One of the most expensive purchases you make for your home is your sofa. It’s the centerpiece of your living room, and with the right care, it can last for many years. However, fabric sofas can be tricky to maintain, especially with spills, stains, or just daily wear and tear.
Today on the blog, I want to share all of my favorite tips on how to clean a fabric sofa, like the professionals do. With just a little bit of effort and the right techniques, you can keep your couch looking brand-new and fresh for years to come—no matter what life throws at it!
Before cleaning Your Sofa, CHeck The Tags
Before jumping in to deep clean your fabric sofa, always check the manufacturer’s instructions or the sofa’s tags. Following the correct cleaning process is key to keeping your couch in great condition without accidentally ruining it.
The first step is to begin by trying to review the manufacturer’s cleaning guidelines. Ignoring these can void warranties or even damage the fabric, but they are truly the best guide to how to clean your sofa correctly. If you can’t find the manufacturer’s manual, your sofa’s tags typically have all the information you need about how to clean it. The tag often lists cleaning instructions for both the cover and the cushions, so make sure you’re looking at the right one.
On the tag, you’ll likely find one of the following letters (they call it a “code”) that tells you how to clean your fabric sofa correctly:
- W: Safe to clean with water.
- S: Use solvent-based cleaners only, no water.
- WS: Water or solvent-based cleaners can be used.
- X: Vacuum only.
If you take anything away from this post, it should be this: don’t stray from the instructions! This is the only sure-fire way to damage your sofa’s fabric beyond repair. For example, using water on a sofa that’s labeled “S” could lead to permanent water stains. Trust the tags—they’re there for a reason.
How To Clean A Fabric Sofa That’s Stained
Stains happen, but knowing the right technique can save your sofa. If your sofa tag reads “X,” stick to vacuuming only. For “S,” you’ll need a solvent-based cleaner designed for delicate fabrics. For those labeled “W” or “WS,” here’s a step-by-step cleaning method you can use with basic supplies from home.
What You’ll Need For Surface-Level Stains:
- Vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment
- Several light-colored microfiber cloths
- Bucket
- Distilled water (tap water may leave residue)
- Liquid dish soap
- Distilled white vinegar
What You’ll Need For More Stubborn Stains:
Steps to Clean A Stained Fabric Sofa:
- Vacuum First: Start by vacuuming your sofa thoroughly to avoid rubbing dirt into the fabric.
- Mix Your Cleaning Solution: In a bucket, combine 2 cups of distilled water, 1 tablespoon of dishwashing liquid, and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar.
- Blot The Stain: Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution and gently blot the stained area—don’t scrub, as this could damage the fabric.
- Rinse: Use a fresh cloth dampened with plain distilled water to blot away any soap residue.
- Dry: Finish by blotting the area with a dry microfiber cloth. To speed up drying, point a fan at the spot.
For stubborn stains, I swear by Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray. I’ve used it on clothes, carpets, and sofas and never had a stain stick with it. Spray it on the stain, let it sit, and then use a cleaning tool like the Bissell Little Green Machine to extract the stain completely.
If you cannot get the cleaning mixture to get a stain out, this combination is guaranteed to work. Most of the time, I can tell how stubborn a stain will be and use these options over steps 2 – 4.
How To Clean A Fabric Sofa That Smells / Feels Dirty
It’s not just stains that affect your couch—sometimes odors and general grime can build up. Baking soda is a fantastic, natural deodorizer that can also help loosen dirt clinging to the fabric fibers.
Steps For Cleaning Your Sofa That Smells / Feels Dirty:
- Sprinkle Baking Soda: Spread a generous amount of baking soda over the entire sofa, focusing on any areas with strong odors or visible dirt.
- Let It Sit: Leave the baking soda on the sofa for at least 20 minutes. For stronger odors, you may want to leave it for up to an hour.
- Vacuum: After letting the baking soda do its job, use your vacuum’s upholstery attachment to remove all the powder, along with any dirt or debris it has trapped.
How To Steam Clean A Sofa
If your sofa tag allows (marked “W” or “WS”), you can use an upholstery steam cleaner for a deeper clean. Steam cleaning removes dirt and odors embedded deep in the fabric and leaves your sofa feeling fresh, but it should only be done if the material can handle it.
Steps To Steam Clean Your Sofa:
- Vacuum First: Start by vacuuming the entire sofa.
- Spot Test: Test the steam cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area to make sure it won’t damage the fabric.
- Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions: Every steamer is different, so read the instructions that come with your machine. Generally, it’s a good idea to clean on a mild, dry day so you can open the windows and let the couch dry out faster.
- Post-Steam Vacuum: Once the sofa is completely dry, vacuum again to lift any remaining debris.
With sofas that can handle steam cleaning, I HIGHLY recommend the Bissell Little Green Machine. Since steam cleaning is an all-day project I don’t like to do frequently, I use this little machine for any spot treating of spills or odors. Most of the time, it allows me to go about a year before having to steam my sofa.
How To Revive A Fabric Sofa That’s Showing Wear
Over time, fabric sofas can start to pill, especially in high-use areas like the arms and seat cushions. Pilling can make your sofa look worn, but you can use an automatic fabric shaver to clean the top layer of lint easily. I’ve had mine for years and it works really well.
How to Use A Fabric Shaver:
- Lightly Glide The Shaver: Run the fabric shaver gently over the pilled areas to remove the fuzz. Don’t press too hard—just let the shaver do the work.
- Repeat As Needed: This tool can quickly restore a fabric sofa’s surface, making it look nearly new.
With such an investment made in a singular piece of furniture, you want to maintain it to its full potential! I’ve used all of these tips on the sofas in our home and regardless of their fabric tag code, they look great years down the line.
Do you have any tips on how to clean a fabric sofa? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with all the latest on the blog, check out my recent posts:
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