how to clean a sofa.

Let’s be honest, our sofas go through a lot. 

Movie marathons, dinner disasters, sticky toddlers, muddy paws and more naps than your mattress will ever witness. So, if it’s looking (or smelling) a little worse for wear, we promise it’s not just you. It’s the sofa. And it needs a clean.

Want some help? Let’s get those cushions crumb-free and smelling fresh without calling in the professionals or sacrificing your entire weekend.

secret symbols.

First up… care labels. 

Just as your clothing comes with handy washing instructions full of secret laundry symbols, almost every sofa also comes with its own little care label.

It’s usually hidden somewhere sneaky (down the side of a cushion, behind the armrest, or underneath the base), but they tell you exactly how to clean your sofa without accidentally ruining your upholstery forever.

Once you’ve found the tag, you’ll spot a single letter. Here’s what it means:

• W = Water-based cleaning only. Think mild washing up liquid, carpet cleaner, or upholstery shampoo.

• S = Solvent-based only. This calls for dry-cleaning sprays or surgical spirit.

• S-W (or W-S) = Lucky you. Use water or solvent cleaners, your sofa won’t mind.

• X = Step. Away. From. The. Spray. Vacuum only. Any stains? Call the dry cleaners.

And if there’s no tag to be found? Check the manufacturer’s website or just spot test somewhere hidden before trying anything bold.

the quick clean.

Whether you eat your dinner on the sofa (guilty) or your dog thinks it is their bed (also guilty), a little monthly refresh goes a long way towards keeping things under control.

Try your best to vacuum everything: cushions, arms, back, crevices (where all the crumbs go to forget). Use the upholstery and crevice tools on your vacuum for bonus points.

Then simply fluff and flip the cushions. If there’s a musty smell in the air: a quick sprinkle of bicarbonate of soda (left on the sofa for 30 mins and then vacuumed up) should banish those mystery smells. 

fabric sofa deep clean.

When the monthly refresh no longer cuts it, it’s probably time to roll up your sleeves. Here’s the smol sofa deep clean 101:

step 1: vacuum.

Get under the cushions. Into the seams. Around every button. This is your warm-up.

step 2: steam (optional but satisfying).

Got a handheld steamer or steam iron? Use quick bursts to kill off dust mites and surface grime. Let it dry fully before moving on.

step 3: spot test.

Try your chosen cleaner (water-based or solvent depending on your tag) on a hidden area first. No fading? Great. Full steam ahead.

step 4: treat the stains.

• W fabrics: mix 2 drops of washing up liquid with 1 cup warm water. Blot the fabric, never rub. Work from the outside of the stain inwards.
• S fabrics: use a dry cleaning solvent. Follow the instructions and always open the windows.
  

Handy tip: pop a clean towel between the fabric and the inner when treating cushions. It stops the stuffing getting soggy.

step 5: the deep clean.

If your sofa allows water cleaning and you’ve got a portable upholstery cleaner, now’s the time. Lightly spray, brush, and extract.

leather sofa deep clean.

These sofas undoubtedly need a gentler touch, but don’t panic.

• Wipe with a dry, clean microfibre cloth.
• Vacuum all the nooks and seams.
• Mix a weak washing up liquid solution and apply with a damp cloth. Rinse with another cloth, then buff dry.
• Apply a leather conditioner for that extra touch (and if you want to avoid cracks).

N.B. remember when you’re washing your microfibre cloths to pop them in a laundry Guppyfriend bag or similar. This will catch the microplastic fibres that shed during a wash cycle so you can empty them into the bin rather than washing them into the oceans.

stay fresh.

And because no one wants to sit on a cloud of Eau de Wet Dog, let’s keep things smelling sweet in between deep cleans: 

• Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda on the fabric.
• Leave for 30 minutes.
• Vacuum it up like a pro.

Unlike spray air fresheners (which just cover up the smells), bicarbonate of soda actually absorbs them for real.

the last word.

Your sofa doesn’t ask for much. Just a vacuum now and then and some TLC when spills happen. Treat it to a proper clean every 6-12 months and you’ll discover the most underrated luxury of all… a clean spot to do absolutely nothing.