How to clean your sofa like a professional

The sofa is one of the most used pieces of furniture in any home. It’s where we slump down after a hard day at work. You sit there while catching up with your favourite shows and is the ultimate spot for a midday nap as well as cuddling your pet or a loved one. 

The sofa often gets food particles and food stains. Drinks can spill on it leaving unsightly marks. Pets can have accidents. If you have children, they’re bound to leave ink stains on the couch. That’s why it’s necessary to give your sofa a professional clean twice a year. 

Although many of us give our sofas a clean every time we clean the house, a deep clean will tackle the nooks and crannies where food gets lodged and will remove those stubborn stains.

Here’s how to clean your sofa like a professional.

1. Pull out your garment steamer, or steam iron if you don’t have a garment steamer, and steam your sofa. This will help kill dust mites which can hide in the fabric of your sofa. Ensure that only the steam touches your sofa so as not to ruin it.

2. Vacuum. Use the upholstery attachment to clean the entire sofa i.e. the arms, back and sides. Lift the cushions and vacuum them as well. Go into the joints of the sofa pushing the vacuum as far as it can go. The crevice attachment will make it easier to clean any buttons and seams of the sofa.

Wash removable cushion covers as per the instructions.

3. Most locally made couches can be cleaned with a water and mild soap solution. If you’re unsure if your couch can withstand this type of cleaning, test it in a hidden portion. 

Dip a clean cloth in the water and soap solution and squeeze out as much water as possible. Then wipe down your sofa paying particular attention to any stains, arm and headrests. 

You can use an enzyme cleaner for any stubborn food and pet stains. Remember, when in doubt, call a professional. 

4. To give your sofa a fresh smell and rid it of odours, use a fabric spray. Alternatively, sprinkle baking powder all over the sofa and leave it for a short while. Then vacuum up the baking powder leaving your sofa smelling fresh.