you can only vacuum your sofa. Otherwise, vacuuming is just the first step in cleaning your fabric sofa.
You can start by vacuuming the entire sofa to remove dust, crumbs, and loose dirt. For a complete cleaning, experts suggest using the upholstery attachment, as it can get into all the nooks and crannies.
3. Spot-Test A Cleaner
Do this only if your care label allows it. Choose a fabric cleaner that suits your fabric type. Test it on a small, hidden area to guarantee it doesn't discolor or hurt the fabric.
4. Clean The Fabric Sofa's Stains
Use a soft cloth or sponge to use the cleaner to remove any stains. Gently blot the area functioning from the outside of the stain inward to avoid smudging it. Don't rub, as it can potentially spread the stain.
- If the label shows water-based cleaning, follow these steps:
- Mix a mild dish soap with water and use it with a cloth. Next, use a clean white cloth and rub the same area again.
- If the fabric allows only solvent-based cleaning, use a dry-cleaning solvent or consider using rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol).
5. Clean The Entire Sofa
After treating the stains, it's time to clean the entire sofa. But why does it matter? Cleaning the entire sofa can help maintain a uniform appearance.
How To Clean The Entire Sofa?
- Work in small sections to avoid oversaturating the fabric. Sometimes it can cause water spots or take too long to dry.
- Use the same cleaning solution and method you used for spot cleaning, but apply it across the entire surface of the sofa.
- After applying the cleaner, clean the area again using a dry cloth to clear excess moisture or solvent.
- If you are dealing with a large spill or a heavily soiled sofa, consider renting an upholstery cleaner or hiring a professional.
6. Dry The Sofa
After cleaning the sofa, you must give it some time to dry thoroughly. Otherwise, the moisture can give space for the development of mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors.
So, once the cleaning is done, especially using water-based solvents, allow the sofa to air dry completely before using it again. This might take several hours. Open windows or use fans to increase airflow, which helps speed up the drying process.
7. Brush The Fabric
Brushing the fabric can help to restore its texture. This step is important for fabrics such as velvet, as brushing helps keep the fabric looking smooth and even.
8. Maintain The Fabric Sofa
Maintenance is not a one-time job. You are probably aware of that. Only consistent upkeep can stop the buildup of dirt and make deep cleaning less frequent and easier.
Some quick steps to follow here are:
- Regularly vacuum your sofa to keep it free of dust and debris.
- Promptly address any spills or stains to prevent them from setting.
- If your fabric sofa is vulnerable to stains, consider using a fabric protector spray to create a barrier against stains. They can keep spills from soaking in and staining the fabric upholstery. But again, consider this step only if the label allows it.
- Rotate cushions regularly to ensure even wear and avoid sagging in one spot.
When To Steam Clean A Fabric Sofa?
Firstly, you can steam your fabric sofa only if the care label allows it. Look for W or WS tags. If it's a green flag, you can incorporate steam cleaning if you want to deep clean your fabric sofa.
Some scenarios that necessitate steam cleaning are,
- Stubborn Stains And Grime
If your usual routine of cleaning your fabric sofa, which involves vacuuming and spot cleaning, doesn't get rid of stains, a steamer would do the work. Because this one has the potential to penetrate deeper into the fabric to lift out the grime that's settled into the fibers.
- Odor Removal
Steam cleaning is effective at eliminating odors. If your fabric sofa is foul-smelling due to smoke, pets, or spills, steam cleaning can get rid of it.
- When Allergens Are A Concern
Dust mites and allergens are a major problem for people dealing with allergies. So, steam cleaning can help the unwanted guests trapped in the fabric.
Final Words
Before you start cleaning, check the care label. Knowing whether to use water, solvent or just a vacuum is key.
If you are dealing with a large spill or a heavily soiled sofa, consider hiring a professional. Because they have the right expertise and the tools to get rid of the big mess created.
