Do you know how to clean a fabric sofa? Well, this week we're tackling sofa care!
There are several methods and products for cleaning a fabric sofa. Whether it’s made from woven fabrics, thick wool, cotton or even linen, steam cleaning is ideal for disinfecting, freshening up and smoothing out your sofa!
In this article, we help you to discover these methods, as well as the best equipment for fabric sofa maintenance. SteamOne is delighted to help you find the best technique for disinfecting your fabric sofas.
How do I clean a fabric sofa?
Pre-cleaning
To begin with, if there are any stains – or even just to freshen up your sofa –, use some fuller’s earth. It's easy to find online, or in your local organic or natural foods shop.
What is fuller’s earth? It is a fluid clay. It is a 100% natural detergent that can be used to care for all textiles, and it’s healthy for humans and non-toxic for the environment.
Deep cleaning
Start by removing any damp stains with absorbent paper or a clean cloth. Then sprinkle the fuller’s earth generously over your sofa or armchair’s small, stubborn stains. Leave it to work for a few hours, or even overnight.
When each stain is dry, rub it gently to remove the excess fuller’s earth, then use your vacuum to remove the residue. Next, use a steamer.
Here are the steps for steam cleaning textiles:
- Pull the textile towards you
- Touch the sofa fabric with the steam head
- Steam to clean and smooth out creases!
Washing a fabric sofa with the SteamOne steamer is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Goodbye dust, bacteria and dust mites! Your sofa is now clean and wrinkle-free, so you can really make the most of it.
Sofas with removable covers
There are different models of sofa, including convertible sofas, for example. Some also have removable covers. If the cover can be removed, follow the instructions on the label to clean it. Otherwise, use the methods below to give your sofa a thorough clean.
How do I disinfect a fabric sofa thoroughly?
Below you’ll find some key maintenance methods to help disinfect a fabric sofa: find out which method works best for you.
Washing a fabric sofa with water
To find out how to clean your fabric sofa with water, you need to be familiar with the fabric you plan to clean. Some textiles react differently to cleaning products and other household items such as white vinegar and washing-up liquid.
Always use a clean cloth, damp sponge and soft brush to test your mixture on the back of the sofa. Clean a small area and check how the fabric reacts. If everything looks good, use a tablespoon of your product in a mixture of water and proceed to clean your sofa. Leave it to dry for several hours before enjoying it again.
How to dry clean your fabric sofa
The most common method of cleaning a fabric sofa is vacuuming. Although vacuuming removes dust and some dust mites, it is not enough to disinfect sofa fabric, nor will it remove stains. A hoover is useful from time to time for a quick clean, but nothing more.
Steam cleaning a sofa
How does a steamer clean upholstery and household linen? The water in the removable tank of your steamer is heated by the boiler to a temperature of 100 degrees before being transformed into steam.
This warm, gentle steam cleans upholstery without damaging it, and even has an anti-odour effect. Plus, it's natural and better for your health and the environment. No need for chemicals!
Pull, touch, steam!
How do you remove unpleasant smells from a sofa?
The best method for removing odours from a fabric sofa is steam cleaning, as this is the main technique for deep cleaning. Although cleaning with water can help, it's the warm, gentle steam from a steamer that is most effective for odour removal.
How do I protect and care for my fabric sofa?
To maintain and protect your fabric sofa, we recommend that you vacuum its surface at least twice a month. This will reduce the risk of dust becoming embedded in your fabric. If you have pets, the suggested frequency is once a week, to avoid odours or too much hair accumulating in the fabric.
This should be accompanied by a thorough wash with water or steam every 10-12 weeks. Of course, this drops to 8-10 weeks for people with a small, furry creature at home.
For more information on how to clean a fabric sofa or to find out about our SteamOne steamer, get in touch. A member of our team is waiting to take your call and give you all the information you need!