Eight Fabric Sofa Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Cleaning your fabric sofa may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! With a little bit of care and attention, you can keep your sofa looking great for years to come. However, there are a few cleaning mistakes that you’ll want to avoid if you want to keep your sofa looking its best.

1. Not Vacuuming Regularly

One of the best ways to keep your fabric sofa clean is to vacuum it regularly. This will help remove any dirt, dust, and debris that could potentially damage the fabric. Ideally, it would be best to clean your sofa at least once a week. Your couch may not look dirty, but you’ll notice the difference once you see how much gunk your vacuum sucked out!

2. Avoiding Spills and Stains

Of course, spills and stains are inevitable – especially if you have kids or pets. However, it’s essential to clean them up as soon as possible to avoid permanent damage. Use a clean, damp cloth to blot the spill, then apply a stain remover designed explicitly for the fabric.

3. Using Harsh Chemicals

When it comes to cleaning your fabric sofa, you’ll want to avoid harsh chemicals and detergents. These can damage the fabric, causing more sofa problems and causing it to fade over time. Instead, opt for a mild soap or upholstery cleaner when cleaning couch stains.

4. Over-Wetting the Fabric

It’s important to avoid over-wetting the fabric when cleaning it. This can cause the fabric to shrink, stretch, or even mildew. When using a cleaner on your sofa, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and only use as much water as is necessary. If mildew ends up forming, it’s best to hire a professional upholstery cleaner to restore it.

5. Not Rinsing Thoroughly

After applying a cleaner to your sofa, it’s important to rinse away all of the residues. This can attract dirt and dust and make your sofa look dull if you don’t. Be sure to rinse the fabric thoroughly with clean water before allowing it to air dry. If this is a significant problem for you, consider looking into Scotchgard fabric and upholstery protectors to help preserve your fabric investment.

6. Rubbing the Fabric Too vigorously

When cleaning your fabric sofa, you’ll want to avoid rubbing the fabric too vigorously. This can damage the fibres and cause them to break down over time. Instead, blot the area gently with a clean cloth.

7. Skipping the Protector

One of the best ways to keep your fabric sofa looking its best is to apply a fabric protector. This will help to repel dirt, dust, and stains. Be sure to reapply the protector every few months for the best results.

8. Not Testing First

The best way to clean a fabric couch is to not contribute to its stains! Before using any cleaners or solutions on your fabric sofa, it’s essential to test them in an inconspicuous area first. This will help to ensure that they won’t damage the fabric.

If you need help with a stained fabric couch and DIY solutions haven’t worked for you, consider investing in a professional sofa steam cleaning service. Steam cleaning not only restores your couch like new but uses steaming hot water to disinfect your furniture from germs, harmful bacteria and viruses. By following these tips, you can keep your fabric sofa looking its best for years!