It seems simple, but for many people it remains a doubt; ProduceBlog has prepared a short guide just to make it easy for everyone.
To clean your sofa you need care and attention: one wrong move, and a fundamental piece of furniture is ruined. Let’s take a look at some useful tips together.
As one of the most used pieces of furniture, to clean your sofa regularly and with care is an important operation. Not only from a hygienic point of view: safeguarding the beauty of the fabrics and finishes, and maintaining the proper maintenance, will ensure that this furniture lasts as many years as possible, without having to buy a new one on a regular basis.
OK, but how do you clean a sofa? Good question.
Since there are so many types of sofa, fabrics and covers, the answer cannot be just one; for each type there are the right methods, the right products and the things not to do. ProduceShop has put together the most important tips in this quick and practical guide; try to follow them as much as possible, and you’ll be sure to protect and maintain your sofas with care for many years.
First of all, proper daily cleaning
Like any maintenance and cleaning operation, cleaning your sofa becomes easier if done regularly. Just as with the car, kitchen, bathroom, swimming pool and hot tub, or even ourselves, a daily cleaning makes the big cleaning job easier. This doesn’t mean that we have to use elbow grease every morning; just a few small precautions are enough to keep the sofa clean and in good condition.
Some small daily actions that help us in the long term:
- vacuum the sofa, possibly with a brush head or a narrower mouth, in order to remove dust and crumbs that are deposited, especially in recesses and joints;
- an electrostatic cloth helps to remove hair, any pet hair, and even more dust, which can often escape in places;
- a soft, slightly moistened cloth (not too much for velvet or fabric sofas), to finally remove small spots or surface dirt.
Fabric and Microfibre
In this case, it is better to divide into two sub-categories: removable and non-removable covers.
As far as the former are concerned, the matter is very simple: you can easily remove the cover and wash it in the washing machine (according to the manufacturer’s instructions). Alternatively, if you are short of time, or have a washing machine that is too small, you can take them to a laundry. In any case, this is the fastest method.
If, on the other hand, we are talking about cleaning a sofa that does not have a removable cover, the issue is more complex.
As far as the fabric is concerned, for a good cleaning we can create our own detergent based on water, bicarbonate of soda and eucalyptus essential oils; these, as well as leaving a good scent, have a decisive action against mites. For stubborn stains, it depends on the weather; if they are freshly made, immediately dab talcum powder on them to dry. If they are older, mix a litre of water with two tablespoons of ammonia and eucalyptus essential oil. Alternatively, you can also use water and Marseille soap, but be careful not to discolour the fabric (try this on a hidden corner first).
Finally, if you have the possibility of using a steam cleaner, perhaps with brushes, the antibacterial action is deep and assured.
Microfibre is easier to clean: after a good vacuum, prepare a mixture of water, vinegar and a drop of dishwashing detergent. Alternatively, for milder stains, a simple damp cloth; in any case, do not over-wet the sofa.
Leather and Leatherette
Cleaning a leather sofa may seem easier, but even here you should always pay due attention; leather is a delicate, valuable and expensive material. Ruining it would be a considerable damage, regardless of the complement on which it is used.
For a more delicate cleaning, always after having vacuumed crumbs, dust and residues, a good wet buckskin, but not dripping, already cleans sufficiently; this also applies to eco-leather, which is still natural leather but processed in an eco-friendly manner (for example with slaughterhouse waste). If it is a question of removing stains, water with a mild detergent is an excellent solution, always with a soft cloth; for spots affected by time, or which are beginning to “crumble“, apply moisturising cream (the same one you use for your face!). Marseille soap is recommended for more resistant stains.
Leatherette, which is completely synthetic and of plastic derivation, is undoubtedly easier to clean. Nevertheless, if you apply the same methods as for classic leather (although a damp cloth is sufficient), the result will certainly be better.
Velvet
Many sofas have a velvet or velvet-effect fabric cover; in these cases the same rules do not apply as for classic fabric, but it is better to apply specific instructions.
First of all, be careful if you vacuum, trying to do so very gently. A brushing, with the appropriate brush, respecting the velvet’s direction, is the ideal solution to remove crumbs, dust and hair. This is a longer operation, but the results are better.
To clean your sofa from stains, use lukewarm water and vinegar; however, make sure to wipe only gently and superficially with a cloth, without soaking the fabric. Then dry with a hair dryer at low temperatures and at the right distance, still helping with the brush.
As far as the timing is concerned, it would be better to limit deep cleaning to once a month (or every month and a half); in this way the sofa will always be in excellent condition, and you will not stress the cover and the upholstery.
Have you marked everything? No problem: the Sofa Cleaning Guide for each fabric is always here waiting for you on the ProduceShop blog, along with all our other maintenance guides and useful tips!
