It’s inevitable — even sofas in the most meticulously-mannered homes will need to be cleaned at some point. Whether it’s mopping up a red wine blunder or simply freshening up your sofa before company stops by, our quick-reference guide has you covered with tricks and tips for any scenario!
Weekly Maintenance
Furniture experts will advise you to undertake regular weekly maintenance cleaning to avoid the need for more frequent deep cleanings. The good news? Regular cleanings aren’t likely as demanding as you think.
- Vacuum
If you only do one step, vacuuming should be it. Use a brush attachment to remove loose debris and lint from your sofa weekly, ideally. As you vacuum, make sure to pay special attention to crevices between and behind cushions to suction up crumbs, pet hair, or whatever else you’ve managed to track into your home. If your sofa is covered in a fabric with a longer pile such as velvet, make sure to vacuum uniformly in one direction to best prevent any damage to the fibers. Doing do will also result in that freshly vacuumed look. - Wipe down with a damp cloth
If your sofa has exposed woodwork such as wood legs or a wood apron, wipe these portions down using a soft cloth dampened with a mild solution of soap and warm water. Use the same for metal sofa legs.
Light Spot Cleaning
If you’re trying to tackle concentrated spots and stains, you’ll want to get more assertive with your cleaning method. Since spot cleaning requires applying gentle abrasives to your fabric, and different fabrics react differently to different solutions, you’ll want to make sure you know what fabric you’re working with.
- Determine your sofa’s fabric
If you don’t know your sofa’s fabric makeup by heart, do yourself a favor and seek out the manufacturer’s label. Knowing exactly what your sofa is composed of can make all the difference when it comes to scrubbing your sofa with confidence. If your sofa’s covered in a fabric like velvet, which can come in cotton and synthetic versions, it’s worth double-checking the manufacturer’s label as well, since cotton and synthetic blends generally fare best with slightly different care. - Apply a cleaner
For cotton upholsteries, mix up a spray bottle solution composed of 1/4 cup of vinegar, 3/4 of warm water, and 1 tablespoon of dish soap (for synthetics, alter to: 1/2 cup of vinegar, 1 cup of warm water, and 1/2 tablespoon of dish soap). Mist the stained area with the solution and scrub with a soft cloth or soft-bristled brush. Avoid using too much water as it can cause the fabric to shrink or leave water marks. - Let the sofa dry
Use a dry towel to blot up any excess water on your sofa’s surface. If you’re in a rush or you’re concerned about humidity taking a toll on your sofa while it’s wet, turn on an overhead fan or aim a floor fan at your sofa to expedite the drying process.
Oil or grease stain spot cleaning
1. Determine your fabric
Knowing your sofa’s fabric composition will help you make the best choice when it comes to store-bought cleaners. You’ll want to take note of not just whether your sofa is “suede” or “velvet,” but its actual fiber makeup to consider whether it requires fabric or synthetic care.
2. Apply a cleaner
For tougher stains like oil or grease, apply a solvent-based cleaner specifically designed for upholstery. Apply the cleaner to a clean cloth and dab it onto the stained area, then blot with a dry cloth until the stain is removed.
3. Let the sofa dry
Use a towel to soak up any excess water or solvent. Do not use the sofa until it has completely dried. If you’re in a hurry, turn on an overhead fan or aim a floor fan at your sofa to expedite the drying process.
How to clean a leather sofa
Leather sofas often get the short end of the stick. Because they aren’t susceptible to easy staining like fabric sofas, it’s easy to neglect cleaning them altogether. A well-maintained leather sofa can last years longer than one that isn’t; however, making it worthwhile to invest in your leather sofa’s upkeep.
- Dust your sofa
Use a soft dry cloth (a microfiber cloth is a good option) to remove any dust from the surface of your sofa. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to handle this portion of cleaning. - Apply a cleaner
For leather sofas, mix up a spray bottle full of a 1/2 cup olive oil with 1/4 cup vinegar. Spray the cleaner on the surface of the couch and buff with a soft cloth.
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Lead photo design by Crystal Blackshaw Interiors / Photo by Michael Kaskel
