A Complete Guide to Sofa Cleaning at Home
Your sofa is one of the most used and loved pieces of furniture in your home. It’s where you relax after a long day, host guests, cuddle up with a good book, or even enjoy a lazy Sunday nap. But with all that use comes spills, stains, dust, and odours. You don’t need fancy equipment every time. Knowing how to clean a sofa at home can save you time, money, and keep your living space looking and smelling fresh.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through easy, step-by-step ways to tackle sofa cleaning at home, no matter what type of fabric you’re dealing with. Whether you’re doing a full house cleaning or just checking off your house cleaning checklist, the sofa deserves some special attention.
Know Your Sofa Before You Start Sofa Cleaning at Home
The first step in sofa cleaning at home is to understand the type of material you’re dealing with. Common sofa fabrics include:
- Cotton or linen – breathable, but may stain easily
- Microfibre – easy to maintain, but shows watermarks
- Leather – needs special care, conditioning, and gentle cleaners
- Velvet – luxurious but sensitive to moisture and pressure
- Synthetic blends – durable and usually easier to clean
Check the care label or manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning codes:
- W – Water-based cleaners are safe
- S – Use solvent-based cleaners only
- WS – both water and solvent-based cleaners can be used
- X – vacuum only; professional cleaning recommended
Step by Step Guide for How to clean sofa at home
Cleaning your sofa at home might seem like a big task, but with the right approach, it’s completely doable and surprisingly satisfying.
Here’s everything you need to know to clean your sofa properly, using everyday items you probably already have at home. Let’s get started and bring your favourite seat back to life!
Step 1: Remove Loose Scrap
Start by removing all cushions and using a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to remove dust, dirt, crumbs, and pet hair. Be sure to get into the corners, seams, and under the cushions.
Use a soft-bristle brush to loosen dust and lift dirt before vacuuming for even better results.
Step 2: Spot-Clean Stains
For spills and stains, quick action makes all the difference. Blot the spot gently with a clean cloth; never rub, as this can push the stain deeper. Make a simple DIY cleaning solution:
For Water-safe Fabrics
Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water. Dip a cloth in the solution, wring it out, and gently dab the stained area.
For Oil-based Stains
Sprinkle baking soda over the stain, let it sit for 15–20 minutes, then vacuum it up.
For Odours
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water, lightly mist over the surface and let it air dry.
Always test any solution on a hidden area first to make sure it won’t discolour the fabric.
Step 3: Deep Clean the Fabric
Once you’ve taken care of the visible stains, it’s time to give your entire sofa a well-deserved deep clean. Even if it doesn’t look dirty on the surface, fabric can hold onto dust, odours, and everyday grime that builds up over time. A gentle all-over clean helps refresh the look, feel, and smell of your sofa, making it feel almost like new again.
- For fabric sofas, use a steam cleaner (if the label allows) or a fabric-safe upholstery cleaner. Spray lightly and wipe with a microfibre cloth.
- For leather sofas, wipe down with a damp cloth, then apply a leather conditioner to keep the material soft and prevent cracks.
- For velvet, use a velvet brush to lift the fibres and remove any dust.
Tip : Open windows or turn on fans to help the sofa dry faster.
Step 4: Wash or Refresh Cushions
If your cushion covers are machine-washable, unzip and wash them according to the label instructions. If not, treat them the same way as the rest of the sofa fabric.
You can also sprinkle cushions with baking soda, let it sit for 20 minutes, and vacuum it off to neutralise any lingering smells.
Step 5: Maintain Your Sofa Weekly
Once your sofa has been thoroughly cleaned, maintaining its freshness becomes much more manageable. Incorporating a few simple habits into your weekly house cleaning routine can help preserve its appearance, extend its lifespan, and reduce the need for frequent deep cleans.
Here are some effective weekly maintenance tips:
- Use an upholstery attachment to remove dust, dirt, and pet hair from the fabric and crevices.
- This helps prevent uneven wear and keeps cushions looking full and structured.
- Blot any liquid spills as soon as they occur to prevent staining and fabric damage.
- Applying a light fabric spray occasionally can keep your sofa smelling clean and pleasant.
If you have pets, consider using washable covers or designated throws to shield the upholstery from fur, scratches, and accidental messes.
By investing just a few minutes each week, you can ensure your sofa stays clean, comfortable, and inviting between deep cleaning sessions.
Sofa Cleaning Tips for Homes With Pets or Kids
Let’s be real homes with kids or pets see more than their fair share of mess. Here are a few extra tips:
- Pet hair: Use a lint roller or rubber glove to gather hair before vacuuming
- Odours: Keep a jar of baking soda nearby to tackle smells quickly
- Sticky fingers: Wipe down regularly with a damp cloth
- Covers: Invest in machine-washable sofa covers or throws
By staying ahead of the mess, you’ll save yourself time and effort later on.
Keep Your Sofa Fresh Without the Fuss
Knowing how to clean a sofa at home means you can enjoy a fresher, cleaner living space without the stress or cost of constant professional help. With a bit of regular care, your sofa will not only look great but also stay in top condition for years to come. Of course, sometimes home cleaning just isn’t enough, especially with delicate fabrics, tough stains, or before special occasions. That’s where house cleaning services or a trusted maid service come in.
At Maid Corner, we believe a clean home starts with the little things—like a fresh, well-maintained sofa. Whether you’re doing a full house clean or just need help with your soft furnishings, we’re here to make home care simple, reliable, and stress-free.