Fabric sofa is the center piece of every living room, providing comfort and style to your space. Over time, it's bound to accumulate dirt, stains, and odors, making it essential to clean it regularly. While hiring professional upholstery cleaners is an option, it can be expensive.
How to clean a fabric sofa in 9 easy steps
The good news is that you can effectively clean your fabric sofa at home with a few simple steps. In this article, I will talk you through the process of cleaning your fabric sofa, ensuring it looks fresh and inviting for years to come.
Preparing for the Cleaning Process:
Before you begin cleaning your fabric sofa, it's essential to gather the necessary supplies and prepare the area.
Here's what you'll need:
-
Vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment
-
Soft-bristled brush or cloth
-
Distilled water
-
Mild dish soap or upholstery cleaner (check manufacturer's recommendations)
-
Spray bottle
-
White vinegar
-
Baking soda
-
Clean towels
Step 1: Remove the Sofa Covers (If Applicable)
If your fabric sofa has removable covers, the first step is to carefully detach them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Check the care labels to determine whether they are machine-washable or require handwashing.
If machine-washing is safe, use a gentle cycle with mild detergent in cold water to prevent shrinking or fading. For delicate fabrics, consider using a mesh laundry bag for extra protection.
If the covers cannot be removed, proceed to the next step, as improper removal could damage the sofa’s structure.
Always allow the covers to air-dry completely before reattaching them to avoid mildew. If ironing is needed, use a low-heat setting and steam cautiously to prevent fabric damage.
Step 2: Brush the Sofa to Remove Loose Dirt & Debris
Before applying any cleaning solutions, it’s essential to remove surface dust and embedded particles. Use a soft-bristled upholstery brush or a microfiber cloth to gently sweep away dirt from the fabric.
Pay special attention to crevices, seams, and decorative stitching where dust tends to accumulate. If the sofa has a textured fabric, brushing in the direction of the weave helps lift debris more effectively.
Avoid using stiff brushes, as they may fray delicate fibers. For darker-colored sofas, use a lint roller to pick up pet hair and fine dust. This step ensures deeper cleaning later on by preventing dirt from turning into mud when liquids are applied.
Step 3: Vacuum the Entire Sofa Thoroughly
After brushing, use a vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachments to eliminate remaining dust, crumbs, and allergens.
A crevice tool is ideal for reaching tight spaces between cushions and along the sofa’s frame. For best results, vacuum in slow, overlapping strokes to ensure maximum suction.
Don’t overlook the back, arms, and underside of cushions, as these areas often harbor hidden dirt. If your vacuum has a HEPA filter, it will help trap fine dust and pet dander more efficiently.
For stubborn debris, lightly tap the cushions while vacuuming to dislodge trapped particles. This step is crucial for maintaining hygiene and preparing the fabric for deeper stain treatment.
Step 4: Steam Clean (For Sofas Labeled "W" or "W/S")
If your sofa’s care tag indicates it’s safe for water-based cleaning ("W" or "W/S"), steam cleaning can help sanitize and refresh the fabric. Before proceeding, test a small, hidden area with a garment steamer or handheld steam cleaner to ensure no discoloration or shrinkage occurs.
Hold the steamer 6–8 inches away from the fabric and move it in slow, even strokes to avoid over-wetting. The heat helps kill dust mites, bacteria, and odors while loosening stubborn grime. Avoid excessive moisture, as it can lead to mold growth.
If steam cleaning isn’t an option, skip to the next step based on your sofa’s cleaning code.
Step 5a: Treat Stains with Vinegar & Dish Soap (For "W" or "W/S" Sofas)
For water-safe fabrics, mix 1 part white vinegar, 3 parts water, and 1 tablespoon dish soap in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the solution onto stains and gently blot (don’t rub) with a microfiber cloth.
Vinegar acts as a natural deodorizer and disinfectant, while dish soap breaks down grease. For tougher stains like coffee or wine, let the solution sit for 5–10 minutes before blotting.
Avoid oversaturating the fabric excess moisture can seep into padding and cause mildew. After treatment, dab the area with a damp cloth to remove residue, then pat dry with a clean towel.
Step 5b: Use Baking Soda for "S" (Solvent-Only) Sofas
If your sofa is labeled "S" (solvent-only), avoid water and opt for baking soda instead. Sprinkle it liberally over stains and let it sit for 30 minutes to absorb oils and odors.
For deeper cleaning, mix baking soda with a small amount of rubbing alcohol (test first) to form a paste, apply to stains, then brush off once dry.
Vacuum thoroughly to remove residue. Baking soda is especially effective for pet odors and grease marks. Never use water on "S" fabrics, as it may cause permanent water rings or shrinkage.
Step 6: Apply a Fabric Sofa Cleaner
Choose a commercial upholstery cleaner that matches your sofa’s cleaning code (W, S, or W/S). Spray or foam cleaners are ideal for targeted stain removal, while enzymatic cleaners work well for pet accidents. Always test on an inconspicuous area first.
Follow the product instructions typically, you’ll apply, let sit, then blot or gently scrub with a soft brush. For general maintenance, a foam-based cleaner lifts dirt without overwetting. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, which can discolor fabric.
Step 7: Dry the Sofa Completely
After cleaning, ensure the sofa dries fully to prevent mold. Blot excess moisture with dry towels, then use a fan or open windows to speed up drying.
For stubborn dampness, place baking soda on the fabric (vacuum later) to absorb moisture. Avoid sitting on the sofa until completely dry usually 6–12 hours, depending on humidity. If possible, flip cushions to promote even drying.
Step 8: Vacuum Again for a Polished Finish
Once dry, vacuum one final time to fluff the fabric and remove any lingering baking soda or debris. This restores the sofa’s texture and ensures no residue is left behind.
Step 9: Freshen with a Fabric Sanitizer
Spritz a fabric refresher (e.g., Febreze) or a DIY mix of water + a few drops of essential oil to neutralize odors.
For antibacterial protection, choose a spray with silver ions or natural disinfectants like tea tree oil. Regular freshening between deep cleans keeps the sofa smelling clean longer.
Pro Tip: Clean After Guests or Spills
Address stains immediately to prevent setting. Keep a portable upholstery cleaner or stain remover pen handy for quick touch-ups. Frequent light cleaning reduces the need for intensive deep cleans.
This method ensures your fabric sofa stays fresh, hygienic, and stain-free for years!
Best Cleaning techniques to freshen up fabric sofa:
1. Spot Cleaning:
Dilute a small amount of mild dish soap or upholstery cleaner in a spray bottle filled with distilled water. Test the solution on a small inconspicuous area first.
If there are no adverse effects, spray the solution onto a clean, white cloth or soft-bristled brush and gently blot or scrub the stained areas.
Avoid excessive rubbing, as it may damage the fabric. Use a clean cloth to blot away excess moisture.
2. Deodorizing:
To eliminate unpleasant odours from your fabric sofa, sprinkle baking soda liberally over the surface. Allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes to absorb the odours. Then, using a vacuum cleaner, thoroughly remove the baking soda from the sofa.
Refreshing with Vinegar: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and distilled water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the fabric surface with the solution, taking care not to saturate it. Vinegar helps neutralise odours and remove light stains. Allow the sofa to air dry completely.
3. Tackling Stubborn Stains
No matter how careful you are, spills and stains are inevitable on a fabric sofa. Here are some effective methods to remove stubborn stains:
Ink Stains:
Dab a clean cloth with rubbing alcohol or non-acetone nail polish remover. Gently blot the stained area, frequently changing the cloth to prevent spreading the ink. Once the stain is gone, rinse the area with a clean cloth dampened with water and blot dry.
Grease Stains:
Sprinkle a small amount of cornstarch or talcum powder over the stain and let it sit for 15-20 minutes to absorb the grease. Gently brush off the powder using a soft-bristled brush. If traces of the stain remain, repeat the process until the stain is fully lifted.
Food and Beverage Stains:
Blot the stain immediately with a clean, dry cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible. Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with distilled water.
Dip a clean cloth into the soapy solution and gently blot the stained area. Avoid rubbing,
as it may spread the stain. Rinse the cloth with clean water and blot the area again to remove any soap residue. Finally, pat the area dry with a clean towel.
Pet Stains:
If you have furry friends at home, accidents can happen. Start by blotting up as much liquid as possible with a clean cloth. Mix a teaspoon of mild dish soap with a cup of warm water.
Apply the solution to the stained area using a clean cloth, working from the outside of the stain towards the centre.
Blot gently, rinse the cloth with clean water, and continue blotting until the stain is gone. Dry the area thoroughly.
Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Fabric Sofa Clean
To keep your fabric sofa looking its best, here are some maintenance tips:
Vacuum regularly:
Remove loose dirt and debris by vacuuming your sofa at least once a week. Use the upholstery attachment to reach all the nooks and crannies.
Fluff and rotate cushions:
Rotate and fluff your sofa cushions regularly to maintain their shape and prevent uneven wear.
Use armrest covers and throws:
Protect high-traffic areas of your sofa by using armrest covers and throws. They can be easily washed and replaced, keeping your sofa cleaner for longer.
Avoid direct sunlight:
Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause your fabric sofa to fade. Position your sofa away from direct sunlight or use curtains or blinds to protect it.
Deal with spills immediately:
Act quickly when spills occur. Blot the spill with a clean cloth to prevent it from seeping into the fabric and causing stains.
How to Clean Fabric Sofa Covers – Quick & Easy Steps
-
Check the care label for cleaning codes (W, S, W/S, or X).
-
Remove covers and shake off loose dirt outdoors.
-
Pre-treat stains with a mix of mild detergent + water (for W/W/S) or baking soda (for S).
-
Machine wash (if allowed) on gentle cycle with cold water.
-
Hand wash delicate covers in lukewarm water with mild soap.
-
Air dry completely—avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading.
-
Iron on low heat if needed, or steam to remove wrinkles.
-
Reattach covers only when fully dry to avoid mildew.
For non-removable covers: Vacuum, spot clean, and use a fabric freshener spray.
Tip: Clean spills immediately to prevent stains!
How to Clean a Fabric Sofa at Home?
To clean your fabric sofa at home, start by vacuuming the entire surface to remove dust, crumbs, and pet hair. Use the upholstery attachment to reach into crevices and between cushions.
For stains, mix a small amount of mild liquid detergent with warm water, dip a soft cloth or sponge in the solution, and gently scrub the affected area.
Avoid soaking the fabric just dampen it lightly. Blot with a clean, dry towel afterward and allow the sofa to air dry completely before using it again.
For best results, work in small sections and always test any cleaner on an inconspicuous spot first.
Can I Use a Steam Cleaner on My Fabric Sofa?
Steam cleaning can be effective for fabric sofas, but you must first check the manufacturer's care label.
Look for cleaning codes like "W" (water-safe) or "W/S" (water or solvent-safe), which indicate steam cleaning is acceptable. Avoid steam if you see an "S" (solvent-only) or "X" (vacuum only) code.
Before steaming the entire sofa, test a small, hidden area to ensure the heat and moisture won't damage the fabric.
When steaming, hold the nozzle several inches away from the surface and move slowly to prevent over-wetting, which could lead to mold or shrinkage.
Conclusion:
Cleaning your fabric sofa at home doesn't have to be a daunting task. By following the steps and techniques outlined in this guide, you can effectively remove dirt, stains, and odours, and keep your sofa looking fresh and inviting.
Remember to always check the manufacturer's instructions and perform spot tests before using any cleaning solutions. Regular maintenance and prompt action when spills occur will help extend the lifespan of your fabric sofa. S
o, roll up your sleeves, gather your supplies, and give your beloved sofa the care it deserves. With a little effort, you'll be able to enjoy a clean and cosy seating experience for years to come.
