How to Clean a Fabric Sofa?

Fabric sofas and chairs are very popular for their comfort and durability, but even the best-treated fabrics require occasional cleaning to stay in top shape. Most sofas should be deep cleaned once or twice a year, but upholstered furniture can sometimes require more care, including monthly vacuuming and treating spills and stains as soon as they occur. Whether you're overdue for a routine cleaning or need some help preventing accidental spills from becoming a permanent mark, our professionals know how to clean fabric sofas and keep them looking like new.

The first thing you should check is the manufacturer's instructions. Many fabric sofas have been pretreated to prevent stains, and some cleaning solutions can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment or even void the sofa's warranty.

Be sure to spot-check an inconspicuous area before cleaning the sofa. This will ensure you don't damage the finish of the fabric. Also scrub a small area with a white cloth and a cleaner of your choice to check that the color doesn't fade. Do not use the cleaner on the entire sofa if the color from the fabric peels off.

1. Use a stiff brush to remove any debris or loose dirt

2. Use the brush attachment to vacuum the sofa

3. Topically treat stubborn stains with a suitable cleaning solution

4. Let the sofa air dry

If your upholstered sofa has removable cushions, it can be cleaned separately. First, check the cleaning instructions on the label. Some fabric cushion covers are machine washable. If your cushions do, remove the covers and wash them.

To clean a foam pad, add a small amount of mild hand sanitizer to a warm bath. Dip the pads in the water and press them so the water and soap get into the foam. Wipe off any stains, then rinse with clean water to remove any soapy residue. Let them air dry, turning occasionally to prevent water from getting trapped inside or under the pads.

If you can't wash your cushions, take them outside and give them a pat on the back. This will remove all dust and grime. Treat any stains with a suitable cleaning solution, or steam clean sofas with the W or WS code on the label. Sofas marked with X or S cannot be steam cleaned.

Sometimes routine cleaning isn't enough, and your sofa may need a deep clean. Children, pets, and even clumsy adults can cause stains that need to be removed. Here's how to make it look like new.

1. Brush the sofa to remove crumbs, dirt, and hair

2. Use the brush attachment on the vacuum cleaner for a more thorough cleaning

3. If possible, remove the pad and clean it separately

4. Sprinkle baking soda on the sofa and let it sit for 20-30 minutes

5. Vacuum the baking soda

6. Spot treatment of stains

7. Let the sofa air dry

White vinegar is great for stubborn stains and is safe to use on most fabrics. This makes the natural cleaning of fabric sofas ideal. Make the following solution and use it to blot the stain - don't soak the sofa and don't rub as you may spread the stain.

1 cup of warm water

1 cup white vinegar

Optional: 1 teaspoon dish soap

Always use a detergent that is safe and suitable for your fabrics. You can buy a professional room cleaner, or use a mild soap designed for handwashing. Alternatively, make the following solution and use a sponge to apply to the stain. Don't let the stain get too wet. After removing the stain, blot dry with clean water to remove the detergent and wipe off excess water with a paper towel.

2 glasses of water

1 teaspoon detergent

One of the best ways to remove dirt and stains is to use baking soda, especially on wet stains. Sprinkle on the area and let sit for 20-30 minutes (or until the baking soda dries if the stain is still damp). Remove the baking soda with a vacuum cleaner. 

Alternatively, you can use a dry cleaning cloth to remove dry stains. These cloths are pre-treated with dry cleaning solution, so they are easy to carry around. Follow the directions on the label. Most dry cleaning cloths work by rubbing the stain lightly to break it up. If a heat-activated cleaning solution is required, use a hair dryer to heat the area.

Another great way to clean your sofa is to use a steam cleaner. These machines require only heat and water to clean, so are suitable for many fabrics. Choose a steam cleaner with decorative accessories to make the job easier. Follow the instructions for use of the machine, and be careful to keep away from hot steam to avoid burns. Just keep in mind that the heat will rise, so don't lean against the applicator while you're using it. It may be easier to pull the sofa away from the wall to a cleaner area so you can work around it easily.

To clean a fabric sofa with a steamer, first, remove the cushions and steam one side at a time. Let each side dry before turning them over and cleaning the other side. This prevents them from smelling damp. Use the steam engine attachment for quick strokes instead of continuously spraying an area with steam. This will prevent the sofa from being flooded.

Next, clean the frame of the sofa. Do this in small portions to make sure every area is thoroughly cleaned and nothing is missed. Allow the sofa to air dry before putting back the cushions. Having a fan nearby can speed up the process.

Steam cleaning is an effective way to sanitize a sofa, but if you don't have one or want to hire a cleaner, there are other ways. Rubbing alcohol can kill a variety of bacteria and pathogens, making it a good choice.

2 glasses of rubbing alcohol

1 cup of water

Combine the above in a spray bottle and lightly spray the sofa. Be careful not to make it too wet. If possible, remove the pad and spray all sides of the frame and pad separately. Let the sofa and cushions air dry.

Sofa stains happen from time to time. Food, drinks, dirt, etc. can all cause stains. The cleaning methods listed above can all remove most food and dirt stains, but some types of stains require some extra treatment to remove completely.

If your sofa fabric is not waterproof, it may end up with watermarks if it is spilled. Put 1/2 cup white vinegar and 2 cups distilled water in a spray bottle and lightly spray the stain. Start on the outside of the stain and work your way in. Thoroughly blot the area with a microfiber cloth to keep it from getting too wet and remove any traces of the original. Use a fan or blower to dry the area quickly and prevent new stains from forming.

The best way to remove oil stains is to use dish soap. It is designed to cut grease quickly and easily. Simply add a teaspoon of cleanser to 2 cups of water and blot the stain with a cloth or sponge. If you can't use a water-based cleaner on your fabric, use a dry-cleaning cloth instead. These cloths are also treated to cut through grease instantly.

Getting dirty on your fabric sofa doesn't have to be a disaster. While upholstered furniture may seem difficult to clean, it's easy to get a fabric sofa back to its creases by cleaning the sofa according to the above methods! Plus, cleaning your sofa as part of your regular spring cleaning will help extend its lifespan and keep it looking new for years to come.

The above details how to clean the fabric sofa, if you want to buy a new fabric sofa, please contact us. WLAND is a professional custom fabric furniture manufacturer. Our main products are fabric sofas, fabric chairs, fabric dining chairs, etc. We sincerely look forward to your consultation. We are willing to be the one you need to achieve a win-win cooperation!