Posted on February 19, 2024
How to Keep Your Sofa Fresh and Clean
Fabric sofas and sofa beds, with their growing popularity, underscore the importance of proper fabric sofa cleaning maintenance. Fabric sofas offer affordable options for small and large spaces, making them a smart investment. Living spaces, often high-traffic areas, are prone to stains. Consequently, especially in households with children, pets, or during special events, regular sofa cleaning is crucial to maintain the cleanliness of your beloved furniture.
Check the Cleaning Codes for Your Sofa
Begin by checking the sofa cleaning codes, typically available in the manufacturer’s instructions or within the sofa cushions. These codes indicate the recommended cleaning methods for your fabric sofa. There are four main cleaning codes:
| Code | How to clean a fabric sofa |
| IN / W | Indicates that the sofa can be cleaned with water. |
| S | Advises against using water and suggests using a solvent-based cleaning solution instead. |
| WS | Allows for both water and solvent-based cleaning methods. |
| X | Recommends using a vacuum cleaner or brush only for cleaning. |
It’s essential to adhere to these codes to avoid causing any permanent damage to your sofa.
Understanding the Cleaning Codes
Typically, manufacturers make sofas from fabrics suitable for steam cleaning, allowing users to clean them with water. However, it’s essential to check the manufacturer’s instructions beforehand. Additionally, not all sofas can withstand the heat from steam. Before cleaning, test a small area of the sofa with steam cleaning to ensure compatibility. Furthermore, it’s recommended to hoover the sofa before steam cleaning to remove any large debris or dirt particles.
When steam cleaning your fabric sofa, it’s important to remember to remove all cushions beforehand and clean one side at a time. Consequently, this ensures thorough cleaning without missing any spots. This prevents damp odours and ensures thorough cleaning. Pay close attention to corners and edges, using quick strokes to prevent the sofa from becoming too wet. After cleaning, ventilate the room and increase the temperature to expedite the drying process.
Alternatively, without a steam cleaner, you can clean your fabric sofa effectively with a baking soda and water mixture. Simply rub the sofa to remove dirt, vacuum it to eliminate hair and debris. Then apply the baking soda and water mixture to any stains before blotting them with a clean cloth. Proper ventilation will help the sofa dry faster.
Using Solvent-Based Cleaners
For stubborn stains caused by food, drinks, or pets, solvent-based cleaners are a viable option. Sofas marked with “S” or “WS” allow for solvent-based cleaning, providing more flexibility in tackling various stains. Solvent-based cleaners are particularly effective against grease and dirt. But be sure to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging the fabric. Using a clean cloth for blotting helps prevent any adverse effects on the sofa.
Maintaining Your Sofa with Hoovering
Regular vacuuming keeps your fabric sofa free from dust, dirt, and pet hair. You can further aid this process by using specialized pet hair removal tools or lint rollers. Some fabric sofas only allow vacuum cleaning to prevent permanent damage from water or cleaning agents. Sofas marked with an “X” recommend only vacuuming or brushing as the cleaning method.
At Furniture Story, we provide a variety of fabric sofas and furniture tailored to your specific cleaning needs. Our extensive range of fabrics allows you to choose between water-based cleaning products or solvent-based solutions. Whether you’re interested in the Fabio series with leather and fabric options. Or the Russel armchair available in velvet and fabric, we have something to suit every preference.
Caring for Your Sofa Beyond Cleaning
In addition to regular cleaning, there are several other steps you can take to prolong the life of your sofa:
Rotate Cushions: To ensure even wear and tear, rotate and flip your sofa cushions regularly. This prevents one side from becoming more worn out than the other.
Use Slip-covers: Consider using slip-covers to protect your sofa from spills, stains, and pet hair. Slip-covers are easy to remove and wash, keeping your sofa looking fresh and clean.
Avoid Direct Sunlight: Direct sunlight can cause fabric colours to fade over time. Position your sofa away from windows or use curtains or blinds. To block out sunlight during the brightest parts of the day.
Fluff and Fluff: Fluffing your sofa cushions regularly helps maintain their shape and prevents them from looking flat. Simply give each cushion a good shake and pat to restore its plumpness.
Professional Cleaning: Every once in a while, consider hiring a professional cleaning service to deep clean your fabric sofa. Professional cleaners have the expertise and equipment to remove tough stains and restore your sofa to its former glory.
Special Considerations for Pet Owners
Pets bring joy and companionship to our lives. But they also present unique challenges when it comes to maintaining the cleanliness of our fabric sofas. Pet hair, dander, and the occasional accident can all take a toll on your sofa’s appearance and longevity. To mitigate these issues, pet owners should consider selecting fabrics that are resistant to stains and easy to clean. Look for options like microfibre or leather. Which are less likely to trap pet hair and can be wiped clean with ease. Additionally, using slip-covers or throws can provide an extra layer of protection against muddy paw prints and shedding fur.
Regular grooming of your pets can also help minimise the amount of hair that ends up on your sofa. Brushing your pet’s fur frequently not only reduces shedding. But it also helps distribute natural oils, keeping their coat healthy and less prone to shedding. Investing in a high-quality vacuum cleaner with pet-specific attachments is essential for effectively removing pet hair from your fabric sofa. Be sure to vacuum the sofa regularly, paying extra attention to areas where your pet likes to lounge. By incorporating these special considerations into your sofa care routine, you can enjoy a clean and comfortable living space with your furry friends.
By following these tips for fabric sofa cleaning and incorporating regular maintenance into your routine, you can keep your furniture looking fresh and clean for years to come. At Furniture Story, we understand the importance of maintaining your furniture, which is why we offer high-quality fabric sofas that are durable, stylish, and easy to clean. Visit our site today to explore our collection and find the perfect sofa for your home.
