Sofas are the most essential component of living spaces and come in various styles, upholstery fabrics, and supporting materials. Serving as the primary seating essentials, they get a lot of wear and tear on a regular basis and can lose their comfort and appearance. Proper aftercare and periodic cleaning are the best ways to keep them in the best condition.
Sofas have different types of covering fabrics, upholstery and supporting materials, hence, they all need to be addressed differently during cleaning. This piece of writing by Upholstery Sofa will provide you with the safest and easiest ways to clean your sofas at home.
Detailed Guide To Cleaning Your Sofas At Home
To restore the look of your luxury sofas and maintain their longevity and aesthetic appeal, regular cleaning is the best approach. Here are some useful tips for the sofa cleaning process.
Cleaning Equipment & Supplies Checklist
Here’s the list of tools and essentials that must be handy before you initiate the cleaning process.
- Vacuum Cleaner With Upholstery Attachment
- Microfiber Cloth / Sponge
- Vacuum Cleaner
- Soap Or Detergent
- Furniture furniture Cover And Shiner
- Handheld Steamer
- Odor Remover (optional)
1. Remove The Sofa Covers
When you begin with the cleaning process, first detach all the removable parts like fabric covers, cushions or armrests. Some fabrics are sewn with foaming or padding materials while some come with zip options for easy removal. Give a good shake to each part to eliminate any loose dust or dirt particles.
2. Dust Off Dirt From Sofa Upholstery
After the detachment of sofa covers, the next step is to perform dusting which is necessary for every kind of wooden, leather, or fabric upholstered sofa. Use the upholstery attachment of the vacuum cleaner to remove the dirt, dust, pet hairs, or food crumbs from all parts of the sofa. Ensure dusting all the hidden parts of the sofa as well.
3. Spot Clean The Stains
Custom-made sofas are proven very close to their owner’s heart and maintaining these sofas’ appearance is crucial. Spot cleaning is a great option to give custom-made sofa, a tidy look. In this process, you have to treat the stains as soon as they take place. First, blot away the stain using a clean microfiber cloth and pour a little soapy solution or detergent over the affected area. Now scrub the surface gently in a circular motion until the stains are cleared out. Rinse the surface with a damp cloth and let it dry.
4. Steam Clean The Fabric Sofa
Steaming is the most effective process to kill germs or bacteria and remove the unpleasant odors from your sofas. After dusting and pre-treatment of stains, you can use a handheld steam cleaner on your upholstered sofas. Use the low heat setting that your sofa upholstery fabric can endure so as to not damage it. Use the steamer from a distance of at least 2-3 inches to get a dirt-free surface while disinfecting and killing dust mites.
5. Deep Clean With Sofa Fabric Cleaner
Deep cleaning of sofas is not applicable for the upholstered ones, however, the metal, plywood, and leather sofas can be cleaned with minimal amounts of water to get rid of all kinds of molds, bacteria, spills, and stains. After taking off the covers and removing all the lingering dust and dirt, make a soapy solution in a bucket using lukewarm water and an equal amount of vinegar and a mild detergent.
Dip a microfiber cloth or sponge into this solution and wipe off all the surfaces of your metal or leather sofas. Avoid the excess use of water for wooden and upholstered furnishings. Use a clean and damp cloth to remove the soapy solution and let your sofa air dry completely.
6. Dry The Sofa Upholstery & Revitalize Or Freshen It Up
To prevent mold buildup from any leftover moisture, allow your sofa or couch to air dry for an adequate time. You can speed up the drying process with the help of a fan. Turn on the fan until the sofa is completely dry. Now that you are done with the cleaning procedure, finish off by spraying an upholstery deodorant to remove any kind of odor. You can also sprinkle baking soda and vacuum it away after some time.
Effective Maintenance Tips To Enhance Your Sofa’s Lifetime
To make your sofas serve you for generations while sustaining their visuals, comfort, and finishes, it’s mandatory to take good care of them. Here are some helpful tips and tricks to make your furnishings last long.
- Make sure to read care labels and cleaning instructions by the manufacturer for every procedure.
- Avoid the contact of the sofa with direct sunlight, by using thick curtains or blinds and keep it away from overly humid places too.
- Minimize wear and tear by avoiding jumping or standing on the sofa.
- Perform regular dusting to not let the dirt and dust settle in the upholstery fabrics and paddings.
- Reverse cushions and fluff them regularly to evenly distribute the weight and maintain their shape and look.
- Cover your sofas with fabric covers or plastic sheets to preserve their upholstery when not in use.
To Conclude!
Sofas are the most functional furnishing pieces that add comfort and convenience to your spaces. For their tidy appearance and enhanced lifespan, it is integral to perform regular cleaning and maintenance. By gathering all the above-mentioned tools and equipment, you can DIY clean your sofas at home to keep them in a pristine condition.
Also, maintenance is necessary to make them stand up well against the daily wear and tear. Regular upholstery dusting, reversing cushions, and spot cleaning are some of the best aftercare tips to enhance the lifetime of your furnishings.
