According to interior experts, the frequency of cleaning a sofa depends on factors such as material, placement, and usage intensity. However, you should still:
– Clean your sofa at home about once a month. If the sofa is used less frequently, you can clean it every 2 – 3 months.
– Use professional sofa cleaning services at least 1 – 2 times a year.
How to clean a sofa at home
Before starting the cleaning process, you need to find and read the instructions on the product tag. The symbols on the tag are usually as follows:
W = “Water”: Meaning you can clean the sofa with water.
S = “Solvent”: You need to clean the sofa with dry cleaning solvents or non-water-based cleaning solutions to avoid color fading and surface shrinkage.
WS or SW: You can use water or dry cleaning solvents to clean the sofa.
X: Professional cleaning only.
Instructions for cleaning the sofa
Cleaning leather sofas
Preparation:
Cleaning solution: Vinegar, rubbing alcohol, baking soda, isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), lemon, and cream of tartar.
Tools: Soft dry cloth, melamine foam, toothbrush.
The steps:
– Step 1: Wipe and clean the sofa with a damp cloth.
– Step 2: Use a sponge/soft cloth soaked in a suitable cleaning solution to start cleaning.
– Step 3: Use a clean cloth soaked in soap/cleaning solution to clean the legs of the sofa and the frame.
– Step 4: Let the sofa air dry and apply a polish solution (if available).
Note: When cleaning leather sofas, use a moderately damp cloth to wipe, do not use excessively wet cloth
Cleaning fabric sofas
Preparation:
– Suitable cleaning solution: Clean water, vinegar, soap, or professional cleaning solutions.
– Tools: Vacuum cleaner, clean cloth, drying machine (if available).
The steps:
– Step 1: Vacuum clean the sofa to remove dirt. Then wipe with a damp cloth.
– Step 2: Use a soft cloth soaked in soapy water to wipe. Then, use a clean cloth to wipe multiple times until no more foam remains.
– Step 3: Use a drying machine or let the sofa air dry naturally.
Tips for dealing with sofa issues
1. Stubborn stains
You can use dry cleaning methods, but make sure your fabric can withstand dry cleaning. Use a damp bubble to dab the stain, then gently blot with a clean cloth until the stain disappears.
2. Lint
Use a damp melamine foam to lightly scrub the cushion or use a lint roller to remove trapped animal hair in hard-to-reach areas such as crevices or seams. You can use tape wrapped around your finger or chopstick to remove pet hair from the sofa.
3. Spills
Use a clean cloth to blot the spilled liquid first, then use a hairdryer on a low setting to speed up the drying process.
4. Candle wax stains
Use ice to freeze the candle wax, then gently remove the wax from the sofa. Then, apply a dry cleaning solution to the remaining wax and wait for 5-10 minutes for the dry cleaning solution to remove the remaining wax, then blot with a clean cloth. If the candle wax is not completely removed, use a paper towel placed on the stain. Then iron it with a warm iron, the heat of the iron will melt the wax and it will be absorbed into the paper. If necessary, you can wipe it again and blot it dry.
Caution: Do not leave it wet for too long, as mold may appear and damage the sofa.
Tips to keep your sofa always clean and fresh like new
– Immediately clean stains with a warm cloth: For fresh stains, you need to use a damp cloth to clean immediately.
– Vacuum regularly on a daily basis for the sofa.
– Choose a sofa with removable covers, with a separate design between the cover and the cushion for easy removal and cleaning when necessary.
How to get rid of bad odors:
– Use a hairdryer: Use a hairdryer on a hot setting to blow dry the surface of the sofa.
– Use moisture-absorbing sachets placed in the corners or under the cushion.
– Add a few drops of perfume or essential oil to the cushion.
According to An Nhiên – Vietnamnet