How to Clean a Fabric Sofa

In many ways, the couch is the heart of the home and the face of your living room. It's where we welcome visiting friends and family, gather with the kids for a movie or game night, binge watch our favorite shows, and even do a little online shopping. As a result, most couches regularly get dirty from pet hair, food crumbs, wine stains, and more. It is extremely important to clean your sofa.

Typically, a quality fabric sofa lasts between 7-15 years, depending on how many muddy pawprints and slobbery fingers you have wandering around the house. In this guide, we’ll go over some couch-cleaning basics and teach you a couple of tips to make sure your fabric sofa sticks around for as long as it can.

Whether you're trying to tackle a specific stain on a cushion or want to give your entire couch a biannual refresh, give this easy how-to a try:

1. Clean up any spills immediately

First of all, if you spill something on your sofa, it’s important to clean it immediately. The longer you allow a stain to sit, the harder it will be to remove. Try to address spills as soon as they happen, as even a matter of minutes can allow the stain to set permanently.

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2. Remove the sofa cushion covers (if applicable)

If your cushions have removable covers, unzip them and place a paper towel between the fabric and filling to absorb the cleaner. Apply the cleaner to a cloth and blot the stain carefully, working from the outside in. Once the stain is removed, dab the area with another damp cloth to rinse thoroughly and blot dry. For "S" fabrics, remove stains with a solvent-based product according to package directions.

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3. Brush the sofa covers

Get an upholstery dusting brush or a dry cloth to wipe any dust and dirt away. Remember to match the colour of the cloth to the sofa to prevent colour stains! For fabrics that can safely be cleaned with water, treat food and pet stains with an enzyme-containing formula like Laundry detergent. In a pinch, mix together mild dish soap with warm water. Always test the cleaner in a hidden area first.

HONBAY Multifunctional L Shaped Tufted Fabric Sectional Sofa Couch with Storage Console&Reversible Chaise (Grey/Bluish Grey)

4. Vacuum the fabric sofa

After dusting off any dirt on the surface, it’s time to whip out your vacuum. Vacuum the sofa thoroughly—this includes the armrests, cushions, backrest, side, and deeper areas.

With your vacuum’s upholstery attachment, go over the entire sofa: backrest, armrests, skirt, and cushions. If the cushions are removable, please take them off and vacuum the fabric underneath, going as far under the backrest and armrests as your vacuum can reach. With the crevice tool, go along the seams, around any buttons, and along with the trim.

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Following these couch-cleaning basics will help heightened sofa longevity and ensure that you keep your comfy and cozy fabric couch looking its best.