Due to the high prices of dry cleaning services, many people cannot afford professional help. While sometimes it is necessary, even the most difficult stains can be removed at home without spending a lot of money. In this article, we will offer you tips on how to clean a sofa at home that will help keep your budget safe.
Removing dust from a sofa
The first step in caring for your sofa is dust removal. This step is important even if the focus is on localized dirt. The sofa cleaning process requires a comprehensive approach, and ignoring fine dust can make it difficult to achieve the perfect result. Depending on the material of the sofa, one of two methods is chosen for effective dust removal.
A vacuum cleaner is a great helper when it comes to removing dust from lint-free fabrics such as jacquard or chenille. This method will effectively remove dust and hair using regular household equipment. If you do not have a special brush attachment, cleaning may be less thorough. Particular attention should be paid to joints and seams. You can also use a steam generator to combat hair, which copes well with this task.
A vacuum cleaner may not be effective enough to clean napped fabrics. In this case, it is better to use a beater. Before you start, cover the furniture with an old sheet. Be sure to soak the sheet in soapy water or water, and wring it out well. Covering the sofa in this way will prevent dust from spreading into the air, since all the dirt will settle on the sheet.
How to Remove Stains: Effective Methods and Tips
Each stain has its own characteristics and requires a special approach to removal. Blood, juice and other stains require different solutions. We have collected information about the most common types of stains for you and offered proven methods for their removal.
- Coffee and tea
To remove coffee and tea stains, mix ½ teaspoon of ammonia with 2 teaspoons of glycerin. Apply the resulting mixture to the stained area with a cotton pad and wipe gently. Then use a foam sponge and a damp cloth for final cleaning.
- Blood
Fresh blood stains should be blotted with cold water. If the stain has already dried, apply an ice cube, leaving it on the dirty surface for 10 minutes. Then treat the stain with a vinegar solution prepared from 2 tablespoons of 9% vinegar per 1 liter of water. Apply the solution to the stain for 10 minutes and treat the surface with a foam sponge.
- Wine
If wine is spilled, immediately blot the stain with a paper towel and sprinkle it with salt. After the salt has absorbed the wine, shake it off and wipe the area with a sponge soaked in ethyl alcohol. Finish cleaning with a foam sponge and remove the remains with a dry cloth.
- Urine
Fresh urine stains should first be blotted with a napkin, then the furniture should be dried with a hair dryer. For colored upholstery, use a vinegar solution (9% vinegar in a ratio of 1:5 with water). For white upholstery, it is better to use a citric acid solution (1 part citric acid to 10 parts water). Soak the stain for an hour, then rinse with a soap solution and dry.
- Fat
To remove fresh grease stains, sprinkle them with salt and leave for 5 minutes. Then apply dishwashing detergent foam and leave for 15 minutes. After that, wipe the surface with a damp cloth and paper towel.
- Ink
To remove ink stains, soak a cotton pad in ethyl alcohol, ammonia or acetone and gently wipe the stain until the stain disappears. Then go over the area with a damp cloth and dry it with a paper towel.
- Chewing gum
If there is chewing gum left on the sofa, first freeze it to harden it. Then carefully scrape it off the surface. If this leaves a noticeable stain, wipe it with ethyl alcohol.
- Wax
Wax removal is only possible after it has hardened. First, carefully break the wax, then scrape off the remains. For final cleaning, place a sheet of paper on the wax remains and iron it several times.
- Juice
To remove juice stains, mix ammonia and 9% vinegar in equal proportions. Apply the resulting mixture to the stained area and leave for 5 minutes. Then wipe the surface with a damp cloth.
- Beer
If you have a beer stain, use a simple method: wet the stained area, apply soap to it and clean it with a sponge. Leave the soap suds for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
- Other types of stains
For other stains, use a non-abrasive foam detergent, such as dish soap, or a specialized cleaner like Vanish. Leave the foam on the stain for 15 minutes, then wipe with a damp cloth.
Keep in mind that the effectiveness of each method depends on how long ago the stain appeared. You may need to repeat some procedures several times to achieve the desired effect. Now, with this knowledge, you can effectively clean a sofa at home and get rid of the most common stains.
How to restore the brightness of upholstery
Over time, upholstery can lose its original richness and become dull. In such cases, a vacuum cleaner can help refresh the appearance of the furniture, but for a deeper cleaning, washing is often required. The most effective means for this are shampoo and water, although sometimes vinegar can be used. Vodka is also suitable for microfiber. To make the application easier, it is recommended to use a spray bottle. If your sofa has a napped surface, do not forget to go over it with a medium-hard brush after washing. This will help restore the color and straighten the fibers.
How to get rid of bad smell on the sofa
Odors on upholstered furniture can be just as annoying as stains. Here are some effective ways to restore your sofa's freshness and pleasant aroma.
- Baking soda works well to neutralize odors on a sofa. Just sprinkle it on the surface and leave it for an hour. Then remove the remaining powder with a vacuum cleaner. This method is safe for light fabrics and leaves no residue.
- For colored sofas, you can use mixtures with vinegar, lemon juice, potassium permanganate, soap and ammonia. Mix these ingredients with water in equal proportions, apply the composition to the surface with a sponge and leave the furniture to air out. There is no need to additionally rinse the product - let the sofa dry naturally.
- A vertical steamer is also effective. Steam helps eliminate microscopic insects and bacteria, and removes odors. After steaming, allow the furniture time to dry naturally.
Choose a method that suits the type and color of your sofa upholstery to achieve the best results.
Cleaning methods that are not suitable for leather furniture
When caring for leather upholstery, avoid using alcohol, vinegar, or any wipes containing these substances. They can draw moisture out of the leather and cause cracks. Turpentine, stain removers, and solvents are also not recommended. Avoid using large amounts of water, as it can damage natural leather.
Do not use shoe polishes when caring for leather furniture. They are not intended for use on furniture and may worsen its condition.
After cleaning the skin, do not use hair dryers or other heating devices to dry it. It is best to allow the skin to dry naturally.
