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April 1, 2024
Minutes To Read: 4

How to Clean Sofa: Practical Tips for Complete Cleaning

It cannot be denied that the sofa is one of the most important items in a home. Besides being decorative, it is also synonymous with comfort and well-being. This is where most people spend part of their time available. After a day of work, nothing like sitting on the couch and giving that relaxed, right?

Because they are relatively expensive pieces, sofas are not replaced often and although the decoration of the house is changed, the tendency is that it remains for a few years.

Therefore, the correct cleaning and maintenance of the sofas is essential to ensure that the item remains kept, clean and with that face again.

Check out some tips on how to clean your sofa and keep it clean longer. See what you should not use for cleaning and learn how to get rid of stains.

Dry cleaning or damp cloth? Which one is ideal?

The type of cleaning to choose will depend on the material the sofa is made of. There are currently available on the market sofas made in a wide range of materials: cotton, leather, linen, suede, velvet, nappa, leather, among others.

Therefore, before cleaning, it is necessary to know exactly what type of material the sofa is. It is also important to check the label on the bottom of the couch for the cleaning instruction symbols:

A label with the symbol P means normal dry cleaning process. This type of washing can be done through dry cleaning cloths that are sold in supermarkets. Vacuum the sofa and wipe the surface.
The symbol W stands for normal wet cleaning process, which is the most common form of cleaning using water and specific products such as detergent.
The letter F on the instruction label means professional dry cleaning. In such cases the recommendation is not to proceed with cleaning at home and seek a specialized company.
The letter O means wash in cold water.

How to clean sofa at home and keep it clean longer

Personal Organizer Adriani Gonçalves always recommends starting cleaning by vacuuming the sofa or using a soft bristle brush to remove dust and dirt on it.

Fabric, linen and velvet: According to the expert, a very useful home solution for cleaning fabric sofas is as follows: mix a liter of warm water to 1/4 of white vinegar. Dampen a clean cloth in this mixture and iron on the couch. "If there are stains harder to remove, repeat the process with a sponge more soaked in this solution and wipe dry after, letting it dry naturally," he advises. According to Adriani, the vinegar besides cleaning, removes the smell and leaves the fabric soft. Do this cleaning at least once a month.

Leather: In the case of leather, nappa or leather sofas, the orientation is only to wipe with a damp cloth with a mild soap and water solution (detergent). To conserve leather and prevent cracking Adriani's advice is to apply every three months, petroleum jelly or liquid silicone with a flannel over the sofa.

Suede: • For suede fabrics it is advisable to use only a cloth dampened with water and neutral detergent to remove the dirt. Should you brush the couch once a week with a suede brush ?, advises Personal Organizer. If any liquid falls on the fabric, it is best to dry immediately.

What to avoid when cleaning the couch

According to the guidance of Rafaela Oliveira, from the Organize Without Freshness Blog, it is not recommended to use products that contain chlorine. The use of washing powder is also not suitable for cleaning sofas. "When in doubt, use neutral liquid detergent or a specific upholstery cleaner," he advises.

How to remove stains

As it is a place of great circulation, it is common to occur some stains on the sofa. The first thing to do is to clean it immediately. This will facilitate cleaning and removal. Learn how to remove major types of stains.

Wine and Coffee: Use a paper towel to absorb as much of the spilled liquid as possible. Start at the edge toward the center to prevent the stain from spreading. Pour some sparkling water or tonic over the stain to bubble and rise to the surface. Then wipe again with the paper towel, avoiding rubbing. Repeat if necessary. Another option is to ice the stain and dry it.

Soda: To remove the stain it is recommended to apply colorless liquid detergent and water.

Pen: moisten a sponge in the white alcohol vinegar and apply on the pen scratch by rubbing with the soft part of the sponge until the stain comes off.Another option is to wipe the stain with a wet cloth with makeup remover (makeup remover).

Fat: To remove grease and food stains, follow Adriani's steps: neutral soap and water (1 cup of warm water per 1/4 neutral dish soap), foam this mixture and rub the stain with a sponge, let it work. For 15 minutes, remove with a cloth or paper towel, always from the outside in. Wipe dry and allow to dry.

Lipstick: "Pass alcohol on the spot and take the excess with paper towels," advises Adriani.

Helpful Tips and Tricks for Caring for Your Sofa

In addition to home-made products, you can also use sofa products;
Wet wipes are great allies in cleaning the couch;
To keep the upholstery clean longer avoid eating on the couch;
To avoid staining cups, place tables near the sofa or brackets that can be left on the armrest;
Sprinkling baking soda over the couch and letting it sit for 30 minutes helps in cleaning and eliminating odors. This technique is ideal for people who have pets at home and are allergic;
Steam sanitizers are great options for cleaning upholstery;
Waterproofing upholstery is a very useful method for its conservation. Although the investment is not low, the result is satisfactory, especially for those with children at home.

How often should I clean the couch?

Adriani Gonçalves advises that the basic cleaning is done weekly. This way dust, hair and moisture will not accumulate on the couch. When spilling any kind of liquid onto the upholstery, it is best to immediately wipe it with a dry cloth.

In the case of heavy cleaning, it is recommended to perform it within one year and if possible hire a specialized company, it is worth the investment.