Today, sofas, thanks to a solid number of different models and an extended range of functions, have taken strong places in both living rooms and bedrooms, children’s rooms and even in the kitchen. However, with all the advantages, upholstered furniture has its drawbacks, one of which is rapid soiling. How and with what can you clean a sofa at home without resorting to the help of hired specialists?
How to get rid of dust and wool when cleaning a sofa?
Tip 1
First of all, you need to determine the type of upholstery fabric and what kind of cleaning dry or wet it can withstand. It is best to choose the right upholstery even at the stage of buying a sofa – today manufacturers are ready to fit the model you like with completely different materials, each of which has its advantages.
By choosing the right upholstery material, and, if necessary, covering the sofa with a bedspread or cover, you will significantly reduce the intensity and frequency of cleaning.
Tip 2
The easiest way to clean dust from sofa should be done at least once every three months. Here you can use both an ordinary vacuum cleaner with a good brush and a washing one with a ready-made soapy solution. A special nozzle will help get rid of cat hair, which tenaciously clings to fabric upholstery.
Some housewives prefer knocking out – it should be done by first covering the sofa with a damp cloth an old sheet will do, which will gently collect dust, preventing it from rising into the air and spreading around the apartment again.
Vacuuming is not recommended for furniture upholstered with fleecy fabrics velvet, velour, as this can damage the pile.
Removing stains from sofa
Tip 3
Wet spots should be removed as quickly as possible from the fabric, not allowing the spilled liquid to penetrate deep into the filler – in this case, over time, you will also have to get rid of the unpleasant odour.
It is advisable to immediately blot the stain with a napkin or dry cloth until the liquid is completely absorbed. Spilled coffee, tea or beer is removed by applying a few drops of soap solution to the fabric you can take ordinary laundry soap. Rub the foam with a soft brush, starting at the edge of the stain and moving towards the centre, leave for a few minutes, and then remove with a clean, damp sponge.
A weak solution of vinegar or citric acid will help get rid of stains of juice or urine, an unpleasant smell.
Microfiber upholstery should preferably be dry cleaned.
Tip 4
Fabric greasy is a regular problem, especially if you like to lie down on the sofa without using pillows. Such stains are also removed with a soapy solution, which can either be prepared independently or purchased ready-made gel, spray or powder. Manufacturers offer products designed specifically for cleaning upholstered furniture, giving good foam and cleaning properties of varying intensity.
If this is your first time using a cleaner, test it on the upholstery first, choosing the most inconspicuous place keep in mind that the cleaning cloth may also shed.
Remember that when cleaning the fabric, your movements should be directed in one direction.
Grease stains can also be removed with talcum powder, salt or crushed chalk. Apply the powder to the problem area, let it absorb a little oil, and then sweep it with a brush.
Tip 5
Practical sofas made of genuine leather or leatherette perfectly repel moisture and grease, and are easy to clean from dust. However, even here there are weaknesses – smooth skin is scratched even by ordinary dry crumbs, loses its luxurious shine over time, and small debris in the folds is especially noticeable.
Leather sofa cleaning process:
• Vacuum the furniture using a narrow nozzle;
• Wipe the surface with a damp cloth to remove stains;
• Treat the upholstery with petroleum jelly or cosmetic oil with a pleasant smell;
• Wipe off excess grease with a dry cloth – and lo and behold, the sofa is like new again!
Sooner or later, even with the most careful attitude, the upholstery of upholstered furniture wears out and loses colour. You should not immediately cut out money for a new thing – if the case is strong enough, it is quite possible to get by with a constriction using high-quality modern materials that will give your favourite sofa a new life.