How to keep your sofa clean

With bright walls, your grey sofa will stand out. (PHOTO: COURTESY)

Sofas and chairs are not only vulnerable to surface stains, dust, and dirt, but grime can also become deeply embedded into the fibres. Even if you cannot see the dirt, it is there, so for cleanliness and hygiene’s sake, cleaning upholstery on a regular basis is very important – but it does not have to be difficult.

What to do

Furniture cleaning is not a science, try out a few techniques before choosing the one that is right for your belongings.

Before using any upholstery cleaning products, vacuum the sofa or chair first to remove as much surface dirt and dust as possible. Be sure to use the correct attachments to avoid damage to the material – a soft brush attachment is ideal.

Spot Clean: Using baby wipes or vinegar poured onto a strong microfiber cloth, apply to any obvious stains, wiping gently as you go.

Remember to test the upholstery cleaning products on an inconspicuous area first.

Overall Clean: Using soapy water and a microfibre cloth, gently wipe your sofa with the solution, allowing it to soak into the fabric and tackle the dirt beneath the surface. You only want to use a very small amount of water – do not saturate the material.

Dry: Some people use a hairdryer to quickly dry a sofa, but allowing it to dry naturally is always the better option, if you have the time. To speed things up, open windows and allow the breeze to help with the drying process.

— www.cleanipedia.com