Your sofa is at the beating heart of your living room. It’s the place where family and friends (and pets) naturally gather, which makes it one of the most used pieces of furniture in your home. It’s also highly prone to spills, stains, and everyday dirt.
Keeping it clean is essential, and Homebase can help you get started. With advice on how to clean sofa fabric, keep your leather sofa looking healthy, get the stains out of a suede sofa, and what cleaning solution to use on a velvet sofa.
Helping to make cleaning your sofa easier and less scary than you might think. All it takes is the right cleaning products and some careful persistence to return your sofa to its former glory.
Follow the steps below on the best way to clean your sofa and return it to its former glory.
Finding the Cleaning Label Code
Before you start cleaning, it’s best to find the cleaning label code. This big white label is typically found tucked down the seat cushion, next to the armrest, or on the underside of the sofa.
The label will tell you what cleaning solutions you can use depending on your sofa fabric.
How to Clean a Fabric Sofa
Step 1: Remove the Sofa Cushions
Before you vacuum, remove the sofa cushions if you can. This will allow you to remove any debris that may have fallen down the back or sides of your sofa. If you can’t remove your sofa cushions, move straight onto vacuuming.
Step 2: Vacuum your Sofa
To vacuum your sofa, including suede and velvet, attach the soft brush tool to your vacuum and gently clean the back, arms, skirt, and the seams. This will remove dirt, dust, and crumbs from the surface, making it easier to clean any stains later. Remember to vacuum your sofa cushions too, paying close attention to the buttons where debris can gather.
Step 3: Spot Test
It’s always best to do a spot check before using any cleaning solution on your sofa. This means finding a hidden spot on your sofa and testing a small amount of the solution in that area. This will make sure it’s safe to use on the fabric and doesn’t cause any watermarks or colour loss.
Top Tip: Hold either a wet or cream cloth on the spot for 5 minutes, or let it sit for 15 – 20 minutes. To dry, remove the cloth and blot dry with a towel or allow it to air dry. Make sure to check the cloth for colour as this will be a sign for you not to use that specific cleaning product.Step 4: Spot Clean Stains
To get rid of minor stains, mix a solution of water and mild dish soap. Dab a clean cloth into the solution and gently blot the stain. Make sure you apply it evenly and work from the edge towards the centre. But resist temptation to scrub too hard as this can damage the fabric.
Once you’re certain the stain is gone, blot dry with a towel or leave to air dry before you begin the deep clean. You can even use a hairdryer on velvet sofas to prevent lingering water marks. But make sure it’s on a low setting and hold it at a distance to avoid damaging the fabric.
Top Tip: For a suede sofa avoid water, it’s best to use a suede eraser or a pencil eraser. Gently rub away the stain and be careful not to press too hard as you can damage the fabric. After you’ve finished erasing, use a soft brush to remove excess dirt.Step 5: Deep Clean
If your sofa or cushions need a deeper clean, it’s best to use either an upholstery cleaner or a homemade solution. To make your own, mix equal parts water and white vinegar into a spray bottle. Apply with a light misting and then wipe it with a clean cloth. Try to avoid soaking the fabric, as too much moisture can lead to mould or mildew.
Avoid using liquid cleaners on suede sofas as they’re sensitive to water. Try and use suede-specific cleaner or have it professionally cleaned if a stain is stubborn and hard to get out.
Top Tip: Steaming a velvet sofa does clean it. For this, it’s best to use a handheld steamer or your iron if it has a steam setting. Hold it a few inches away and move it in a sweeping motion. This will remove any wrinkles, freshen up the fabric, and kill dust mites living on the surface.Step 6: Dry your Sofa
It’s recommended that you allow your sofa to air dry naturally. Opening a window can help the room stay well-ventilated and speed up the drying process. Dabbing it with towels or a clean cloth can also soak up excess moisture. But don’t be tempted to use a heater or a hair dryer as the sofa fabric may be heat sensitive and easily damaged.
How to Clean a Leather Sofa
Step 1: Dust your Sofa
The best way to clean a leather sofa is to start off by dusting it with a microfibre cloth to remove dirt on the surface. Leather isn’t as porous as fabric, so you should find it easier to wipe away dust and crumbs.
Step 2: Vacuum your Sofa
Once you’ve dusted, move onto vacuuming with a soft brush attachment and crevice tool to reach down the back and sides. Gently vacuum around the entire sofa, including the cushions if you were able to remove them. This will help to remove any excess dust before you apply a leather cleaner.
Step 3: Clean with Leather Cleaner
It’s recommended that you use leather cleaner of a mild soap solution when cleaning a leather sofa. Apply with a soft cloth and work in sections, rubbing in a gentle circular motion. Avoid using abrasive cleaners containing bleach, sanitizing wipes, or too much water, as they can damage the leather.
Step 4: Condition the Leather
It’s important to condition your leather sofa every two to four weeks as leather can dry out over time. To do this, apply a conditioner with a clean cloth and follow the instructions on the bottle.
Step 5: Buff and Polish
After you’ve finished conditioning, buff the leather with a dry cloth, working in circular motions and focusing on one section at a time. This will help to restore its natural shine.
Additional Sofa Cleaning Tips
Can I use carpet cleaner solution on my sofa?
While it may be tempting to use carpet cleaner solution on your sofa, it’s generally not recommended unless the label specifies that it’s safe to use on upholstery. Some carpet cleaners can be too harsh for sofa fabrics and may cause damage.
Does baking soda remove odours on a sofa?
Yes, baking soda is a fantastic natural deodorizer. Sprinkle it generously over your sofa and cushions. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to work its magic and then simply vacuum it off. This will help remove any lingering odours.
There you have it, our top tips for how to clean your sofa. Don’t forget to explore our Ideas & Advice hub for more home cleaning tips.
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