Keeping Your Sofa Clean: Some Tips that May Help

 

Your sofa holds a place of prominence in your living room, often acting as the centerpiece to your entire entertaining area. The last thing you want is a stained piece of furniture sitting in the middle of the room. With so many different types of fabric out there, though, there’s no one-size fits all solution for how to clean a sofa of every stain. This quick guide can help.

How to Clean a Fabric Sofa

Fabric sofas are one of the easiest types of furniture to keep clean. Start with a good vacuuming to help remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated. From there, mix a bit of laundry soap with warm water. After testing a linen sofasmall area that can’t be seen to make sure that the fabric won’t be damaged, scrub the stain, then wipe it clean with a damp cloth. If that doesn’t help, you may want to rent a steam cleaner to make certain you get that stain out.

How to Clean a Leather Sofa

If fabric sofas are fairly easy to clean, leather sofas are far more difficult. Vacuum the sofa first to remove any dirt or debris. Leather can easily be damaged by water, so you’ll need to be careful. For everyday cleaning, use a small
amount of liquid soap and distilled water. After testing an inconspicuous area to make sure that you won’t hurt the leather, dip a rag into the soap and water solution, wring it out thoroughly, and wipe the sofa. Use a new rag with distilled water to rinse, and always dry the surface thoroughly.

To clean a leather sofa with a tough stain you need to purchase a specific leather cleaner and follow the directions on the package. It’s a good idea to use a soap specifically made to clean the leather three or four times a year, even if it’s not stained, to help protect it. Be sure to use a conditioner after you’ve finished the cleaning process.

How to Clean a Microfiber Sofa

Many people choose furniture that has been upholstered with microfiber material because it is a good way to keep dust and other allergens out of the home. It is also a fairly stain resistant choice. Because this material is made from micro sofatightly woven fibers, it’s tough for liquids to seep through. Unfortunately, though, you can still get stains on this type of couch. Your best bet for how to clean a microfiber sofa is to wipe up any spills immediately and keep the couch vacuumed of dust and debris. Carefully read the instructions that came with the couch, as it will help you decide if you need to invest in a specialized cleaner if it does get stained.

The best tips for how to clean a sofa, no matter what it’s made from, is to vacuum it regularly, including under the cushions, and wipe up any spills immediately before they have a chance to become stains. Many stains can also be prevented if you cover the sofa with a sheet when it’s not in use, when you know that there will be a lot of traffic in the living room, and when you’re moving the sofa or other furniture. Investing in a slip cover can help to prevent damage as well, and it’s a great way to give your sofa a new look if it does get stained.