A fabric sofa is an essential investment at home. It is a vital piece of furniture for your living room because it provides a cozy space to relax in, whether you are watching a movie or reading a book. But it can be a major nightmare when it comes to cleaning and maintenance. A few spills here and there cannot be prevented, especially when you have a small home and you use the living room as a space for entertaining. It is, therefore, important to know how to clean your fabric sofa to ensure that you keep it looking brand new.

Before You Clean: Reminders

Before you get started on cleaning your sofa (when you see stains or spills), it is important to note a few things first. Take time to review the manufacturer’s instructions. When you buy the upholstery fabric, you will get a manual on how to clean it based on manufacturer guidelines. This is important because you want to be able to remove stains and clean your sofa without causing it damage in the process. If you also overlook the manufacturer’s instruction, you could potentially void the warranty.

It is also important to look at the tag on the fabric. This usually comes with its own care and wash instructions, especially the things you need to avoid. Don’t forget to look at the tag as it contains many cleaning clues and instructions. Common instructions noted on the tag will specify if you should only use vacuum for cleaning, or if you can use water-soluble cleaners, etc.

How to Clean Stained Sofa?

If you see the X mark on the tag of your fabric sofa, it means that you should only use a vacuum with attachment for cleaning it. On the other hand, those with the S mark can be cleaned using solvent-based cleaners.

If the upholstery fabric on your sofa comes with W (clean with water) or WS (water-solvent based cleaner is allowed), you must follow these cleaning instructions:

• Use an upholstery attachment when cleaning your sofa with a vacuum. This will enable you to access hard-to-reach areas on your sofa so you can keep your upholstery fabric free from dust or other particles. If you do not remove the dirt or debris, it can rub on your upholstery fabric to cause more stain and dirt on the surface.
• Mix distilled water with a tablespoon of dishwashing liquid along with a tablespoon of vinegar. Use a microfiber cloth and dampen it onto the cleaning solution. Use light-colored microfiber cloth only so as not to bleed on your sofa as you clean it. Use a gentle blotting motion on specific areas where the stain would appear. If you scrub it too roughly, it can cause damage to the fibres of the upholstery fabric.
• Once you are done blotting with the cleaning solution, take a new and clean microfiber cloth that is dry. Use it to blot over the stained surfaces once again.
• Point a fan towards your upholstery furniture. This will help to dry the area that you just cleaned on.
• Another alternative is to use a steam cleaner. This is an easier way to pick up debris and also to clean any stains (mild ones) off your upholstery fabric surface.

What is your secret to keeping your upholstery fabric looking squeaky clean?