How To Clean a Fabric Sofa: Tips & Tricks

If you're stuck, asking yourself 'how do I clean a fabric sofa?', don't worry - we have answers!

Whether you're refreshing your upholstered furniture as part of a routine cleaning or trying to get rid of nasty odors and stubborn stains, this helpful guide contains all the expert tips and tricks you need to clean your sofa safely and effectively.

Dive in to find the perfect cleaning solution for your furniture!

Must-Know Tips & Tricks for Cleaning Sofas

There are lots of effective solutions that tackle different problems, be it banishing unpleasant smells, clearing stubborn stains, or general cleaning upkeep. 

Suck Up Dust and Crumbs With a Vacuum Cleaner

All sofas collect dust and crumbs, especially if you enjoy snacking on your sofa and/or have pets and children. A vacuum cleaner is your go-to solution for maintaining a spotless, dust and crumb-free sofa.

What You Need:

• Vacuum cleaner
• Upholstery vacuum attachment

Method:

To rid your sofa of dust and crumbs, all you need is a good quality vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment. Simply remove all the pillows and blankets from your sofa and glide your vacuum along the surface. 

Make sure you focus on crevices and seams, as these are spots where crumbs and dust often gather. It's widely recommended to vacuum your sofa at least once a week to prevent loads of dust and dirt from building up - especially if you have furry friends and youngsters!

Spot Clean Spills With Dish Soap and Water

Our sofas have all fallen victim to the occasional spill, be it a sweet and sticky juice or a hearty soup. Thankfully, there's one simple solution that will rescue your sofa and prevent permanent staining: a DIY dish soap solution!

What You Need:

• Mild dish soap
• Water (preferably distilled water)
• Soft cleaning cloth
• Paper towels
• Baking soda (optional)
• Vacuum cleaner (optional)

Method:

Start by combining 3-4 drops of dish soap with about a pint of water to create a mild, soapy solution. Before you apply the solution, ensure you've properly absorbed any lingering moisture from the spill. 

You can do this by leaving some baking soda on the spill for 2-3 hours before vacuuming it up - we recommend doing this if it is a bigger spill. Alternatively, if it's a lighter spill, simply dab the area with paper towels to absorb any remaining moisture.

Once you've soaked up what's left of the spill, dampen the cleaning cloth with your soapy DIY couch cleaner solution and gently dab the spills. If a spill has left a tougher stain, try gently rubbing it in a circular motion with the damp cloth. This will help break up and lift any particles that might be lodged in the fabric. 

Once complete, give it a few extra dabs with some fresh paper towels to absorb the leftover solution, and leave it to dry for a couple of hours.

Sprinkle Baking Soda To Get Rid of Unpleasant Smells

Baking soda is a classic odor-removal solution that works wonders on lots of different fabrics.

What You Need:

• Baking soda
• Vacuum cleaner

Method:

Generously sprinkle baking soda over your entire couch or on a particularly smelly spot. Let it sit for up to an hour or overnight for stubborn smells before vacuuming the baking soda and revealing a fresh sofa!

Lift Pet Stains and Odors With a Vinegar and Water Cleaning Solution

If your furry friends have had an accident on your sofa or dirtied it with their muddy paws, a DIY vinegar and water cleaning solution is your first-line-of action!

What You Need:

• Spray bottle
• White vinegar
• Water (preferably distilled water)
• Soft cleaning cloth

Method:

In a spray bottle, pour one part water and one part white vinegar (scale it up on a 1:1 ratio if you need more) and spritz the affected area on your sofa. Then, gently dab the sprayed area with a soft cleaning cloth - this will lift the stain and remove any unwanted smells that your pet left behind. Once your sofa has air dried for a couple hours it should be good as new!

Remove Pet Hair With a Lint Roller

If your sofa is starting to look more furry than usual, it's time to get the lint roller out and remove your pet's hair!

What you need:

• Lint roller

Method:

You can roll your entire sofa with a lint roller to get rid of pet hair. If you notice certain stubborn hairs, try beating your sofa a bit to loosen them, then go in again with the roller.

Use a Fabric Brush To Lift Stains and Dust

Some stains, like dried mud, don't need a special cleaning treatment to go away. All you need is a good quality fabric brush!

What You Need:

• Soft fabric brush

Method:

Gently brush the stained spot in one direction. This will dislodge the dirt while ensuring your fabric sofa looks even. This method is perfect for fabrics that are more delicate and not suited to vacuuming methods.

Deep Clean With a Special Upholstery Formula

Sometimes a DIY couch cleaner won't cut it. That's when it's time to bring out a special upholstery cleaning solution, like a detergent or an 'Oxi' stain remover.

You can find different upholstery formulas designed to treat every type of couch fabric and problem, such as cotton or microfiber sofas, stain remover, deodorizers, and so forth. 

Always double check that the cleaning product you choose is suited to your specific fabric couch before applying it, and be sure to follow the usage instructions when using any upholstery cleaning products.

Invest in an Upholstery Cleaning Machine

If your sofa needs a thorough cleaning, invest in a good quality upholstery machine, such as a steam cleaner or a stain extractor. Not only will this help you get a deeper clean, but it will also save you the physical effort of extensive scrubbing, patting, creating DIY concoctions, and so on!

How To Protect Your Sofa from Future Stains & Smells

There are a bunch of handy tricks that will safeguard your sofa from future stains and smells!

You can seal your sofa with a fabric protector spray that offers stain resistance. This is perfect if you have pets and youngsters who are prone to accidents. It's also a must-have if you own a light or white sofa!

You can shield your couch cushions from damage by adding washable pillow protectors/sofa cushion covers. Another great tip is to cover your sofa with a washable protective blanket, such as a water-resistant quilt or a pet-proof throw. These allow you to simply chuck the covers/protectors in the wash when they get dirty.

To keep your sofa smelling fresh, you can create a DIY natural fabric spray by mixing a few drops of your favorite essential oil to some water in a spray bottle, and spritz it all over your sofa. You can also shop for an upholstery fragrance spray.