How to Clean and Care for Your Fabric Sofas

Your sofa is not only a comfortable place to relax and unwind but also a significant investment that deserves proper care and attention. With regular cleaning and maintenance, you can preserve your sofa's beauty, extend its lifespan, and keep it looking fresh and inviting.

However, this can be challenging, as you might not know the best way to go about it, especially now that you own fabric sofas.

The good news is you can clean and care for your fabric sofas yourself.

Here is a comprehensive guide with valuable insights for cleaning and caring for your sofa.

How to Care for Your Couch

1. Read the Manufacturer's Instructions

The first and most crucial step after getting a couch is reading the manufacturer's instructions. Before diving into any cleaning process, endeavor to familiarize yourself with the manufacturer's instructions.

These guidelines provide specific information about the recommended cleaning methods and potential limitations to avoid damaging the sofa.

For example, every CHITA furniture piece comes with specific guidelines and instructions best suited for each couch material to prolong the lifespan and prevent irreversible damage to the furniture.

 

2. Understand Fabric Cleaning Codes

Do you wonder which cleaning method is best for fabric sofas? Thankfully, there is a way your sofa's manufacturer tells you the best way to clean your fabric sofa, which is usually through small tags attached to the sofa.

Some sofa manufacturers add tiny little tags to their products, indicating the right maintenance and cleaning approach.

This tag can be found in various locations depending on the brand, such as the back of the couch, armrest, or sofa platform (the hard surface where the cushions are placed).

Some of the codes you can find on your fabric couch are:

• . "W"- stands for Water: This indicates you are good to go with cleaning the couch with a water-based cleaner.
• "S"-stands for solvent: A couch with this code indicates a couch that requires dry cleaning only or cleaning with solvent. For example, the Delaney 4-piece modular sofa chaise has the cleaning code "S." It can only be dry-cleaned and can't be tumble-dried or bleached.
• "S/W"- stands for solvent + water: It indicates the couch can be cleaned with a mixture of solvents and water.
• "X"- stands for Vacuum: It indicates a delicate couch that can only be cleaned by vacuum.

3. Regular Vacuuming

Regular vacuuming is essential to remove loose dirt, dust, and crumbs from your sofa. Use the soft brush head attachment of the vacuum to gently clean all surfaces, including crevices, and beneath the cushions.

Vacuuming helps prevent the accumulation of debris, maintaining the overall cleanliness and hygiene of your sofa. And always avoid vacuuming with the main head as this may gradually cause wear on your cloud sofa.

4. Spot Cleaning

Accidents are always bound to happen; spills can stain your sofa in the blink of an eye. And the golden rule to tackle these mishaps when it happens is to act quickly.

Firstly, start by blotting the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb as much liquid as possible. Avoid rubbing the stain, as it can push it deeper into the fabric.

Use appropriate cleaning solutions or mild soaps formulated explicitly for upholstery cleaning. And always make sure to test any cleaning product on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the stain.

With both the Kenna Modular 4-piece Sofa- Chaise Sectional and the Delaney 4-piece Modular sofa chaise, non-removable stains can be removed simply by blotting and spot cleaning the area immediately with a clean, absorbent cloth and a water-free stain remover.

 

5. Deep Cleaning Fabric Sofas

Deep cleaning is recommended for fabric sofas every 12-18 months or more frequently if needed.

You can use a steam cleaner or hire professional upholstery cleaning services for a thorough and effective cleaning. Ensure the sofa is thoroughly dried after steam cleaning to prevent mold or mildew growth.

We talk more about the best cleaning approach for fabric sofas in the concluding part of this guide.

6. Cushion Care

Cushions and pillows may show signs of wear after consistent use. To avoid this, regularly rotate and fluff your sofa cushions to distribute wear and maintain their shape.

This simple practice prevents uneven sagging and prolongs the life of your cushions. And if your cushions have removable covers, check the care label for washing instructions and clean them accordingly.

Removable cover design for Delaney&Kenna Sofa Collection

 

7. Sunlight Protection

Before placing your sofas at different locations, remember that not all sofas are sun-proof. Direct sunlight can cause fading and discoloration of your sofa's upholstery.

Position your sofa away from direct sunlight or use curtains or blinds to block the harsh rays. However, if your sofa is exposed to sunlight, consider using UV-protective sprays or covers to minimize the potential damage.

Related: How to mix and match wood and fabric to create a cohesive look

 

8. Pet-Friendly Strategies

If you have pets, you need extra precautions to keep your sofa clean.

Place washable covers or throws over the sofa to protect it from fur, stains, and scratches. Regularly groom your pets to minimize shedding, and consider training them to stay off the furniture if necessary.

However, our Kenna Collection, Esme Collection, Delaney Collection fabric sofas are easy to clean when pets drop hair on them. With a lint roller, you can easily remove pet hair from these fabric sofas.

 

Cleaning Steps for Fabric Couches

Items Needed:

• Vinegar or Baking soda
• A piece of cloth
• Water
• Scrubbing brush
• Vacuum

Step-By-Step Process:

• Use the scrubbing brush to remove any dirt that might have stuck on the fabric
• Vacuum the couch extensively
• Sprinkle the baking soda or vinegar and work it in with a scrubbing brush all over the couch to eliminate the odors and stains
• Let the baking soda or vinegar sit in for a long time, which can be overnight
• By the following day, the soda would have absorbed the stain or odor on your fabric couch. You can now proceed to use a vacuum to remove the baking soda
• Lastly, use a cloth to clean off any remaining sofa and air dry the couch

Conclusion

Cleaning your sofas is a requirement to ensure that your pieces serve you for many years to come. This piece has provided you with the best method to clean and care for your fabric sofa.

Following the cleaning and care practices in this guide lets you keep your sofa in optimal condition for years.

Remember, prevention is key. Hence, encourage family members and guests to treat your sofa with care.

Are you planning to get the best sofa for your home but don't know where to get started? Chita Living is your go-to.

Whether you are looking for cloud sofas or cloud sofa alternatives to shop for your living room, our pieces at Chita Living are made with premium materials. Plus, our fabric sofas are best built to support weather and prolonged use.

Check our sofa collection for different designs of sofas with easy cleaning methods.