How to clean a fabric sofa?
Stains, odours, rings and everyday marks: a fabric sofa needs the right care to stay clean without getting damaged. The best methods and products depend on the upholstery fabric. Choosing the right ones helps clean it effectively while preserving its appearance.
To clean a very dirty fabric sofa, start by vacuuming it thoroughly to remove dust and debris. Then use a cleaner that’s suitable for the fabric, such as baking soda, black soap, dry-cleaning foam or an upholstery cleaning machine. To prevent rings and protect the fibres, use as little water as possible. Always test the product on an inconspicuous area before cleaning the whole sofa.
Good to know
- Always check the type of fabric before using a cleaning product.
- Vacuum the sofa before cleaning to remove dust and debris.
- Use as little water as possible to prevent rings.
- Test every product on an inconspicuous area before applying it.
- Let the sofa dry completely before using it again.
How to identify your sofa's fabric before cleaning
Before cleaning your fabric sofa, check exactly what it's made of. A cotton sofa, for example, needs different care and cleaning products than one upholstered in polyester, microfibre or velvet.
Check the fabric composition on the sofa's label. It also contains useful information about which products you can and can't use to clean your sofa.
Read the care label: codes to know
The labels on IKEA fabric sofas contain all the information you need to care for them properly. To clean your sofa thoroughly without damaging it, always follow the instructions on the label and on the product page. They include details such as the fabric’s material and how it should be washed, by hand, in the washing machine or by dry cleaning, as well as whether cleaning products can be used.
Natural or synthetic fabrics: what’s the difference?
The cleaning method and products you use should depend on whether your fabric sofa is made from natural or synthetic materials.
Natural materials
- Cotton: The easiest to clean. It can handle plenty of water, but may shrink if the water is too hot.
- Linen: More delicate than cotton and prone to marking and water rings. Cleaning it with water is not recommended.
- Velvet: Its fine pile shows every mark. Always clean it in the direction of the pile and use very little water.
Synthetic materials
- Polyester: One of the most common synthetic fabrics. It’s easy to clean by hand or in the washing machine, and handles water and mild detergents well.
- Microfibre: A little more delicate than polyester when cleaned with water, but easy to clean with detergents.
How to clean a fabric sofa: a step-by-step guide
- Check the label or product page to find out what the sofa is made of: cotton, polyester, linen, velvet or another fabric.
- Identify the type of stain, such as grease, liquid, blood or ink, to choose the right cleaner.
- Test the cleaner on an inconspicuous part of the sofa to avoid discolouration or damage.
- If possible, remove the covers and machine-wash them, provided the fabric allows it.
- Vacuum the entire sofa thoroughly to remove dust and debris.
- Clean the stain without soaking it with too much water or detergent.
- Rinse if needed.
- Let the fabric dry thoroughly. Air the room or use a fan to help it dry.
Tips to prevent water rings:
Upholstery fabric manufacturers generally recommend using as little water as possible to help prevent water rings and shrinkage. To clean the fabric effectively without damaging it, blot the stain instead of rubbing, then dry the cleaned area quickly.
How to clean a fabric sofa without removable covers
How to clean a fabric sofa without removable coversSome fabric sofas don’t have removable covers, which can make them a little harder to clean. Other options include steam cleaning, using an upholstery cleaning machine or calling in a textile-cleaning specialist.
What products can you use to clean a fabric sofa?
Depending on the stain and the sofa fabric, you can choose from a range of natural or chemical cleaning products. Some products should be avoided.
What homemade and natural products can you use to clean a fabric sofa?
- Baking soda: Helps absorb odours and freshen up the fabric. Sprinkle it on a fresh stain to absorb grease or liquid.
- White vinegar: Dilute it well with warm water to remove unpleasant odours caused by sweat or urine stains.
- Marseille soap: Gently rub a damp cloth over a block of Marseille soap, then use it to clean the fabric. Wipe with a damp cloth to rinse.
- Black soap: Mix a tablespoon of black soap with a little warm water to make a gentle cleaner. Suitable for fabrics that can be cleaned with water.
- Sommières clay: A natural stain remover that works well on grease and wine stains and helps absorb odours. Sprinkle it on and leave it to work.
- Washing soda crystals: Best for stubborn stains. They degrease and disinfect, but must be rinsed off thoroughly to avoid leaving rings.
Which ready-to-use fabric cleaners are available?
- Stain-remover sprays: Made for everyday stains on your sofa, they’re easy to use and work quickly on almost all types of fabric.
- Specialist shampoos: Used with an upholstery cleaning machine, they provide a deep clean and tackle old, ingrained stains.
- Dry-cleaning foam: Ideal for fabrics that can’t be washed with water, as it helps reduce the risk of rings. Always test it on a hidden area of the sofa first.
Products and tools to avoid on a fabric sofa
- Bleach: It removes the fabric’s colour as well as the stain. It can damage the fibres and leave yellow marks.
- Very hot water: On delicate fabrics, it can cause shrinkage and weaken the fibres.
- An abrasive sponge or hard brush: Scrubbing a stain with an abrasive surface damages and weakens the sofa’s fibres. Over time, a hole may appear.
- Ammonia: Although it’s sometimes used on grease stains, too much can burn the fabric. It’s strongly discouraged.
Which product should you use for each stain or problem?
| Problem | Recommended product |
|---|---|
| Grease stain | Sommières clay |
| Unpleasant odours | Baking soda |
| Old stain | Upholstery cleaning machine |
| Delicate fabric | Dry-cleaning foam |
| Very dirty sofa | Upholstery shampoo |
| Light stain | Black soap |
| Delicate fabric | Marseille soap |
FAQs: cleaning a fabric sofa
Can you clean a fabric sofa with baking soda?
Yes. Baking soda is particularly effective at absorbing unpleasant odours, freshening up the fabric and treating some grease stains.
What should you use on a very dirty fabric sofa?
The right product depends on the fabric and the stain. For a deep clean, you can use black soap, dry-cleaning foam, upholstery shampoo or an upholstery cleaning machine. Delicate fabrics need gentle products and very little water to avoid damaging the fibres.
How can you prevent water rings on a fabric sofa?
Use as little water as possible, blot the stain without rubbing and dry the cleaned area quickly with a dry cloth or a fan. It’s also a good idea to test the product on an inconspicuous area before cleaning the whole sofa.
