How to clean sofa: practical tips for a thorough cleaning

It cannot be denied that the sofa is one of the most important items in a home. In addition to being decorative, it is also synonymous with comfort and well-being. This is where most people spend part of the time they have available. After a day of work, there’s nothing like sitting on the couch and relaxing, right?

As they are relatively expensive pieces, sofas are not changed often and even if the decoration of the house is changed, the tendency is that it will remain for a few years.

Therefore, correct cleaning and maintenance of sofas is essential to ensure that the item remains preserved, clean and with that face again.

Check out some tips on how to clean your sofa and keep it clean for longer. See what you shouldn’t use for cleaning and learn how to get rid of stains.

Dry cleaning or damp cloth? What is ideal?

The type of cleaning to choose will depend on the material the sofa is made of. Sofas made in a wide range of materials are currently available on the market: cotton, leather, linen, suede, velvet, nappa, leather, among others.

Therefore, before cleaning it is necessary to know exactly what type of material the sofa is. It is also important to check the label on the underside of the sofa, where the cleaning instruction symbols are located:

• A label with the P symbol means normal dry cleaning process. This type of washing can be done using dry cleaning cloths that are sold in supermarkets. Vacuum the sofa and run the cloth over the entire surface.
• The symbol W stands for normal wet cleaning process, which is the most common form of cleaning where water and specific products such as detergent are used.
• The letter F on the instruction label stands for professional dry cleaning. In these cases, the recommendation is not to proceed with cleaning at home and look for a specialized company.
• The letter O means to wash in cold water.

How to clean sofa at home and keep it clean for longer

Personal Organizer Adriani Gonçalves always recommends starting the cleaning by vacuuming the sofa or using a soft bristle brush to remove any dust and dirt on it.

Fabric, linen and velvet: According to the specialist, a very useful homemade solution for cleaning fabric sofas is the following: mix a liter of warm water with 1/4 of white vinegar. Dampen a clean cloth in this mixture and pass it on the sofa. “If there are stains that are more difficult to remove, repeat the process with a sponge more soaked in this solution and pass a dry cloth afterwards, letting it dry naturally”, he guides. According to Adriani, the vinegar, in addition to cleaning, removes the smell and leaves the fabric soft. Do this cleaning at least once a month.

Leather: In the case of leather, nappa or courino sofas, the guideline is to use only a damp cloth with a solution of water and neutral soap (detergent). To preserve the leather and avoid cracks, Adriani’s advice is to apply Vaseline or liquid silicone with a flannel on the sofa every three months.

Suede: “For suede fabrics, it is advisable to use only a cloth dampened in water and neutral detergent to remove dirt. You should brush the sofa once a week with a suede brush”, guides Personal Organizer. If any liquid falls on the fabric, it is best to dry it immediately.

What to avoid when cleaning the sofa

According to the orientation of Rafaela Oliveira, from the Blog Organize without Frescuras, it is not recommended to use products that contain chlorine. The use of washing powder is also not suitable for cleaning sofas. “When in doubt, use neutral liquid detergent or a specific product for cleaning upholstery”, she guides.

how to remove stains

Because it is a place of great circulation, it is common to have some stains on the sofa. The first thing to do is clean it right away. This will make cleaning and removal easier. Learn how to remove the main types of stains.

Wine and coffee: Use a paper towel to soak up as much of the spilled liquid as possible. Start from the edge towards the center to prevent the stain from spreading. Sprinkle some seltzer or tonic water over the stain to bubble and rise to the surface. Then, clean again with the paper towel, avoiding rubbing. Repeat if necessary. Another option is to apply ice to the stain and dry it.

Soda: to remove the stain, it is recommended to apply colorless liquid detergent and water.

Pen: moisten a sponge with white alcohol vinegar and apply it to the pen line, rubbing it with the soft part of the sponge until the stain is gone. Another option is to pass a wet cloth with demaquilant (makeup remover) over the stain.

Grease: to remove grease and food stains, follow the steps given by Adriani: water and neutral soap (1 glass of warm water for 1/4 of neutral dish soap), foam this mixture and sponge the stain, let it act for 15 minutes, remove with a cloth or paper towel, always from the outside to the inside. Wipe with a dry cloth and let it dry.

Lipstick: “apply alcohol on the spot and remove the excess with a paper towel”, guides Adriani.

Useful tips and tricks for caring for your sofa

• In addition to homemade products, it is also possible to use products suitable for sofas;
• Wet wipes are great allies when cleaning the sofa;
• To keep the upholstery clean for longer, avoid eating on the couch;
• To avoid stains from glasses, place tables close to the sofa or supports that can be left in the arms of the same;
• Sprinkling baking soda on the sofa and letting it sit for 30 minutes helps to clean and eliminate odors. This technique is ideal for people who have pets at home and are allergic;
• Steam sanitizers are great options for cleaning upholstery;
• Upholstery waterproofing is a very useful method for its conservation. Although the investment is not low, the result is satisfactory, especially for those who have children at home.

How often should I clean the sofa?

Adriani Gonçalves advises that basic cleaning be done weekly. That way dust, hair and moisture won’t accumulate on the sofa. When spilling any type of liquid on the upholstery, it is best to immediately wipe it with a dry cloth.

In the case of heavy cleaning, it is recommended to carry out them within a year and, if possible, hire a specialized company, it is worth the investment.