How to Deep Clean a Fabric Sofa
Lift the grime on armrests and headrests with foam and blotting, without soaking the cushions.
What you need
Supplies
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1 L (4 cups) lukewarm water
- 1 tsp dish soap or wool wash
Tools
- Vacuum crevice and brush tools
- Sieve
- 4–5 white towels
- Bowl
- Whisk or toothbrush
- Fan
How to do it
- 01
Check if covers come off
If the cushion covers have zips and the label says machine washable, remove them and wash on a delicate cycle for the best result. If not, clean them with the method below.
- 02
Vacuum the dust
Lift the cushions and vacuum crumbs and hair from the gaps with the crevice tool, then go over the whole surface slowly with the brush tool.
- 03
Deodorize with baking soda
Sift baking soda evenly over the sofa, leave it for at least 30 minutes, then vacuum it up. Sweat and food odors go with it.
- 04
Whip up a foam
Put 1 L of lukewarm water and 1 tsp of detergent in a bowl and whisk until foamy. You will use only the foam on top, not the water.
- 05
Blot with the foam
Scoop foam onto a white towel and dab the grimy areas. You can wipe lightly along the grain, but do not scrub. When the towel picks up dirt, switch to a clean section and repeat.
- 06
Remove soap and dry
Dab with a towel dampened in clean water to lift the soap, then press down with a dry towel to absorb moisture. Open the windows and run a fan until completely dry.
Be careful
- Test on a hidden area, such as the back or underside, to make sure the color does not run.
- Soaking the fabric lets water into the foam cushions, causing mold and odor. Always wring towels out well.
- Velvet, linen and suede show water marks easily. If the label says do not wash, call a professional upholstery cleaner.
Malkkeum tips
- Covering armrests and headrests with a throw almost prevents grime from building up.
- If the pile looks flattened after drying, brush it lightly against the grain with a dry toothbrush.
- For fresh spills, do not rub; press a dry towel on immediately and it will not become a stain.
What the grime is
The grayish grime on sofas is mostly skin oil and sweat from hands and heads, mixed with dust. That is why it concentrates on armrests, headrests and the front edge of the seat. Oil does not come out with water alone and needs the surfactants in detergent, but water must not soak into the fabric, which is why we use foam.
If it does not come out the first time
Old grime rarely lifts in one round. Letting it dry fully and repeating the process is gentler on the fabric, and gives a better result, than scrubbing hard once. If marks remain, try a fabric stain remover on those spots.
FAQ
Can I use a steam cleaner? Steam loosens grime quickly, but it leaves a lot of moisture in the fabric and cushions. If you use one, keep it brief and always dry thoroughly with a fan.
