How to Clean a Sofa: A Fabric-by-Fabric Care Guide

A little regular care keeps a sofa looking good for years. A lot of damage is done not by dirt itself but by the wrong cleaning method. This guide covers the routine that works for most upholstery, and the specifics for each of the common fabrics.

First: read the care label

Look for a tag under a seat cushion or on the frame. It carries one of these codes:

• W: water-based cleaners are safe. A damp cloth and mild soap solution will work.
• S: solvent-based, dry-cleaning products only. Do not use water.
• WS: either water-based or solvent-based cleaners can be used.
• X: vacuum or brush only. Do not use water or solvent. Professional cleaning if marked.

If the label is missing, treat the sofa as solvent-only until you have tested a hidden area.

The weekly routine (10 minutes)

1. Plump and rotate loose cushions so the wear spreads.
2. Vacuum all surfaces with a soft upholstery attachment, including under the cushions and along the seams.
3. Brush the pile of corduroy and velvet gently in one direction.
4. Wipe wipe-clean surfaces such as faux leather with a soft, damp microfibre cloth.

Spills: the first minute matters

Whatever the fabric, the first step is the same. Blot, do not rub. Press a clean, dry, white cloth onto the spill to lift as much as you can. Rubbing pushes the liquid deeper and spreads the stain. Then work from the outside of the mark inwards, so you do not spread it.

Corduroy and jumbo cord

Vacuum along the direction of the ribs with a soft brush, not across them. Blot spills, then dab with a cloth barely dampened with mild soapy water. Let it dry naturally. If the ribs flatten, a soft clothes brush stands them back up.

Velvet

Use a soft brush or low suction to lift dust. Blot spills straight away and avoid scrubbing, which marks and crushes the pile. Keep steam and hot irons away. For stubborn marks, ask an upholstery cleaner.

Chenille

Vacuum gently. Do not pull loose threads, trim them flush. Blot spills and avoid soaking, then let it dry away from direct heat.

Linen and linen-look

Vacuum the weave and blot spills with as little moisture as possible, because natural-look fabrics show water rings. Check the label code before using any cleaner.

Faux leather and leather

Wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth, then dry. Use only a drop of mild soap for marks, and avoid bleach, alcohol, nail-polish remover and abrasive pads. Keep these surfaces away from radiators and fires, which dry and crack them.

Always test first

Before using any cleaner or home remedy, test a hidden area, such as under a cushion or at the back. Wait for it to dry. If there is no colour change or damage, proceed.

Things to avoid

• Soaking the fabric, which can leave watermarks and damage the filling.
• Hairdryers and direct heat on damp upholstery.
• Bleach and harsh household sprays.
• Rubbing, which spreads stains and damages the pile.

When to call a professional

If the sofa is badly stained, the label says "professional cleaning only", or the fabric is delicate, an upholstery cleaner will cost far less than replacing the sofa.

Prevention is easiest

Keep the sofa out of direct sunlight and away from radiators, put a throw over the seat that gets the most use, and brush or vacuum weekly. See sofa fabrics compared for which fabric suits your household, and every product page includes a care guide written for that sofa's upholstery. Browse all sofas.