How to Clean a Fabric Couch

How to Clean a Fabric Couch

Sep 16, 2024

A plush fabric couch can be all it takes to transform your living space. For many people, furniture is a point of pride – it can take us years to finally curate a home design we love, after all. The last thing you need is one accidental spill or stain to draw all eyes into the room. But there’s no need to break into a sweat over a tiny mistake! Continue reading as we break down our expert guide to cleaning a fabric couch quickly and safely, and soon enough you’ll have your couch looking its absolute best once again. 

For personalised cleaning advice, contact our team at Cleantastic today. 

Act Fast 

Accidents happen, and they certainly don’t have to ruin your beloved sofa. However, the key to getting rid of any spill, stain, or accident is always to act fast. The longer a stain is left, the deeper it is going to soak into the fabric. As soon as any substances can dry solid around the individual fibres of the couch, it’s going to become endlessly more difficult to successfully remove it.

So, speed is everything. If you spill any kind of liquid on your couch, be sure to grab a clean cloth and start to blot it. Be mindful not to rub, as you don’t want to damage the fabric or allow the spill to get any deeper. If the stain is from food or another kind of solid, vacuuming is a great way to get rid of the debris safely. 

 Get Your Tools in Order 

When it comes to protecting fabrics, the tools you use will make all the difference. There will likely be recommendations and instructions from the manufacturer, which can be found on your sofa’s tags. If there are specific products to use, then be sure to strictly follow those recommendations. If there aren’t, then there are natural cleaning agents readily available (often already in your cupboard!) which can be surprisingly impactful.

Baking soda is probably tucked somewhere in your pantry. If you mix baking soda with water, the paste solution can be spread over the dirty area of your couch. Let the paste dry for around 20 minutes, then brush away or vacuum the dried excess debris. A lot of the dirt or stain will be broken down and brushed away with the baking soda! This method is great for removing unwanted smells from your furniture as well.

You can also mix vinegar and water in equal parts to rub out a stain. Dampen a clean cloth with the solution and rub at the mark with regular rinsing. Tools such as a steam cleaner can also be an easy solution to dirty fabric couches.

Check the Labels for Guidance

Labels, labels, labels! When in doubt, the labels on your furniture are the most important guides available. Before you clean your sofa, whether it’s after a spill or simply after years of dirt buildup, checking the manufacturer’s advice for maintenance is crucial. Take a careful look at your couch’s label to see which products are recommended and which could damage the integrity of the upholstery. 

When you look at the tag, you will likely find information about the fabrics on the sofa, the correct products to use, and cleaning instructions. This information may be conveyed through codes, however – which can be extremely confusing for anyone looking to clean their furniture for the very first time. Here is a quick breakdown of the codes used for most sofas:

W = Water-based cleaners must be used to clean the upholstery, nothing else.

S = Solvents must be used for cleaning, nothing else.

S/W = Solvent and water-based cleaners are both safe to use on the couch.

X = You can only vacuum the upholstery.

Build a Cleaning Routine

Cleaning your couch shouldn’t only be for emergency spills. You should strive to build a safe cleaning routine to regularly freshen up your furniture. Doing so means that you avoid dirt build-up and messes that won’t be able to be removed. 

Following the guidance of your sofa’s manufacturer, start to implement regular maintenance strategies. Vacuuming is a quick and easy way to clear up excess debris. Regular washing up with baking soda can help avoid smells from starting to linger. Steam cleaning is fast, effective, and can be done regularly. By taking tiny steps on a routine basis, you can save yourself more time-consuming and costly cleaning processes in the future.

Contact Cleantastic for Professional Cleaning Services 

Sometimes, cleaning jobs can get the best of us. You shouldn’t have to feel overwhelmed by a mess. After all, everyone deserves to feel that blissful feeling of getting to enjoy a freshly cleaned, revitalised space. 

If you’re looking for commercial cleaning services to transform your property, look no further! Cleantastic franchises make expert cleaning services more affordable and accessible than ever, taking a load off your shoulders and giving you all the benefits with none of the hard work. Contact us today to enquire further about our services. 

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