Whether you already have a fabric sofa that you would like to clean properly or whether you are looking to buy one and worried about cleaning it in the future, this ultimate guide is for you!

If you are still in search of your new sofa or sectional, we recommend you to learn about the advantages of choosing Performance Fabric and how it will make the cleaning process easier and faster.

 

To ensure your sofa or sectional longevity and keep it looking its best, a thorough and careful cleaning routine is essential. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to efficiently clean and maintain your fabric sofa. 

 

Using the upholstery attachment of your vacuum cleaner, remove loose dirt, dust, and debris from the sofa's surface. Start from the top and work your way down, ensuring you cover all areas, including crevices and seams. Pay extra attention to areas where people frequently sit and rest their arms.

 

• Frequency: Vacuum your sofa's surface at least once a week using the upholstery attachment of your vacuum cleaner. High-traffic areas may require more frequent vacuuming.
• Technique: Start from the top and work your way down, using gentle, overlapping strokes. Pay special attention to cushions, crevices, seams, and areas where debris tends to accumulate.
• Cushion Removal: If your sofa allows, remove the cushions and vacuum underneath them to eliminate hidden dirt and dust.

 

Before embarking on any cleaning process, thoroughly review the manufacturer's care instructions provided with the sofa. These instructions offer valuable insights into the appropriate cleaning methods and products that won't damage the fabric or void warranties.

 

• Care Labels: Review the care labels attached to your sofa. These labels provide information on fabric type, cleaning methods, and any specific products to avoid.
• Fabric Compatibility: Make sure you choose cleaning methods and products that are suitable for your sofa's fabric type to prevent damage.

 

Address stains as soon as they occur. Begin by gently blotting the stained area with a clean, white cloth or paper towel. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain and damage the fabric. Test a small, inconspicuous area with a specialized fabric cleaner or a mixture of mild soap and water to ensure it's safe for your sofa's fabric. Once confirmed, lightly apply the solution to the stain and gently blot until the stain lifts.

 

• Immediate Action: Address stains as soon as they occur to prevent them from setting into the fabric.
• Blotting Technique: Gently blot the stained area with a clean, white cloth or paper towel. Avoid rubbing, as it can push the stain deeper into the fabric.
• Testing: Before using any cleaning solution, test it on an inconspicuous area of the sofa to ensure it doesn't cause discoloration or damage.
• Cleaning Solution: Use a mild fabric cleaner or a mixture of mild soap and water. Apply the solution sparingly and blot the stain gently until it lifts.
• Use specific Cleaning product: Product like an oxi stain-remover or a fabric cleaning solution are specifically made to help you remove stains and dirt from your sectional or sofa fabric.

Invest in a high-quality handheld steam cleaner or rent one from a reputable source. Begin by vacuuming the sofa to remove loose dirt and debris. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the steam cleaner, using a low-pressure setting to prevent saturating the fabric. Hold the steam cleaner about 6-8 inches away from the fabric and move it slowly in a sweeping motion. Allow the sofa to dry thoroughly before use.

 

• Preparation: Vacuum the sofa thoroughly before steam cleaning to remove loose dirt and debris.
• Steam Cleaner Settings: Use a handheld steam cleaner with a low-pressure setting to avoid saturating the fabric.
• Steaming Process: Hold the steam cleaner about 6-8 inches away from the fabric and move it in slow, sweeping motions. Allow the fabric to dry completely before using the sofa.

If your sofa has removable covers, check the care label for washing instructions. If machine washable, remove the covers and wash them on a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals. Air dry the covers to prevent shrinkage. If the covers are not machine washable, consider professional cleaning services.

 

We are working with trusted furniture cleaning & repair partners, feel free to +1 (310)-359-7890 or email us to get in contact with them.

   

• Care Label: If your sofa has removable covers, follow the care label instructions for washing. This might involve machine washing on a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent.
• Air Drying: Air dry the covers to prevent shrinkage or warping. Avoid using a dryer, as it can cause the fabric to lose its shape.

If you are looking into buying a fabric sofa, browse our Removable Cover Collection.

 

Use a soft-bristle brush to gently scrub the fabric's surface. This action helps lift dirt from the fabric and restores its texture. Pay attention to areas where debris may have settled, such as seams and corners. Additionally, fluff and reshape any flattened cushions to maintain their original appearance and comfort.

 

• Soft-Bristle Brush: Gently brush the fabric's surface with a soft-bristle brush to remove surface dirt and debris.
• Crevices and Seams: Pay attention to seams, corners, and crevices where dirt can accumulate. Use the brush to loosen and lift debris.
• Fluffing Cushions: Regularly fluff and pat the sofa cushions to maintain their shape and even distribution of padding.

On a sunny day, place your sofa in a well-ventilated area with direct sunlight. Sunlight has natural disinfecting properties that can help eliminate germs and odors. However, avoid prolonged exposure to prevent fading. Rotate the sofa periodically to ensure all sides receive sunlight.

 

• Sunlight Benefits: On sunny days, place your sofa in an area with direct sunlight. Sunlight helps to naturally disinfect and refresh the fabric.
• Rotation: Rotate the sofa periodically to ensure all sides receive sunlight evenly.
• Fading Concerns: Be cautious about prolonged sun exposure to prevent color fading over time.

Rotate and flip your sofa cushions every few weeks to distribute wear evenly. This simple step prevents specific cushions from becoming more worn or discolored than others. Additionally, fluff and pat the cushions to maintain their shape and resilience.

 

• Even Wear: Rotate and flip your sofa cushions every few weeks. This ensures that all cushions receive even wear, preventing certain cushions from becoming more worn or faded.

Consider using a fabric protector spray designed for your sofa's material. Test the spray on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't discolor or damage the fabric. Apply the protector according to the manufacturer's instructions. This barrier will repel spills and stains, making cleaning easier in the future.

 

• Application: Consider using a fabric protector spray that's appropriate for your sofa's material. Apply the spray according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Testing: Test the fabric protector on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't alter the fabric's color or texture.

Every 1-2 years, enlist the services of professional upholstery cleaners. They possess specialized equipment and expertise to deep clean your sofa, effectively removing embedded dirt, allergens, and stains. This professional cleaning enhances the sofa's appearance and maintains its overall condition.

 

We are working with trusted furniture cleaning & repair partners, feel free to +1 (310)-359-7890 or email us to get in contact with them.

 

11. Avoid Harsh Chemicals:

Conlusion: Cleaning your beloved fabric Sofa isn't rocket science