Tips to Clean and Care for Your Sofa

Want to keep your sofa looking flawless effortlessly? We have everything you need with easy-to-follow tips that will make sofa cleaning a breeze. Learn how to do a deep clean for a complete refresh and keep it looking like new.

A sofa is not just a piece of furniture, but an investment in your home.

It’s a place where you can relax after a long day, watch movies with your family, and host guests.

Accidents happen, and spills and stains on the sofa can be unpleasant and hard to remove. In this article, we’ll share some tips and tricks to deal with sofa stains. We’ll cover everything from identifying the type of stain to using the right products and cleaning techniques to remove it effectively.

Cleaning a sofa on your own may seem like a tough task, but with these tips you’ll become an expert in no time!

If you want to keep your sofa looking good and ensure it lasts many years, it’s crucial to follow some basic cleaning and care tips. Here are some useful suggestions, according to experts, to keep your sofa at its best:

Source: Someone cleaning a sofa the right way – Budwing

Vacuum Your Sofa Regularly
Keep your sofa looking good over time by vacuuming it regularly. Dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate on the sofa and cause damage and discoloration to the fabric.

Apartment Therapy suggests including vacuuming in your regular cleaning routine to avoid this problem. Use a soft brush attachment to gently remove any dirt or debris from the sofa surface. If your sofa has loose cushions, make sure to remove and vacuum both sides.

Source: Someone cleaning the sofa with a vacuum – Budwing

Clean Stains Immediately
Accidents happen, and spills and stains are part of everyday life.

According to The Spruce, to prevent stains from setting, it is important to clean them as quickly as possible.

Use a clean, damp cloth to absorb the stain, starting from the outside in to prevent it from spreading. Avoid rubbing the stain, as this can damage the fabric.

Did you know you can clean the sofa with baking soda? For an easy and natural way to deodorize the sofa, sprinkle baking soda over the surface and let it sit for several hours before vacuuming. This can help eliminate odors caused by pets, smoke, or food remnants.

For tougher stains, try mixing equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and apply directly to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping with a clean cloth. You can also try a mixture of dish detergent with water or alcohol with water.

On leather sofas, it's important to avoid using harsh cleaning products or abrasive sponges, as they can damage the material. Instead, use a soft cloth and a gentle leather cleaner or a mix of mild soap and water.

To protect the sofa from future spills and stains, consider using a fabric protector spray. These sprays create a barrier that repels liquids and makes cleaning accidents easier.

If the stain persists, you can use a mild detergent or a product specifically for upholstery. Be sure to test first on a less visible area of the sofa to ensure it doesn't damage the fabric.

Source: Someone cleaning a stain – Budwing

Rotate Your Cushions
If your sofa has removable cushions, make sure to rotate them regularly.

This helps prevent wear on just one side of the cushion, which can cause flattening and loss of shape over time. Turning cushions also helps distribute weight more evenly, extending the sofa's lifespan.

According to Good Housekeeping, rotating cushions every few months can help keep your sofa looking and feeling its best.

Source: Dark Grey Sofa – Budwing

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Direct sunlight can cause your sofa fabric to fade over time. To avoid this, it's important to place the sofa in a spot where it is not directly exposed to the sun.

If blocking sunlight is not an option, don't worry. You can use curtains or UV protective films to block harsh rays while still enjoying natural light. Protect your space without giving up the view.

According to Real Simple, protecting the sofa from sunlight can help prevent stains and fading.

Source: A sofa in the sun behind a curtain – Budwing

Protect Your Sofa from Pets

Pets are a wonderful addition to any home, but they can also be demanding on furniture.

Do you know how to clean your sofa at home when you have pets? To protect the sofa from hair, scratches, and accidents, it's important to set some rules.

Teach your pets not to climb on the furniture or give them their own space. You can also use a protective cover to prevent scratches and hair on the sofa.

Invest in a high-quality vacuum with strong suction power and specific attachments for hair removal. Vacuum the sofa regularly to keep it free of hair and pet dander.

For stubborn hair that the vacuum can’t remove, try using a sticky roller or a rubber glove to pick it up.

If your pet has an accident on the sofa, clean it immediately with an enzymatic cleaner. These products are formulated with specific enzymes and chemicals that effectively break down urine and neutralize odor.

Consider choosing a sofa with pet-friendly upholstery material, like leather or microfiber. These materials are more resistant to scratches and stains and easier to clean.

Does your cat love scratching your favorite sofa? Don’t worry, we have some tips to redirect that behavior! Offering a scratching post or mat can solve the problem.

Are you always covered in hair because of shedding? Regularly brushing your pet helps reduce the amount of hair on the furniture.

To keep the furniture and your pet happy and healthy, don’t forget to wash the beds and blankets they use on the sofa. A little cleaning makes a big difference for you and your furry friend.

According to HGTV, pet covers can help protect the sofa from damage caused by pets.

Source: Someone cleaning a sofa with a dog on it - Budwing

Hire a Professional Cleaning Service

If your sofa is very dirty or has deep stains, it might be time to call a professional.

Trust a professional to deep clean your sofa without damaging the fabric. They have the right tools, proper methods, and the necessary experience to do the job correctly. Make sure to choose a reliable technician specialized in upholstery cleaning who uses eco-friendly products.

According to Better Homes & Gardens, hiring a professional can help extend the life of your sofa and keep it looking like new.

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Source: Professional cleaning technicians cleaning a sofa – Budwing

Conclusion:

Cleaning your sofa at home may seem like a tough task, but it can be done easily and successfully. With the right tools and some knowledge, you can keep your sofa looking and feeling fresh for many years.

This article highlights useful tips and tricks to ensure effective and efficient cleaning – including setting boundaries with furry friends and testing products on a small area first.

With these steps in mind, you can enjoy your favorite sofa worry-free and impress guests with your impeccable furniture.