A Simple DIY Guide to Clean a Fabric Sofa

A Simple DIY Guide to Clean a Fabric Sofa
January 24, 2023

The fabric of your sofas not only defines your style but also accentuates the appearance of your living room. But, in the matter of cleaning, they can be a real pain. As in any standard household, spills are unavoidable unless you intend to accessorize your sofa with plastic covers; no wonder you should be aware of how to clean the fabric of your sofa set.

With the help of some helpful approaches, you can keep the fabric of your sofa as good as new.

For Starters, Consider the Following Points:

Revisit the Manufacturer’s Instructions:

Before getting into the process of removing stains or polishing up your sofa, go through the cleaning directives suggested by the manufacturer. Failure to do so may invalidate warranty claims or completely wreck your couch.

The Labels have All your Cleaning Answers:

The cushions of your sofa must include a label that tells you important information, such as water solubility. In most cases, one part of the label may consist of instructions for cleaning the sofa cover, whereas the other may refer to cleaning the cushions. Before cleaning, double-check that you are looking at the tag properly.

Carefully Read the Tag:

On the cleaning tag of your sofa, you’ll usually find the following four letters. Here’s what they all mean:

  • W — This material can be cleaned with water.
  • S — A solvent cleaner will be required. Avoid Water.
  • WS — You can clean this sofa with water or a cleaner with a solvent in it.
  • X — No water, just vacuum.

Always Abide by The Cleaning Instructions on The Tag:

It might seem harmless to use water to clean a couch that should only be cleaned with a solvent-based cleaner but beware. There’s no doubt that the water will stain your sofa. Don’t jeopardize your furniture.

How to Clean The Stain on Fabric Sofa

Start by paying attention to the tag itself. If the sofa tag has an “X,” vacuum it; if it has an “S,” you should use a solvent-based cleaner. Labels specify which instructions are required for each fabric. The cleaning instructions from this section cover only sofas with the “W” or “WS” tags.

Following are the Items and Ingredients that you Might Need:

  • An upholstery attachment for a vacuum cleaner
  • Three or more pastel or light-colored fabric cloths that will not bleed on your sofa
  • Distilled water in a bucket
  • Dishwashing liquid
  • Refined Vinegar
  • Before cleaning, always examine homemade solutions on a small, unnoticeable portion of the material.

Application 

  • Vacuum your couch to avoid rubbing debris or filth into it during cleaning.
  • Combine 2 cups distilled water, one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid, and one tablespoon of vinegar in a bucket.
  • Soak a microfiber cloth in the cleaning solution.
  • Using the material, gently wipe any stained areas. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing. This can cause fiber damage.
  • To remove the remaining soap, dampen a fresh microfiber cloth with distilled water and swab the affected area.
  • Gently wipe the room once more with a dry microfiber cloth.
  • Use a fan to ensure that the room dries completely.

Another Alternative is Steaming

If your sofa is labeled “W” or “WS,” you can use an upholstery steam cleaner. First, read the steamer’s instructions to see if it’s feasible to use on your couch fabric. While “W” and “WS” sofas can resist water, they can’t always resist heat.

Furthermore, you should perform a spot test on a far-flung sofa area to ensure that steaming does not cause irreparable damage.

While steam cleaning your couch, follow the manufacturer’s instructions with the upholstery steamer. They must explain the settings you need to use.

However, a few tips can help your cleaning go more smoothly:

  • Before you start steam cleaning, vacuum your sofa. Then, clean it once more after you’ve steamed the couch and it’s scorched.
  • Choose a pleasant day for couch steam cleaning so you can open the windows and allow the room to air out.
  • Many utilize microfiber cloths for steam cleaning to help pick up debris. You’ll want to switch these out as you steam to ensure you get all the dirt.
  • After steaming, use a fan to dry your couch completely.
  • Before emptying the steamer, wait for the water to cool.

How to Clean a Smelly Fabric Couch

Did you know that baking soda can help alleviate odors on your couch? Once you apply baking soda to the fabric of your couch, this miraculous material immediately begins capturing aromas and loosening stains. Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate( Baking soda) can be used on cushions, arms, backrests, and crevices. First, take a closer look at stains. If you remove minor odors, let the baking soda rest for 18-20 minutes. You can leave it for an hour if you have a severe stench. Now get out the vacuum cleaner and hose everything down.

Finally, remember that baking soda does not replace steam or swab cleaning your sofa. These methods are effective at removing stains and dirt that have become embedded in the fabric fibers.

How to Disinfect a Sofa?

Thanks to easy exposure to contaminants all around, cleaning your sofa isn’t enough; you also need to keep it germ-free. You can purchase and use numerous disinfectant sprays available on the market. Or else you can make one at home by mixing a diluted essential oil with denatured alcohol in a spray bottle. This will create an antibacterial solution that will keep your family healthy. To apply, spray your sofa lightly, allow the solution to sit for a few minutes, and then vacuum the surface!

Now that you know how to clean a fabric sofa, you can get rid of anything, whether a wine stain, dog odor, or something else heinous that has accumulated on the fabric couch. However, you can consult carpet cleaning professionals if these tips don’t that effective.

Our cleaning experts at Xtra Touch Carpet Care will assist you for sofa and upholstery cleaning in Vancouver WA. Give us a call at (360) 521-5900 to know more.