Fabric sofas are made to last, so it’s important that you clean them properly and regularly. Besides, if your upholstery gets dirty, it can affect the quality of your furniture, and may make it hard to sell or rent out.
Your sofa has a cleaning code (usually found on the fabric tag). Knowing the code will help you know which cleaner to use and avoid damaging your furniture.
A quick glance at the cleaning code will tell you if you can use water, soap or a solvent to clean your couch. You’ll want to follow the label’s instructions and spot test any homemade solutions on an inconspicuous area first, to ensure that you don’t damage the material.
If the label states that you can use a solvent or water to clean your sofa, it’s best to stick with that recommendation. Although water may seem innocuous, it can actually leave stains on your furniture and cause permanent damage to the fabric.
It’s important to get rid of stains as soon as possible, because waiting too long can set the stain. That way, you’re much more likely to be able to remove the stain without having it turn into an actual stain that won’t come off.
To remove the stains, spray a solution of vinegar and Castile soap on the stain. This is a very inexpensive and effective method of removing stains. Just make sure that you don’t saturate the fabric with the cleaner, or it can stain your sofa further.
After you’ve sprayed the cleaner on the stain, blot it with a clean, white cloth to remove any of the detergent residue. You can also rub the rag against the fabric in a circular motion to get extra leverage and force the stain out.
If the stain is still stubborn, you can try a dry-cleaning method. To do this, mix equal parts of distilled white vinegar and a mild dish soap in a spray bottle. You can apply the solution directly to the stain, or mix it into a liquid and then apply it to your cloth.
For a more natural approach, you can use rubbing alcohol on the stain. Just make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions, as some fabrics require special cleaners for a safe cleaning.
You can also get a pre-conditioner to help remove the stain before you scrub it away. You can buy a ready-made one at any grocery store, or you can make your own by mixing some liquid soap and rubbing alcohol together.
A good pre-conditioner will keep the stain from setting and help prevent it from reoccurring in the future. You can also find pre-conditioner sprays that are designed to be used directly on the stain to remove it quickly and easily.
Steam heat extraction is another great way to clean your sofa. This process utilizes high temperature steam heat to penetrate deep into the fabric, killing surface dust mites. The result is a fresh, clean sofa that looks as good as it smells. This is a very cost-effective alternative to other methods of sofa cleaning, and can be done in just a few hours.
