Method 3: Cleaning a fabric sofa with vinegar and water

The vinegar and water method is a natural and mild way for cleaning fabric sofas, and also helps dissipate odours.

You will need:

• Equal parts white vinegar and water

• Spray bottle

• Clean cloths

Method:

1. Mix the vinegar and water in the spray bottle.

2. Lightly mist the fabric sofa surface. But do not saturate.

3. Gently blot with a clean cloth.

4. Allow to air dry. The vinegar smell will dissipate as it dries, taking the odours with it.

Method 4: How to clean fabric sofas with a solvent-based solution

Cleaning fabric sofas with a solvent-based solution should be reserved for "S" and "WS" coded fabric.

You will need:

• A specific solvent-based upholstery cleaner

• Clean white microfibre cloths

Method:

1. Read and follow the instructions on the solvent cleaner product.

2. Apply a small amount of the cleaner to a clean white cloth.

3. Gently blot the stained or soiled area. Do not over-saturate.

4. Use a clean, dry part of the cloth to blot up any residue.

5. Allow to air dry completely by ensuring good ventilation.

Method 5: How to clean a fabric sofa with baking soda 

Baking soda is a fantastic cleaning method for odour absorption and mild stains.

You will need:

• Baking soda

• Vacuum cleaner

Method:

1. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda evenly over the entire sofa, or specifically on areas with odours or mild stains.

2. Let it sit for at least 20-30 minutes, or even a few hours/overnight for strong odours.

3. Vacuum the baking soda thoroughly to help absorb smells, oils and surface grime.

Method 6: How to steam clean a fabric sofa 

Steam cleaning can be a great way to deep clean, kill dust mites, and refresh fabric, but use it with caution and only if your fabric type allows it, with codes listed as "W" or "WS".

You will need:

• Garment or upholstery steamer

• Clean microfibre cloths

• Vacuum

Method:

1. Vacuum the sofa thoroughly first.

2. If using an upholstery steam cleaner, fill it with distilled water to prevent mineral buildup.

3. Hold the steamer nozzle a few inches from the fabric and move it slowly across the surface. Do not saturate the fabric.

4. If your steamer has an attachment that collects moisture/dirt, empty it as needed.

5. For a deeper clean, some steam cleaners allow for gentle scrubbing with a brush attachment.

6. Ensure good ventilation and allow the fabric sofa to air dry completely. Place fans around your sofa to speed up drying.

7. Once dry, vacuum again to lift the pile and remove loose debris. 

Method 7: Professional cleaning

For very stubborn stains, heavily soiled sofas, delicate fabrics (particularly those labelled "S" or "X") or if you're unsure how to clean your fabric sofa at home, hiring a professional upholstery cleaner is the safest and most effective option. They will have specialised equipment and knowledge to clean your sofa without damage. 

How to clean fabric sofa stains

Now that you know how best to clean a fabric sofa, let's look at how to clean fabric sofa stains at home. Cleaning fabric sofa stains can be a pain! Especially if left to set into the fabric. In this next section, we'll tell you all our tips and tricks on how to clean stains on sofa fabric.

The key thing you need to know before trying to clean a stain on a fabric sofa is to act fast, always check the care label, and don't rub!

Stain 1: Drinks stains & non-greasy food

For stains like coffee, tea, juice, wine, fizzy drinks, mud or non-greasy foods, we recommend you follow these cleaning methods:

• Blot as much of the liquid as possible immediately with a clean, dry cloth. For solids like mud, let them dry first, then gently scrape off excess before vacuuming.

• Use cleaning method 1: mild soap solution.

• Method 2: A portable upholstery cleaner.

• Method 3: Vinegar solution.

• Method 5: Baking soda solution: For dried stains like dried tea or coffee, make a paste with baking soda and a tiny bit of water. Apply to the stain, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then gently scrape off and vacuum. Follow with a mild soap solution if needed.

Stain 2: Urine/ Pet stains & odours

• For pet urine, press firmly and blot as much up as possible with old towels or paper towels. You can even stand on it if necessary.

• Use method 5. Liberally sprinkle baking soda to absorb moisture and odours and leave for several hours or overnight. Then vacuum the baking soda thoroughly.

• Alternatively, you can also try an enzymatic cleaner, particularly for pet odour, for lingering odours or set-in stains. It will break down the urine protein that causes the odour. Always follow the product instructions.

• You can also try method 2, the portable upholstery spot cleaner, to flush and extract the urine. 

Stain 3: Blood

For blood stains, act fast and only use cold water, as hot water sets in the stain.

• Dampen a clean cloth with cold water and blot the stain repeatedly.

• If this doesn't work, mix 1 tablespoon of salt with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a paste and apply to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, and gently blot/scrape away.

• If this doesn't work, use hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) on a clean cloth. Dab sparingly, as it can bleach some fabrics, so always do a test first. Blot with fresh cold water to rinse.

Stain 4: Oil & grease stains

For oily and greasy stains from food, lotions, lipsticks, and crayons, follow these recommendations.

• Carefully scrape off any excess solid grease with a dull knife or credit card.

• Use method 5 and baking soda to absorb the grease. You can also try cornstarch or talcum powder. Sprinkle generously and let it sit for at least 15-30 minutes or longer. Vacuum up the powder.

• If the stain persists, use method 1. Gently blot with a clean cloth dampened with a mild dish soap solution (the degreasing properties of dish soap are excellent here). Then blot with a fresh damp cloth to rinse and blot dry.

Stain 5: Ink

To get ink out of a fabric sofa, dab with rubbing alcohol applied to a clean cloth. Blot don't rub, as ink can spread easily. Continue blotting with fresh sections of the cloth until the ink is gone. Blot with a fresh damp cloth to rinse, then blot dry. Be aware that alcohol can damage some synthetic fabrics or strip dyes, so test thoroughly first. 

Stain 6: Nail polish

To remove nail polish stains, use non-acetone nail polish remover on a clean cloth. Dab gently, but never rub. Blot with a fresh damp cloth to rinse, then blot dry. Be aware that even non-aetone nail polish remover can still damage some fabrics, so always do a test first. 

Stain 7: Chewing gum

• Get chewing gum out of your fabric carpet using ice cubes. Place them in a plastic bag and hold them over the chewing gum until it freezes and hardens (about 5-10 minutes). Once frozen solid, carefully scrape the gum off with a dull knife, spoon, or credit card.

• If any residue remains, blot with a clean cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol.

Easy-to-clean sofa fabrics

In busy households, especially those with pets and children, stains and spills are sometimes inevitable. So, when choosing your fabric sofa, set yourself up for success by choosing an easy-clean sofa fabric. Aim for something that has a natural resistance to spills and dirt, or something that is designed to be easily cleaned. Here are some examples of the best easy-to-clean sofa fabrics.

1. Microfibre

As a synthetic fabric, microfibre is made of incredibly fine, tightly woven fibres. The tight weave acts as a barrier to liquids, preventing stains from setting in. Instead, spills will bead on the surface, making them easier to blot away or wipe away with a damp cloth and mild soap. It's also safe to use water-based solutions with microfibre sofas.

2. Polyester (and blends)

Polyester is also a durable synthetic fibre resistant to staining, due to the less absorbent fibres. Polyester sofas are easy to clean with water-based solutions and are designed for easy care.

3. Olefin (polypropylene)

Made from plastic pellets spun into yarn, olefin is naturally water-resistant and highly durable. You can quickly dab most stains away with water and mild detergent.

4. Performance fabrics (e.g. Crypton, Revolution, Sunbrella)

These are specially engineered fabrics with advanced stain, odour, and moisture-resistant technologies. They often have a barrier that prevents liquids from soaking into the fabric, causing them to bead on the surface. Get peace of mind with these fabrics that are designed to be easy to clean with water and a clean cloth. 

5. Treated velvet

Get the same luxurious feel of traditional velvet but without the delicate fabric. Modern "performance velvets" are often treated with stain-resistant finishes. The short, dense pile also helps resist stains. Spills can easily be blotted away, and regular vacuuming also helps maintain the pile and remove dust.

In general, if you're looking for an easy-to-clean sofa fabric, look out for dense fabrics and tight weaves, synthetic fibres, sofas with stain-resistant treatments or ones with a smooth surface. Avoid fabrics like silk, viscose (rayon), untreated cotton, linen, velvet and other untreated microfibres. These are more difficult to clean due to their high absorbency, textured weaves and delicate nature that require specific solvents. Lastly, if you have a busy household, avoid purchasing a light-coloured sofa like white, cream or grey. 

How to deep clean a fabric sofa

If there aren't any particular stains on your fabric sofa, but you feel it could do with a deep clean or refresh, we've included some recommendations below. These go beyond regular vacuuming and spot treatments, and aim to help you remove embedded dirt, allergens, odours and help refresh the overall appearance of your fabric sofa. And as always, check the care label on your sofa before you begin.

1. Thoroughly vacuum & brush

Start by giving your fabric sofa a thorough vacuum. You can also use a stiff brush to agitate embedded dirt, crumbs and pet hair.

Take off all the cushions and use the stiff brush over the entire sofa, including under the cushions, in the crevices and along the seams. Then, vacuum everywhere. Use the upholstery attachment to vacuum all surfaces and the crevice attachment to get into nooks, crannies, seams and around buttons. Go over each area multiple times in multiple directions to ensure maximum dirt removal. For pet hair, rubber gloves or a pet hair brush remover can be very effective. 

2. Refresh your fabric sofa

Use cleaning method 5 above (baking soda) all over to remove odours and freshen up your fabric sofa. See method 5 for instructions on how to clean sofa fabric with baking soda.

3. Spot cleaning and pre-treatment

If you do need to spot clean any stains, follow the advice above on stain removal during the deep clean. If not, move on to the next step.

4. Deep clean your fabric sofa 

Depending on how dirty your fabric sofa is, we recommend either method 1, a manual wet clean all over, method 2, using the portable upholstery cleaner or method 6, a steam clean for all sofas labelled "W" or "WS".

For deep cleaning sofas labelled "S" or "X", we recommend using method 7, hiring a professional cleaner. 

How to clean a smelly fabric sofa

A smelly fabric sofa can be a real nuisance, whether the odour is from pets, spills, smoke, or a general mustiness. The key to getting rid of the smell for good is not just to mask it, but to neutralise and remove the source of the odour.

First, identify the source, whether that be a particular area or cushion and look for stains as clues.

• First, try to deodorise the fabric sofa using method 5 (baking soda).

• Or, you can try method 3 and neutralise the odour with a vinegar spray.

• For pet and organic stains, try using an Enzymatic cleaner to break down the odour-causing proteins.

• If you can't find an exact location or the smell is deeply embedded, you can try the deep clean method (see above).

• There's nothing like the natural deodorising properties or air and sunlight. Sunlight's UV rays are a natural sanitiser and can help break down odour-causing bacteria. Take your cushions or whole sofa outside on a sunny day and let them sit for several hours, flipping them halfway through. However, be careful with prolonged exposure and coloured cushions as the sun can discolour fabric and cause fading.

• For delicate fabric sofas or if you're tired of everything and the smell persists, we recommend hiring a professional cleaner to help lift any bad odours. 

Best way to clean fabric sofa arms

Sofa arms are a high-contact area and may need more regular cleaning than the rest of the sofa. Here our our top tips on how to clean fabric sofa arms.

• If there are particular stains, for example, a buildup of grease from hands, clean the stain accordingly, using the appropriate stain removal method from above.

• For deeper cleaning, follow the deep cleaning advice above, including the manual or portable upholstery cleaner methods. Use method 5 (baking soda) to deodorise, lift odours and remove grease when cleaning fabric sofa arms.  

How to clean fabric sofa cushions

You might think that fabric sofa cushion covers are the easiest part to clean. However, it depends on the type of fabric, the sofa care label, and whether they are removable.

How to clean removal fabric sofa cushion covers

If the cushion covers are removal, cleaning them is easy. Just follow the steps below.

Washing machine method

1. First, vacuum them thoroughly.

2. Check for any stains and pre-treat them with the appropriate stain remover method from the options above.

3. Unzip and remove the covers from the cushion inserts.

4. Read the washing instructions. Read these carefully, but in most cases, it will recommend a cold, gentle cycle to prevent shrinking or fading.

5. Wash the cushion covers on a gentle washing machine cycle, ideally on their own or with other similar fabrics, using gentle detergent.

6. Air dry only. Never use a tumble drier to dry fabric cushions as the heat can cause the cushions to shrink. Hang them out to air dry or let them dry flat. You can place them back on the inserts while they are slightly damp to help them conform to the shape without shrinking. 

Hand-washing method

If the fabric cushions are hand-wash only, very delicate, or you're concerned about shrinkage in the washing machine, follow this hand-wash method.

1. Pre-clean and pre-treat as above.

2. Soak your cushions in a clean bath or large sink with cool water and a small amount of mild detergent. Immerse the covers and let them soak for a few hours.

3. Agitate them gently to loosen dirt. Avoid aggressive scrubbing.

4. Drain the soapy water and rinse the covers thoroughly with fresh, cool water until the soap has gone.

5. Squeeze our excess water gently, don't wring them, and let them air dry.

How to clean a fabric sofa without removable covers

However, if your cushion covers aren't removable, simply use any of the cleaning methods already listed.

• Use method 5, the baking soda method, for deodorising and freshening.

• Methods 1 and 2 for manual spot and deep cleaning.

• Method 6 (steam cleaning) is also perfect for cleaning a fabric sofa with non-removable covers.

What about the cushion inserts?

Depending on whether you have foam or feather cushion inserts, follow these tips.

• Feather down inserts: If your down cushion covers are removable, you can hang the inserts outside on a dry, sunny day for a few hours. Sunlight is a natural sanitiser and deodoriser. Fluff them up regularly.

• Foam inserts: If your foam cushion covers are removable, you can vacuum the foam to remove dust. For odour, you can use the baking soda method. For spills, you can blot with a damp cloth and then stand the foam on its side to dry completely. A spot cleaner can be used carefully on foam inserts for a deep clean, but ensure they are completely dry before putting the covers back on.

How to clean a fabric Chesterfield sofa

Cleaning a fabric Chesterfield sofa requires a gentle, meticulous approach due to its unique design. Their deep button tufting and pleats are notorious for trapping dirt and dust.

Follow all the other cleaning methods as you would a regular fabric sofa. However, when it comes to the vacuuming stage, use the soft brush attachment to go over every surface and dislodge dirt in the button tufting and pleats. Then use the crevice tool to get into all the pleats and around buttons.

If your Chesterfield sofa is made of velvet or a similar delicate fabric, always vacuum in the direction of the nap to avoid damaging the pile. 

How to keep a fabric sofa clean

Keeping a fabric sofa clean is much easier with a proactive approach. If you want to avoid cleaning difficult stains from your fabric sofa or a tiresome deep clean, here are our top 5 tips to include in your regular cleaning routine and good habits to keep your fabric sofa as clean as possible.

1. Vacuum your fabric sofa regularly, at least once a week or more if you have pets or children, to prevent dirt from getting embedded.

2. The golden rule: Address spills immediately to prevent them from becoming a permanent stain.

3. Check your sofa care label and learn how to care for your fabric sofa.

4. Use removable and washable blankets, throws or slip covers to protect your sofa.

5. Keep pets off your fabric sofa to prevent pet hair, oil and dander buildup. Or let them sit on a washable blanket in a designated spot.

Final thoughts

Now you know how to clean a fabric sofa, whether it be a deep clean to minimise odours or spot clean to lift a troublesome stain. Whatever type of fabric sofa you have, simply refer to this guide for the best way to clean sofa fabric. From tips on cushion machine washing to hand-washing, as well as tips to help keep on top of your fabric sofa cleaning, consider this your ultimate go-to guide for how to clean your fabric sofa.

Fabric sofas at Furniture Instore

If your fabric sofa is really beyond help, it might be time to search for a new one. At Furniture In store, we offer a range of affordable and easy-to-clean fabric sofas in a range of colours. So shop now and find your dream sofa today!

Shop Fabric Sofas