The frequency of cleaning a sofa is important. You should deep-clean it every three to six months. It is also recommended to clean the sofa at least once a week. This becomes even more important if you have pets or children, as they tend to make the sofa messier. If the sofa is a light colour, such as cream or off-white, it will need more frequent maintenance than a dark-coloured sofa. Clean it as needed.

Care labels

Different sofas have different care procedures and care labels accordingly. The label can typically be found under the frame of your sofa or on the seat cushion.

• W (Wet): Clean using water. When removing marks or dirt on this type of sofa, you should use water only. To clean, wet a microfiber cloth and gently wipe away the dirt. You can also clean this type of sofa with steam, but first, consult a trusted cleaning service.

• S (Solvent): For this type of sofa, water should not be used at all, as it may leave watermarks. Instead of water, use a solvent to clean the sofa.

•  WS (Wet and Solvent): Can be cleaned using both water and solvent, depending on whether an oil mark or watermark is present. If in doubt, consult a professional.

• X (Do not clean): Only vacuum the sofa; do not use water or other cleaning products.

• D (Dry Clean Only): Only dry clean the sofa, do not clean it any other way.

Step-by-step procedures for cleaning the sofa

Step 1: Removing cushions and vacuuming

Regardless of the type of sofa, the first step is to remove the cushions and get rid of any items on or under the sofa, such as food particles, pet hair, or dust. Use a vacuum cleaner around the cushions and underneath.

You can also use a natural bristle brush to remove dirt and dust.

Step 2: Cleaning the metal and wood details on the couch

A. Create a solution of warm water with ordinary soap or dishwashing liquid. You can also use a glass cleaner for metal parts.

B. Wet a microfiber cloth with the solution or spray the glass cleaner onto it, and gently rub away the dirt. Be careful not to spill the solution on the sofa's cushions or fabrics.

C. Allow it to dry completely.

Step 3: Cleaning different types of sofas

A. Leather sofa

Easiest to clean. It just needs to be wiped down every time you use it or when a stain appears.

Materials needed: Hand-held vacuum or one with attachments, microfiber cloth, spray bottle, vinegar, dishwashing liquid soap, and leather honey.

Steps:

a. Vacuum the sofa to remove all dirt and dust.

b. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Alternatively, you can use mild soapy water made with ordinary dishwashing soap. If you're unsure, you can perform a patch test first.

c. Gently spray the mixture over the entire sofa.

d. Rub a microfiber cloth with the solution onto the sofa in a circular motion.

f. Dry the sofa using a clean towel.

Do not use harsh cleaners like Windex. You can use Leather Honey, a non-toxic leather cleaner and conditioner with over 30,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. Put a quarter-sized drop of this famous cleaner on a lint-free cloth. Spot-test the drop in a discreet area and allow it to dry. If all is well, apply a thin, even layer of the conditioner.

B. Suede Sofa:

A bit tricky. You should use a clean microfiber cloth. Avoid using bright-colored materials, as the color of your clothes can stain the sofa.

Materials needed: Microfiber cloth, water, and white vinegar.

Steps:

a. Vacuum the sofa to remove all dirt and dust.

b. Read the care label to understand which cleaning solutions you can and cannot use.

c. If allowed, wet a microfiber cloth with water and clean the surface.

d. Gently rub and wipe away stains.

e. Air dry the sofa.

f. For stains that are difficult to remove, create a solution of diluted white vinegar and water, or use products suggested by the manufacturer. Sometimes, you may need to gently brush off the residue after cleaning using a soft fabric brush.

Regardless of the product you use, whether diluted vinegar or a special cleaner, always test it on a hidden area first. Wait for 15 minutes after applying it. If there is no damage, it is safe to use on the entire sofa. Avoid waiting for professional cleaning to be necessary. You should care for your sofa regularly by using a vacuum cleaner or a wet cloth as soon as you notice any stains.

C. Microfiber Sofa:

Materials needed: Hand-held vacuum or vacuum with attachments, microfiber cloth, spray bottle, vinegar, dishwashing soap, and rubbing alcohol.

Steps:

a. Vacuum the sofa to remove all dirt and dust.

b. Read the care label to understand which solutions are safe for your sofa.

c. You can use a natural cleaner made at home by mixing 1 tablespoon of ordinary liquid dishwashing soap with 2 cups of warm water in a spray bottle. Gently spray the solution onto the stains and blot them with a dry cloth.

d. If the sofa feels stiff after cleaning, gently soften it using a natural bristle brush.

Rubbing alcohol is a good choice because it evaporates quickly without leaving stains behind. You can use rubbing alcohol in your spray bottle, spray it on the stain, and lightly rub it away.

D. Fabric Sofa (Marked W, usually wool):

Materials needed:Hand-held vacuum or vacuum with attachments, microfiber cloth, ordinary bristle fabric brush, warm water.

Steps:

a. Vacuum the sofa to remove all dirt and dust.

b. Read the care label to understand which solutions are safe to use.

c. Wet a microfiber cloth with warm water and gently rub the surface in a circular motion.

For wool sofas, check if the label indicates whether the fabric is 100% wool or a blend with other materials. Keep in mind that wool sofas should only be cleaned with water.

E. Velvet Sofas:

The best way to clean velvet sofas is by steam cleaning regularly with a high-quality steam cleaner. You should gently apply the steamer to the sofa, moving downward along the fabric. You can use a steamer designed for clothes or Bissell's Little Green Machine.

Materials needed: Microfiber cloth, spray bottle, dishwashing soap, and Bissell's Little Green Machine.

Steps:

a. Mix 1 tablespoon of dishwashing soap with 1 cup of warm water in a bowl, ensuring the mixture forms bubbles.

b. Wet the microfiber cloth with the solution.

c. Lightly blot the stain until it is almost removed.

d. Keep the cleaned area dry for at least 30 minutes.

Clean the stain as soon as possible after a spill. Keep a microfiber cloth on hand to absorb any spillage, especially when cleaning, as the fabric can discolor. After cleaning, allow the fabric to dry directly in the sun.

You can also seek professional help as velvet is sensitive to certain cleaning methods.

Step 4: Let it Dry

A common complaint when using the washing machine to clean cushions is that they shrink and no longer fit the cushion. A better option is air drying. You can also use a hair dryer to speed up the drying process, but avoid overheating, as it can cause discoloration.