It also accumulates debris and stains from food and drink spills, pets, and dirty feet.
Eventually, the sofa will need to be cleaned.
A thorough cleaning twice a year should keep the fabric looking its best.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Before You Begin
How do you know if the sofa fabric cannot be cleaned with water?
The best way to determine how to clean the upholstery fabric is to look for the care tag.
The tag has a code that will determine whether you might use water-based or solvent-based cleaners.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
However, even a handheld vacuum will help remove surface dust.
Start at the top of the sofa and slowly move the vacuum over the upholstery.
Tip
To help remove odors and brighten the fabric, sprinkle the upholstery with dry baking soda.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Use a soft-bristled brush to gently work it into the fabric.
Allow the baking soda to work for at least one hour or up to overnight.
Then, vacuum away the baking soda and the soil it has collected.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Dampen a whitemicrofiber clothwith a bit of the solvent and rub it onto a hidden area under a cushion.
Allow the area to dry.
Note any color changes or dye transfer to the cloth.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
If there are none, the product is safe to use to clean larger areas.
What Is Dry Cleaning Solvent?
The solvent is toxic and flammable and must be used and disposed of with caution.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
The solvent can be purchased online, at fabric care, or home improvement stores.
Start at the outside edges of the soiled area to prevent the stain from spreading.
Dry the Upholstery
Speed drying time by placing a fan near the freshly cleaned upholstery.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
DO NOT use a hairdryer or a heater to speed up drying.
Do not have any open flames near the piece until all of the fumes have dissipated.
U.S. Federal Trade Commission.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
