How Do You Clean a Fabric Couch?

A clean fabric sofa imparts an inviting look to your home and makes the place come together. Regular maintenance and the occasional deep cleaning will extend its life, apart from preserving the clean appearance. However, spills and stains can happen anytime - regardless of how careful you are. When that happens, you must act quickly to prevent discolouration or spots. That being said, you may be wondering how to remove stains from the sofa. What is the best course of action?

To make things easier, we’ve put together a complete couch-cleaning guide below. Follow this step-by-step process to keep your sofa in pristine condition. It will help first-time owners take good care of their furniture pieces.

Detailed Guide to Cleaning a Fabric Couch

Accidental spills, greasy hands or pets may leave the couch in a not-so-great condition. The following steps will simplify the job and make it less overwhelming.

Assess the Fabric Type: The upholstered furniture industry uses symbols and codes on product tags. These can help you decide on the most suitable cleaning method for your sofa:
- W: It means you can clean the furniture with water-based cleaners.
- S: You can wash this type of couch with only solvent-based cleaning chemicals.
- W/S: This code indicates you can clean the fabric with either water or solvent-based cleaners.
- X: The furniture is suitable for vacuum or brushes cleaning only.
Gather Cleaning Supplies: Gather all the necessary supplies for cleaning a fabric lounge. This may include a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment, mild dish soap (if needed) and other essentials. Keeping these items handy ensures a smooth tidying-up process.
Vacuum the Surface: Remove the loose debris from the couch using a vacuum cleaner and gently clean the surface. Pay close attention to the nooks and seams for crumbs, dust and pet danglers. For old stains or dirt, use a brush with natural bristles and then vacuum. If your furniture has removable covers, put it in the washing machine for a quick spin.
Steam Clean the Sofa: While this is an optional step, it is very helpful if you have kids or seniors at home. A burst of hot vapour can kill dust mites and loosen stains from the fabric. Use a hand-held garment steamer over the entire sofa, allowing steam to go deep into the material. If you don’t have a steamer, use a steam iron.
Spot Test: Before applying any fabric couch cleaning solution, perform a spot test in an inconspicuous area. This step ensures the cleaning agent will not discolour or damage the cloth.
Spot Clean: There are a few ways you can treat persistent stains or spots.
- Water, Vinegar and Dish Soap Solution: Mix warm water, white vinegar and mild dish soap in a bowl. Now dab a clean cloth or a sponge in the solution and spot-treat stains one by one. Gently work on the fabric so that the stain doesn’t seep into the threads. Once it's gone, let the material air dry naturally to eliminate the smell of vinegar. This method is suitable for synthetic textiles like polyester, velvet or microfibre.
- Baking Soda Paste: Baking powder and water can be combined into a paste and is exceptionally good at removing grease stains. Apply it with the tip of your finger in circular motions, but don’t scrub or scratch the stain while the paste is still wet. This is a great technique for DIY lounge cleaning. Once the grease has been absorbed, brush it off or vacuum with a bristle brush attachment.
- Cleaning Products: You can buy suitable spot-cleaners for fabric couches from most hardware or the supermarket. Remember to always check the sofa’s care label for the code scheme.
Clean Arms, Legs and Headrests: Dust the fabric with a gentle brush, and spray some cleaner on the surface. Now agitate the cloth and vacuum up the dirt.
Sanitise the Couch: Once the sofa is clean and dry, use a disinfectant to remove any lingering bacteria. Soak up residual moisture with a towel and you should have a spotless couch.

We hope the steps mentioned above have answered your concerns about how to clean a fabric couch. While a DIY job is just as effective, a professional cleaner can provide excellent results in a shorter time frame. Plus, you might gain some insightful tips from them.

How do you deodorise sofa fabric?

If your couch smells funny or weird, sprinkle some baking soda on the surface. This will neutralise odours completely, imparting a fresh feel to the fabric. Once the smell is gone, you can vacuum the surface for spot cleaning.

Tips for Maintaining Your Newly Cleaned Sofa

Once you are done with sofa washing, use the following tips to keep it clean for longer:

Use Lint Rollers: They are handy for removing pet hair and crumbs. Lint rollers remove debris like thread or dust bunnies and are safe for most upholstery.
Keep Your Pets Out of Couch: Shedding can quickly accumulate on the sofa, making it look messy. Also, muddy paws or dust from rolling outdoors can leave the furniture dirty. Keep pets off the chairs and cushions to prevent a mess.
Avoid Direct Sunlight: Ultraviolet rays from the sun can discolour upholstery fabric, making it look unappealing. It’s a good idea to place your couch in the shade to prevent fading.
Quick Action during Spills: In case of accidental juice or wine spill, clean the fabric sofa immediately. Soak up as much liquid as you can with a kitchen/paper towel before proceeding to adopt one of the above-mentioned cleaning methods.

Keeping your couch spotless does not have to be a frustrating experience. When cleaning your sofa, always read the care instructions to avoid collateral damage. If you need more tips on how to clean sofa fabric or couch maintenance, Sydney Discounted Furniture Warehouse can help. We also have a huge collection of different designs and sofa for sale. Our prices are pocket-friendly and come with warranties for your peace of mind.

Don’t take our word for granted; instead, visit our online store and see for yourself. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call us on 0451 077 869 or drop us an email at sydneywarehouse13@gmail.com. We’ll get back to you at the earliest.