How Often to Clean Your Sofa?

Sofas offer a comfortable spot to relax and relieve some of the day’s aches. However, nothing is more discomforting like a dirty sofa. There are various little things you can do to keep your sofas and upholstery clean and tidy. Occasional cleaning by a certified professional is also highly recommendable.

Before cleaning your sofa, however, there are a few things you should consider. The three main aspects include;

The material used for upholstery

Sofa upholstery and covers are made of different materials ranging from cotton, velvet and synthetic fibers to delicate tencel and viscose. You can also find blended fibers. Each material requires a different approach in cleaning so it is important to determine how delicate your sofa is and what procedures and cleaning agents it can withstand.

Manufacturer cleaning guide

Most sofas come with a manufacturer’s cleaning guide that specifies how to vacuum, remove stains, spills and/or clean. It is recommendable to take some time and read the label before using any detergent on your favorite sofa.

Cleaning agents and procedures

Hot water extraction can be used on cotton and synthetic fiber sofas. However, this procedure is not recommendable for delicate fibers like tinsel. You should, therefore, look up the ideal cleaning procedure in your manufacturer’s guide or determine it based on the material used. Choose soft cleaning agents and shampoos to avoid damaging the fibers, threads, and patterns in your sofa.

When to clean your sofa

The frequency with which you clean your sofa is influenced by a myriad of factors including how many children and pets you have, how dusty your town/residence is and how fast the material gathers dust/dirt. Routine dusting and vacuuming will help you remove daily dirt, crumbs and dust. You also need professional sofa cleaning every few months to return your sofa’s original glamour. Below are a few tips on how often you should clean your sofa.

a) Clean out spills immediately – spills can quickly penetrate and tarnish your sofa so it is recommendable to clean them out immediately. Follow the manufacturer’s instruction to quickly blot any spill before it dries out. If it leaves a spot, check the fabric label to determine the safety of using warm water and various cleaning agents.

b) Vacuum weekly – dust, bread crumbs, pet hair and debris can quickly accumulate between the seams and crevices in your sofa. To pick them up, simply use a regular vacuum with upholstery attachments. You can vacuum on a weekly basis to ensure your sofa remains clean and free of dust, crumbs and other small solid particles.

c) Treat stains before they become permanent – stains from organic sources such as mustard, butter, coffee and food can be removed using locally available stain removers like hydrogen peroxide and water. If your sofa is made of antique fabric or silk, contract a professional cleaner. They have the right tools, agents and procedures required to restore your sofa’s appeal without damaging its fabric.

d) Call in a pro cleaner ever 1-2 years – it is recommendable to hire certified professional upholstery cleaner every 12-24 months. Daily and weekly cleaning will keep your sofa clean and hospitable. However, you need professional cleaning to root out any tough spills, spots and changes in color.

Sofas and household upholstery require maintenance in the form of regular cleaning to keep them looking great in your living room. Most cleaning tasks are DIYs, but if you do not have the time, you can still hire pro cleaners. Make sure you contract credible licensed professionals for the work. You can always look through customer reviews to determine if the company is trustworthy and reliable enough to clean your sofa.