How to correctly clean a fabric sofa, according to experts (2024)

When buying a fabric sofa – particularly those upholstered in plain fabrics and light colours – there are usually some concerns around ease of cleaning. Indeed, fabric sofas can be temperamental and require a tailored approach to cleaning and removing stains.

There are some strict guidelines to follow – fabric sofas have cleaning codes that provide information on what sort of solutions are suitable, and you would likely be surprised to hear that you should rarely vacuum your upholstery.

Below, the experts at DFS share the step-by-step process for cleaning your fabric sofa, including how to get rid of stains and some tips for long-term care.

Stains should always be tackled straight away. "Clean up any spills or splashes immediately by gently patting them dry," says DFS. "Preventing a stain is much easier than removing one!" For more general upkeep a fabric sofa should be dusted every week, but be careful when vacuuming – it can damage certain fabrics.

Your weekly sofa clean should be a moderate one, without any cleaning solutions.

"Give your sofa a gentle dust with a soft cloth or brush to remove dust and debris, paying particular attention to anywhere dirt might collect. Don’t forget to clean under the cushions too," says DFS.

"If you do decide to vacuum, be mindful of fabric type – powerful modern vacuums can damage upholstery fabrics, and should be avoided, particularly on velvets and other deep pile fabrics, so we generally don’t recommend vacuuming your sofa."

1. Vacuum under your seats. Remove your seat cushions and vacuum the soft upholstery underneath, making sure to clear any dust or debris that collects down the sides of the arms and back – a crevice attachment is usually helpful here.
2. Dust seats, arms and back with a dry microfiber cloth. Pay particular attention to seams, creases, and buttons if you have a Chesterfield.
3. Brush to finish. Fabrics with a deep pile need to be brushed over once they’ve been cleaned. This helps to restore the pile back to its natural appearance.

The approach you use to removing stains from your fabric sofa will depend on its cleaning code, which can be found on its label.

Fabric cleaning codes in the UK

W = water based. This means your sofa can be cleaned with water-based solutions, which include gentle washing-up liquid, carpet cleaner or specialist upholstery shampoo. Cleaning products with harsh chemicals should be avoided.

S = solvent based. Typically, natural fibres like cotton, wool and linen will carry an 'S' code and can be cleaned with solvent-based solutions like rubbing alcohol, clear alcohols, and dry-cleaning solvents.

S/W = solvent or water based. Your sofa can be cleaned with both the water based and solvent solutions mentioned above.

X = can be vacuumed. Unlike the other codes that denote the correct cleaning solutions, 'X' refers to a sofa that can be vacuumed, but shouldn't be cleaned with any shop-bought solutions. This type of sofa has to be professionally cleaned.

When removing staines from sofas with the 'W' or 'S' cleaning code, your routine will be similar, but your products will differ.

1. Absorb immediately. Use a plain microfiber cloth – something patterned or coloured could transfer – and gently blot the stain to absorb.
2. Move onto a liquid cleaner. Apply a small amount of cleaning solution to a fresh microfiber cloth and continue to blot. Work from the outside of the stain in so as not to spread it further.
3. Absorb the remaining cleaning solution. With a dry microfiber cloth, blot the area one more time to remove any remaining solution
4. Allow to dry. Point a fan on the area or open nearby windows to make sure it dries completely.

Top tip: Remember to always apply upholstery cleaners (whether water or solvent based) directly to your microfiber cloth rather than onto the sofa.

Most common stains can be removed from a fabric sofa if treated quickly – "the likelihood of being able to remove a stain decreases with the length of time it is left to settle into the fabric," says DFS. But stains from bleach and nail varnish cannot be removed.

Top tip: "Never use stiff brushes, sponges, or scourers, and don’t rub spills – pat them dry instead," says DFS.

Steam cleaning has some considerable benefits – but you must check your upholstery type first. While most fabrics tolerate steam cleaning very well, something delicate like a velvet or velour can be damaged by high heat.

The benefits of steam cleaning a fabric sofa

1. Deep cleaning: The high temperatures and moisture from steam cleaning can loosen dirt and grime, lift stains and eliminate odours.
2. Sanitising: It is a really effective way to kill bacteria and germs that can live on the upholstery.
3. Free from chemicals: Steam cleaning does not require harsh chemicals, which makes it a safer and more eco-friendly way to clean your sofa.
4. Allergy relief: It can reduce allergens such as dust mites and pollen, which can provide relief to allergy sufferers and improve indoor air quality.

Fabric does require some extra consideration and care to ensure that it ages well.

• Direct sunlight can fade your upholstery, and usually does so in uneven patches. Placing your sofa out of direct sunlight will help to maintain its colour intensity.
• Don't assume that you can machine wash your sofa covers. Even removable covers might not be suitable, and washing them can affect the fire retardant coating or shrink the fabric. Instead, consider a professional deep clean every 3-5 years.