Fabric sofas are incredibly popular around the globe and are usually available from a number of furniture companies. The reason why fabric sofas are still so popular is because they are really light on the eyes and they can easily go with a range of other furniture items. More importantly, fabric sofas are a bit less expensive.
When you compare the price of a fabric sofa with one that has a leather upholstery on it, you will realize that there is a significant difference.
Moreover, you can easily compare and contrast the fabric sofa with other furniture pieces in your home. However, that’s not to say that the fabric sofas don’t have any drawbacks.
For starters, the biggest problem that you are going to face with a fabric sofa is the fact that they are difficult to clean. In case you stain the fabric, you will find yourself rubbing on the fabric with the hope of getting it out.
In most cases, you will only end up spreading the stain further and causing more damage to the sofa itself.
In case the moisture seeps its way under the fabric, it could also cause long-term damage to the cushioning. This is perhaps the biggest issue that you are going to face with a fabric sofa. Cleaning them is not going to be easy by any means, and you are going to have your work cut out for you.
A lot of people make mistakes when cleaning fabric sofas and other upholstered furniture. If you have kids in the house, you should know that it is only a matter of time before the fabric is stained. You need to have proper cleaning tools handy if you want to get the job done and quickly remove the stains.
A common problem that many people face when it comes to cleaning a fabric sofa is that they are not sure how to clean the stain without using water.
When you think of removing a stain from any surface, the first requirement is always water. But, the issue is slightly different when it comes to cleaning a fabric sofa.
For starters, using too much water, if any, at all, could cause long-term damage to the cushioning. The excessive moisture could affect the pillars and the wooden sofa frame, and this could eventually damage the sofa beyond all means of repair.
Therefore, the first thing you should know about cleaning a fabric sofa is that the use of water is not recommended.
If you can see a label that says “dry clean only” or “professional cleaning only,” it might be a wise idea on your part to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. If your fabric sofa is under warranty, the best thing to do is call the company and find out what they have to say regarding the cleaning process.
If not, you might want to search for a local company that offers professional furniture cleaning in your area and set up an appointment with them. Many people spend a considerable amount of money on their furniture, and the last thing that you would want is for the fabric to get ruined completely because you were not careful.
It’s best not to take chances, especially if you have the money to get the sofa professionally cleaned. However, if there isn’t a local cleaning company in your area and you are left to your own devices, it might be a wise idea to follow the tips given below to clean your fabric sofa without using any water.
Prepping the Couch
The first thing to do is check the manufacturer’s instructions. They will answer a lot of questions for you and make it easy for you to determine the best method for cleaning the couch. For instance, if there is a mark that says “W,” you can effectively clean your fabric sofa with water.
On the other hand, if it says “WS,” the sofa can be cleaned using a solvent-based cleaner or you can use a bit of water. But, if it says “S” only, the use of water is strictly not allowed, and a local solvent-based cleaner won’t do the trick either. You will need to invest in a special high-quality solvent-based cleaner only.
Finally, there’s the “X” symbol on the tag, which indicates that neither solvent-based cleaners nor water is allowed. Only vacuuming is the preferred method for cleaning the fabric.
Remember, never deviate from the instructions given on the manufacturer’s tags, as you could end up permanently damaging your sofa.
But, you should know that there is a simple method that can help you clean your sofa. Baking soda, for those who didn’t know, is an incredibly useful kitchen resource that can help with cleaning. Baking soda usually deodorizes a stain on the sofa, which isn’t the same as cleaning it outright.
But, what many people fail to grasp is that when used properly and with the right supplies, baking soda can effectively get all kinds of stains out from your sofa. You will need to buy a few supplies first of all, apart from a big bag of baking soda.
For instance, you will need a few clean cloths, along with a vacuum that comes with a fabric and a brush attachment.
Most home vacuum cleaners usually have these attachments built in as well. Once you have all the supplies that you need in one place, the next step is to wipe it down. Use a clean, dry cloth and wipe the entire couch down properly to get rid of any dust remnants.
A brush with stiff bristles can also do an excellent job of getting rid of the gunk that usually settles on the fabric and refuses to get off. This is the first step for properly preparing your couch.
Once you are done wiping it off, you can then move to the next step.
Freshen It Up
Now that the couch is ready, the next step is to freshen it up properly. You need to start off by sprinkling a very thin layer of baking soda on the couch and then let it remain in place for at least 20 minutes. If you have a fan on in the room, it might be a wise idea to turn it off before you sprinkle the baking soda.
A lot of people tend to overdo this step. You need to be careful not to sprinkle more baking soda than necessary.
A thin layer is more than enough because you are just going to freshen it up and let the baking soda absorb all the scents. If you end up being too generous with the sprinkling, you are just wasting the soda anyway.
Once the time has elapsed, you can then get started with the vacuum. Fit the fabric attachment on your vacuum cleaner and then use it to get all of the baking soda removed from your couch.
If the baking soda was thin and applied with care, you don’t need to worry about any kind of damage to your vacuum cleaner either. There’s no need to add any water, sticking with the dry stuff is the best choice.
Removing the Spots
Now, as mentioned already, baking soda is a powerful deodorizer, but it doesn’t help in cleaning the spots. If you have stains on the fabric, you will want to start off by spot-cleaning them.
You can create a simple cleaning solution or buy one from the market, and then use it to spot clean different stains. Solvent-based cleaners, or even vinegar is a great choice.
It doesn’t matter what kind of cleaning solution you use, but it is very important that you test it on a small patch first. It’s best to turn the couch around and test the cleaning solution on an area that is not easily noticeable.
Spot testing is essential because there is a strong risk that you might end up causing further damage to your sofa. This way, you will always be safe.
Dry the Fabric
If you use vinegar or solvent-based cleaners, you need to make sure that you dry your sofa right away. This is very important because the moisture will probably find its way into the cushioning of the sofa.
To dry the fabric properly, you just need a couple of towels. Place them on top of the stain that you just cleaned and let the towels soak up the excessive moisture.
Finally, use a dry brush to get rid of any gunk or other things that might still be stuck on the sofa. Remember, it’s always better to be gentle when cleaning the sofa fabric, as you might end up causing irreversible damage to it. Make sure you clean it up carefully and then let it dry.
These are just a few simple ways to clean the fabric sofa without using any amount of water at all!
I have two Associate’s degrees, one in Medical Assisting and the other in Computer Technician, and I am roughly five classes from a bachelor’s degree. Though I never ended up working in the medical field, I have five and a half years of experience in IT. I recently became a stay-at-home mom to my two young boys, and I’m so excited to start this adventure with them! In my spare time, I love to bake and read pretty much anything I can get my hands on.