How to Clean a Sofa Properly: Expert Tips for a Fresher Living Room
Your sofa is more than just a piece of furniture—it’s where you relax after a long day, gather with family, or binge-watch your favourite shows. But over time, sofas absorb dust, stains, pet hair, and odours, making them look tired and unhygienic. Learning how to clean a sofa the right way not only extends its life but also improves the overall hygiene of your living space.
Why Sofa Cleaning Is Essential
Sofas are high-contact furniture items that accumulate:
Dust & allergens trapped deep in upholstery fibres.
Food and drink stains from daily use.
Pet dander and fur embedded in cushions.
Body oils and sweat that discolour fabrics.
Regular vacuuming helps, but professional sofa cleaning methods like steam cleaning, dry cleaning, and upholstery shampooing are often needed to restore freshness.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning a Sofa
Vacuum thoroughly – Use a HEPA vacuum with a brush attachment to remove surface dust, crumbs, and pet hair from cushions, armrests, and seams.
Spot-treat stains – Blot (never rub) with a mild upholstery cleaner or DIY mix of vinegar and water. Different fabrics (cotton, microfiber, leather, suede) need tailored care.
Deep clean the upholstery –
Steam cleaning: Effective for fabric sofas, loosens dirt and sanitises.
Dry cleaning powder: Works for delicate materials like suede or velvet.
Leather care: Use leather cleaner followed by a conditioner to prevent cracks.
Deodorise naturally – Sprinkle baking soda across cushions, leave for 20 minutes, then vacuum.
Finish with protection – Apply a fabric protector or sealant to help resist future spills and stains.
Sofa Cleaning by Fabric Type
Fabric sofas: Require steam or shampoo cleaning for deep results.
Microfiber: Responds well to alcohol-based solutions to prevent watermarks.
Leather sofas: Need gentle cleaning and conditioning to maintain softness.
Velvet & suede: Best handled by professionals due to their delicate fibres.
DIY Sofa Cleaning vs. Professional Services
While DIY methods can tackle light stains, professional sofa cleaning services offer advantages:
Industrial-grade steam extraction removes deep-seated dirt.
Eco-friendly cleaning agents that are safe for kids and pets.
Expertise in handling different sofa fabrics.
Add-on services like cushion sanitising, odour neutralising, and allergen removal.
For heavily soiled, stained, or delicate sofas, booking a professional ensures longer-lasting results.
Common Sofa Stains and How to Treat Them
Red wine: Blot immediately, apply soda water, then a mild upholstery cleaner.
Coffee & tea: Use a vinegar-water solution and dab gently.
Grease & oil: Apply cornstarch or baking soda, let sit, then vacuum before cleaning.
Pet accidents: Blot with an enzyme cleaner to eliminate odours and bacteria.
How Often Should You Clean Your Sofa?
Weekly: Vacuum and dust removal.
Monthly: Spot-clean stains and deodorise.
Every 12–18 months: Deep clean or book a professional upholstery cleaning service.
Benefits of a Clean Sofa
✔ Fresh, odour-free living room
✔ Longer sofa lifespan (less fabric wear)
✔ Reduced allergens for better indoor air quality
✔ Aesthetic improvement for hosting or property staging
✔ Adds comfort and hygiene to your daily life