HOW TO CLEAN A SOFA
At AbitareArreda, we always say that choosing a sofa requires foresight because the sofa that may seem ideal to you in terms of durability and practicality may not necessarily be the best fit for your future needs. While none of us can predict the future, we should at least try to imagine our lives for the next 10 years since a sofa often accompanies us for a long time, sometimes even a lifetime.
However, if you have already made your choice in the past and didn't anticipate the arrival of particularly lively children or pets, we aim to provide you with a small guide to tackle the issue of sofa cleaning regardless of the type of upholstery:
FABRIC SOFAS
The first thing to do when cleaning a fabric sofa is to read the label located on the edge of one of the backrests or on the sofa's structure itself to understand if the fabric can be washed with water or if it needs to be dry cleaned.
If the sofa has removable covers and the fabric can be washed with water, there are no particular issues. Simply put the cover in the washing machine using a gentle cycle to prevent shrinking.
NON-REMOVABLE SOFA, DRY CLEANING
If the sofa is non-removable and requires dry cleaning, congratulations, you're in a bit of a pickle! Jokes aside, in that case, you can use various methods, either do-it-yourself or by purchasing ready-to-use products specifically designed for this purpose.
The first step in any case is to vacuum away the dust. Once done, you can proceed by creating a cleaning solution using warm water, a glass of lemon juice per two liters of water, and two tablespoons of baking soda. After testing the color resistance on a hidden part of the fabric, dampen a soft microfiber cloth in the solution and gently rub it on the most stubborn stains. The baking soda will help dissolve the ingrained dirt, while lemon juice has a neutralizing effect on bacteria and mites.
LEATHER SOFAS
A leather sofa is known to be more valuable compared to fabric sofas such as canvas or fabric made of cotton and microfiber. The elegance and warmth of leather require special care, starting with the following supplies:
- Cleansing milk, milk, or Marseille/neutral soap
- Sponge and microfiber cloth
- Water
The first step before cleaning a leather sofa is to carefully remove dust with a damp cloth. To proceed with the actual cleaning, apply a small amount of cleansing milk onto a microfiber cloth and then gently wipe all leather parts of the sofa. Once this is done, you can finish the job by removing any excess product.
You can replace cleansing milk with Marseille or neutral soap, which should be diluted in water and applied to the entire surface using a soft sponge. Afterward, rinse the sofa and dry it thoroughly to avoid leaving any traces that could damage or dry out the leather.
If your sofa is in poor condition due to the passing years or some mishaps, and you're considering getting a new one instead of restoring it, you can choose one from our website or contact our customer service directly, who will be happy to guide you towards the most suitable sofa based on your requirements.