Cleaning a Sofa - Simple Tips for a Clean Couch

In the case of stains on the sofa, promptness is essential to clean your sofa and remove the stains. The faster you act, the easier it is to prevent stubborn stains. An upholstery cleaner and a soft cloth assist you in efficient cleaning in the living room. Learn here how to successfully clean your sofa upholstery.

Step-by-step guide: How to clean a sofa

If a glass of juice, cola, or wine has been spilled on the sofa or armchair, time is working against you. The same applies if a cat or dog has discharged urine or other substances. Proceed as follows for stain removal:

Initial cleaning of the sofa surface

First, get kitchen towels or an old towel to immediately remove the moisture still present on the surface. Gently dab the liquids for the basic cleaning of the sofa. However, do not rub the fabric during sofa cleaning. A careful brushing might be an option.

Cleaning a leather couch

With a leather or faux leather sofa set, you have a bit more time, as these materials repel moisture in most cases. Many fabrics are only partially water-repellent, so liquids can quickly penetrate the fibers and dry.

For the leather or faux leather sofa, simply wiping it down afterwards with a damp cloth is sufficient to make everything look fresh again. This prevents larger stains.

Procedure for a sofa made of fabric such as microfiber

For a fabric sofa, you should subsequently sprinkle salt on the affected area. Make sure to distribute the salt along the edges as well. The salt ensures that moisture is drawn out of the textiles. After approximately 15 minutes, you can remove the salt with a vacuum cleaner.

There are also special wet vacuum cleaners designed for use on sofa upholstery or suede. Once the initial emergency measures have been addressed, you will have a bit more time and calm. In the next step, you can spray a textile cleaner or stain remover. Spray the cleaner onto the stain, spread it with a lint-free cloth, and allow it to take effect according to the care instructions.

The time span is usually between 10 and 15 minutes. Afterwards, you wipe off the residues of the cleaning agent with a damp or dry cotton cloth. In the case of stubborn stains on the sofa, it may be necessary to repeat the procedure. However, there may also be removable parts suitable for the washing machine.

Tip: In the case of food residues, vomit, or pet feces in the household, proceed similarly. However, caution is advised! The solid pieces must first be removed from the areas using gentle agents. Be careful not to rub too much in the first step to prevent penetration into the fibers of the couch.

Removing Stubborn Stains: Here's How!

To clean stubborn dirt on your sofa, you can either use special cleaning agents for textiles such as powder or opt for a steam cleaner.

Upholstery cleaner as a solution against stains on the sofa

Special stain removers consist of various chemical and biological substances. Depending on the textile cleaner you use, it may be aggressive and can damage the upholstery. This is mostly evident through a fading of the cleaned area.

To prevent this problem, you should test the sofa cleaner in advance on an inconspicuous area of the sofa upholstery on the fabric. The procedure with the stain remover itself is simple:

• Spray the cleaner directly onto the stain. Be sure to spray the edges as well.
• Allow the stain remover to take effect according to the instructions.
• Subsequently, a dry or wet wiping is performed with a lint-free cloth.

Upholstery cleaners are suitable for various types of stains. Thus, you can remove blood, mud, or ash from the upholstery and easily clean your sofa. However, most cleaners are versatile in their application.

Treat upholstered furniture with the steam cleaner

Unlike upholstery cleaners and household remedies, a steam cleaner is suitable for deep cleaning. Use only devices that are capable of immediately removing the applied moisture and the corresponding cleaning agents.

In the cleaning method, a cleaning solution is applied under pressure. An integrated suction function of the nozzle ensures that dirt and cleaning agent residues are removed immediately. A positive effect is that this also allows you to remove mites and pet hair particularly effectively with the wet vacuum cleaner.

The problematic aspect is that this type of upholstery cleaning with steam is particularly aggressive. Delicate fabrics can be adversely affected by the liquid and the temperature of the wet vacuum cleaner. It is also advisable to test the cleaning on an inconspicuous area.

In terms of effectiveness, there is no method better suited to restore the hygiene of the first day.

Tip: If it is a high-quality sofa set, it may be advisable to consider professional sofa cleaning. The costs are significantly higher. However, you benefit from the expertise and the reliability of the chosen cleaning method.

Tips for Cleaning Sofas Made of Different Materials

Depending on whether you have a sofa made of microfiber, smooth leather, or woven fabric, the care requirements vary significantly. However, as a general rule: covers are a practical alternative, as stain removal is easier. For example, you can simply wash the textiles in the machine using detergent.

Caring for the fabric sofa

You should vacuum fabric sofas regularly. Use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery brush attachment. The type of fabric is irrelevant. Depending on how the sofa is used, the cleaning intervals vary.

Often, it is sufficient to use the vacuum cleaner every one to two weeks to remove dust and crumbs. This ensures hygienic cleanliness. If you have pets, you should clean the sofa more frequently. It does no harm to use the vacuum cleaner every day or every other day.

This prevents hair from becoming easily embedded in the fibers of the upholstery. Not every vacuum cleaner is powerful enough to remove all dust residues from the fibers. A carpet beater provides a solution. Use it to beat firmly, but not excessively hard, on the surfaces.

Open the windows, as a lot of dust may be released. Afterwards, you should vacuum the sofa once more.

Note: Wet cleaning using a steam cleaner is advisable only after a minimum of 6 months.

Cleaning of the leather or faux leather sofa

Leather and artificial leather are comparatively resilient materials. You need not worry much about a spilled beverage. However, unlike textiles, genuine leather requires fat to remain flexible. Otherwise, there is a risk that the material will become brittle.

For the regular maintenance of a sofa made of leather or artificial leather, it is sufficient to wipe the surfaces with a slightly damp cloth. Ideally, you should use distilled water rather than tap water.

For stains on the leather sofa, you can use a product such as a leather cleaner. Most other cleaners are often too aggressive and could damage the surface. You primarily care for the sofa made of smooth leather with a leather care milk.

This special blend ensures that the leather sofa remains supple and retains its natural appearance. Apply the care milk every 3 months with a sponge. For artificial leather, use artificial leather care products. The cleaning intervals are generally similar.

These home remedies can assist with cleaning

There are many tricks that recommend the use of home remedies. In fact, most home remedies prove to be less effective in removing stains from upholstery or leather furnishings. If you do not have a specialized cleaner at hand, these can certainly be of good service.

The most important home remedies can be found here at a glance:

• Cleaning the sofa with dish soap: You can easily remove superficial dirt from the faux leather couch by mixing distilled water with a drop of dish soap and applying the solution. Be sure to remove any residue so that nothing remains.
• Cleaning a sofa with baking soda: For stubborn grease stains on a fabric sofa, baking soda can be helpful. Moisten the stain and sprinkle baking soda on it. It facilitates the breakdown of fats. Ideally, the stain will no longer be visible afterward. The same applies to baking powder, which contains baking soda.
• Cleaning a sofa with salt: The number one remedy against red wine and other liquids is salt, as it absorbs moisture. Salt can also be easily vacuumed after you have applied it to red wine stains.
• Cleaning sofa with shaving foam: You can apply the foam to a stain to clean the sofa. Use a brush and work from the outside towards the inside. After approximately 15 minutes of exposure, remove the residues with a damp cloth. For leather and faux leather, you should avoid this method.
• Cleaning a sofa with acid: Acidic cleaning agents should generally be avoided when cleaning sofas, as they can damage the material. However, there are some specialized applications where you can use mild acids such as apple cider vinegar or another vinegar essence. For example, this helps to remove contaminants. The home remedies lemon juice and vinegar assist in eliminating unpleasant odors. Unfortunately, these natural cleaning agents can be aggressive. Use these products on your furniture only in a highly diluted form. Before using any home remedies, a test for material compatibility should be conducted.
• Cleaning sofa with curd soap: This soap can be used for general cleaning, stain removal, and odor elimination on upholstered furniture. To do this, a mild solution of curd soap and water is prepared and applied with a soft sponge or cloth. Test the solution first on an inconspicuous area to avoid material damage.
• Cleaning a sofa with window cleaner: Glass cleaner should only be used in exceptional cases for sofa cleaning, such as for removing stubborn stains on faux leather or other durable materials. Apply the cleaner with the spray bottle onto a soft cloth and test it first on an inconspicuous area. Avoid using window cleaner on fabric or leather upholstery, as the chemicals can damage the material.
• Clean sofa with dishwashing detergent: Dishwashing detergent can be used for sofa cleaning to remove light dirt and stains. Mix a few drops of dishwashing detergent with warm water, apply the solution with a soft cloth, and gently dab the stain.
• Clean sofa with delicate detergent: Use delicate detergent to gently clean sensitive fabrics. Mix a small amount of delicate detergent with lukewarm water and apply the solution with a soft microfiber cloth.

If nothing works for your sofa cushion, you need not be immediately disheartened! Consider it a reason to purchase a new sofa or armchair. Please feel free to contact us if you require assistance or have any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my sofa?

We recommend that you thoroughly clean your sofa at least every six months. However, stains and dirt should be treated immediately to avoid permanent damage. For leather sofas, clean them every two to three months with a special care product.

Which cleaning agents are suitable for cleaning sofas made of fabric such as linen?

Mild soap solutions or specialized upholstery cleaners are ideal for sofa cleaning. Avoid aggressive chemicals to prevent damaging the material.

Can I clean my sofa with a steam cleaner?

A steam cleaner can be effective. However, it should only be used on heat-resistant materials. Always check the manufacturer's instructions to avoid damage.

How do I dry my sofa after cleaning?

Allow the sofa to dry in the air and avoid direct sunlight. Ensure that the sofa is completely dry before using it again. This prevents the formation of mold.

Can I use home remedies to clean my sofa?

Yes, home remedies such as baking soda or vinegar can help with light soiling. However, always test these first on an inconspicuous area to avoid material damage.