If your home is anything like mine, spills are an inevitable part of life. And most spills happen where my family spends the most time: the couch. Since you can’t exactly throw it in the washing machine, here’s a guide on how to clean a sofa – including different types of fabrics like leather and velvet – according to cleaning and furniture experts.
How to clean a fabric couch
Follow these steps to clean a standard fabric couch.
How to clean a leather sofa
It’s actually a lot easier to clean a leather couch than you think. You’ll want to remove debris and dust by brushing or vacuuming, then use a leather cleaner or a mild soap and water mixture to clean. Spot test before proceeding. Wilson suggests dipping a soft cloth in the cleaning mixture and wiping the couch in small circular motions, then wiping it down with a damp cloth. Pay special attention to stubborn spots, but don’t rub too hard as you can damage the leather. Finish by patting it dry with a clean, dry towel. Check your couch care instructions to determine if you should use a leather conditioner.
How to clean a velvet sofa
A velvet sofa can get dirty quickly because the fabric traps dirt and debris. So the first step is to remove the dirt using a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment or a velvet brush. Remember to only move the vacuum and brush in one direction to avoid damaging the texture of the velvet, says Wilson. Blot the stain with a clean cloth using one of the products Wilson and McEwan recommend: Woolite Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, Stain Remover, Bissell Professional Power Shot Oxy Carpet and Stain Remover, or Specialty Velvet Cleaner. Be sure to do a spot test first! You can also use a combination of white vinegar and water if you want a natural cleaning solution. A sprinkling of cornstarch will also get rid of grease stains. Allow the couch to air dry, then use a soft brush or microfiber cloth to refresh the texture of the velvet.
How to clean a polyester couch
For a polyester couch, vacuum all surfaces with an upholstery attachment. Then clean it with a mixture of equal parts dish soap, warm water, and white vinegar, McEwan says. Wipe off the soap with clean water and allow the couch to air dry. Do not use direct heat, as this may damage the fabric.
What not to do when cleaning a couch
McEwan and Wilson agree that using too much water, regardless of the type of couch, can damage the fabric or seep inside and allow mold to grow. And if you brush or wash the sofa, don’t use too much force – otherwise you can damage both the fabric and the upholstery.
Always remember to use white microfiber cloths when cleaning. You don’t want the color of the fabric to transfer from the fabric to your couch. Avoid high heat when drying the sofa (or even direct the fabric to fade or destroy the quality of the fabric – especially with velvet.