Spring Cleaning: How to Clean Your Sofa Effectively and Naturally

Spring cleaning  is the perfect time to tackle those areas and tasks we’ve been putting off for a while. Cleaning your sofa can be simple and effective when you use the right methods and products.Today, we’re sharing some tips for cleaning your sofa at home – from removing dust and stains to getting rid of unwanted odours using natural and household solutions. Plus, we’ll show you how to care for different materials, whether it’s fabric or leather upholstery.

How Can You Tell What Type of Sofa You Have at Home?

Before you start cleaning your sofa, it's important to know what material it's made of. Different materials require different cleaning methods and products. We've put together a few tips to help you identify the type of sofa you have at home:

1. Check the manufacturer's label or marking

Most sofas have a tag attached in a hidden spot, where the manufacturer provides information about the material. If you find this tag, it’s usually easy to determine whether your sofa is fabric, leather, or synthetic.

• Observe the texture and appearance of the fabric

• Fabric sofas have a soft, woven texture and can be made from natural fibers like cotton, linen, or a blend of synthetic fibers.
• Leather sofas have a smooth, glossy, and cool surface, with genuine leather showing distinctive scratches and wrinkles.
• Microfiber and synthetic fabrics tend to be soft to the touch, smooth, and resistant to stains, often with a subtle shine.
1. Make a simple water test

If you're unsure whether your sofa is fabric or leather, try a simple water test. On fabric sofas, water usually absorbs quickly, while on leather sofas, it tends to stay on the surface. This test can help you identify the material.

1. Ask the seller or check the manual

If you purchased your sofa recently and forgot what material it's made of, don't hesitate to ask the seller or check the product manual. It should include all the important information about maintenance and materials. Most retailers provide this information on the order form or you can also find it online.

Tip: Identifying the correct material is key to safely cleaning your sofa. Knowing the type of material will help you choose the right cleaning products and methods that won’t damage the sofa and will keep it looking beautiful for a long time.

How to Clean Your Sofa Based on Its Material

Each material requires an individual approach, so let's take a look at how to clean your sofa based on its material. This way, you can avoid damage while achieving the best results.

1. Fabric Sofa – Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Sofa at Home

Fabric sofas are prone to dust and stains, but with a little care, they can be effectively cleaned. For cleaning fabric sofas, it is recommended to:

• Vacuuming: First, it's important to thoroughly vacuum dust, small debris, and hair to prevent pressing them into the fabric during cleaning.
• Baking soda: Sprinkle baking soda on the sofa, let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes, and then vacuum it up. Baking soda helps neutralize odours and clean the surface without affecting the fabric.
• Soapy water: To remove stains, use soapy water – a mixture of mild soap and warm water. Apply it to the stain with a soft cloth, but never scrub too hard to avoid damaging the fabric.
• Vinegar: For tougher stains, you can use a diluted vinegar solution with water (1:1). This mixture effectively removes grease and works on regular stains as well.
• Machine washing: Some sofas have the advantage of removable covers that can be simply washed in the machine. Wash according to the manufacturer's instructions. You can use the gentle and effective Puella laundry gel, and for an extra touch of comfort and long-lasting fragrance, your favorite Puella laundry perfume.

Products That Should Not Be Used on Fabric Sofas

• Bleach and harsh chemicals that can damage the fabric’s color.
• Hot water – it can cause the fabric to shrink.

2. Leather Sofa – Cleaning Your Sofa with Care

Leather sofas require a bit more care. It is recommended to use only gentle, natural cleaning products for cleaning them.

• Oil: For cleaning leather, natural wax-based oils or coconut oil are used, which help keep the leather soft and supple.
• Vinegar and water: To remove dirt, you can use a mixture of water and vinegar (1:1), but BE CAREFUL with the amount – too much water can damage the leather.
• Leather cream: After cleaning, it's a good idea to apply leather cream to protect and maintain the sofa in good condition.

Products That Should Not Be Used on Leather Sofas:

• Harsh chemical cleaners that can damage the structure of the leather.
• Excessive water, which can cause the leather to dry out and crack.

3.Microfiber and Synthetic Fabric

Synthetic and microfiber materials are popular for their durability and easy maintenance. For cleaning these sofas, the ideal methods are:

• Vacuuming: Start by thoroughly vacuuming the surface.
• Soapy water: Use gentle soap in warm water to remove dirty spots. These materials usually dry quickly, so there's no need to worry about moisture. You can also use a highly diluted laundry gel if you don’t have laundry soap on hand.
• Baby shampoo: For specific stains, you can also use a gentle baby shampoo, which is mild on the material while still being effective.

Products That Should Not Be Used on Microfiber and Synthetic Fabrics:

• Any harsh chemicals or bleach.
• Excessive amounts of water, which can damage the fabric.

If you're not confident in cleaning your sofa with homemade solutions, reach out to local professionals who can clean your sofa, couches, and other upholstered surfaces without causing any damage.

How to Prevent Stubborn Stains and Keep Your Sofa Clean for the Long Term?

You might have pets or children who love to touch everything around them. To avoid staining and keep your sofa clean for the long term, follow these tips:

• Use protective covers or throws on your sofa to shield it from dust and dirt.
• Regularly vacuum the surface of the sofa to remove dust and debris. Use soft brushes that are included with your vacuum cleaner attachments.
• Avoid direct sunlight on your sofa to prevent the colors from fading.
• Treat your sofa with special fabric or leather protectors that prevent dirt from penetrating and settling.

Proper home cleaning of your sofa will ensure it looks like new. Regular maintenance and checking for any new stains on the sofa are also important. Quick action is half the battle in keeping your home fresh throughout the year.