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It's the centre of your living room and probably somewhere you spend a lot of time, so it's important to keep your sofa looking fresh.
This guide explains how to clean all different types and offers some maintenance tips.
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Before you start cleaning your sofa, always check the label for instructions. The following are some of the most common cleaning codes.
Code | Meaning |
---|---|
W | Can be cleaned with water-based solutions |
S | Should be cleaned with solvent-based cleaners |
WS | Can be cleaned with either water-based or solvent-based solutions |
X | Vacuum only |
Another golden rule is to attend to spills immediately. Dab gently with a paper towel, cloth or sponge to soak up any excess moisture. Don’t rub at the stain as this only pushes the spillage deeper into the fabric, which will make it harder to clean.
When trying a new cleaning product, always apply it to a small, hidden area to test it first and check for any discolouration after use.
Make cleaning a fabric sofa a breeze with these simple steps.
As well as needing an occasional cleaning, fabric sofas tend to bobble, so a bit of maintenance may be required to stop them from looking old before their time. A fabric shaver is the best option to take care of this task.
If you want to clean your sofa naturally, you can swap out traditional cleaning products for more simple options.
To treat any stubborn marks, mix one part white vinegar with three parts water and use in place of a stain remover.
To clean the whole sofa, try covering it with a fine sprinkle of baking soda as this will naturally absorb odours. Leave it for a few hours or overnight, then vacuum it up.
See our best sofa shops guide to find the top brands, as rated by consumers
Cleaning a leather sofa follows a similar set of steps to cleaning a fabric one.
As well as keeping a leather sofa clean, you can also help it to look its best by following a basic maintenance routine.
To avoid damage to the leather, keep it away from heat and pointy objects (such as pet claws, keys in pockets and sharp accessories), and wipe away dirt and spills quickly.
You should also apply a leather conditioner once every six to 12 months, depending on how much use it gets. This will keep your leather supple and prevent cracking.
Check out our guide to the sofa sales for the cheapest offers from rated brands
Velvet is a very delicate material, so you should always take a 'less is more' approach when cleaning: check the manufacturer's instructions and test any method in a hidden area first.
If you stain a velvet sofa, follow these steps:
Velvet has a plush texture because it has a very high pile, meaning each strand of material stands up very high from the surface.
Over time, those long strands can become compressed, so velvet can quickly look worn. If your sofa needs some extra love, try the following methods:
Just like velvet, suede is a very delicate material. But treat it with care, and it will stay soft and stylish for years to come.
Here's a step-by-step guide to keep yours looking fresh:
Remember that with suede, prevention is key. Avoid eating or drinking on it and be cautious with dark-coloured clothing that may transfer dye.
Always test any cleaning method in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it won't cause discolouration or damage.
If you need a new sofa, check out our buying guide for some handy tips
Steam cleaning is a great way to deep clean a sofa – it's also completely natural as it doesn't use harsh chemicals.
Before starting to steam clean, you'll need to run through a few steps:
Once you've done that, gently run the steam cleaner across the fabric, working in sections to prevent streaks.
You can hold the cleaner over stubborn marks for a few extra seconds to help lift stains.
Once you're done, gently blot the sofa with a microfibre cloth to remove excess moisture and allow the sofa to air dry in a well-ventilated room.
How often you need to clean your sofa will depend on how much you use it, and who uses it.
If you have pets or children, you'll need to clean the sofa more than if you have a sofa that's only used occasionally.
In general, it's best to vacuum and spot-clean stains as soon as you notice them to prevent grime from building up.
Then you can deep-clean and deodorise the sofa between once every six months and a year.
Sofa protection plans are often offered at the point of sale, or you can buy one separately (which may be cheaper). If you know that your sofa is going to get a lot of use and it is expensive, then it could be worth it.
Before you buy, you should also check whether accidental damage to your sofa – such as spills – is covered by your home insurance policy.
Home insurance typically doesn't cover wear and tear, but might help pay for a new sofa if something beyond your control causes significant damage.
If you've had your sofa for a while and no amount of cleaning will make it look like new again, it could be worth getting it reupholstered instead of splashing out on a new one.
There are different options for upholstery depending on whether you want the whole sofa to be recovered, or just the cushions or arms.
You can fill out sagging seat cushions with fresh feathers and extra foam to add plumpness or get new arm covers if only part of your sofa is worn.
Don’t forget that if you have your sofa reupholstered, you'll have to live without it for a short while and pay delivery costs.
Considering a sofa bed? See our guide on how to buy a sofa bed for more information and advice.