Your fabric sofa is a major investment, so keeping it clean and looking its best is important. But what if you don’t want to use water to clean it? Maybe you’re worried about water damaging the fabric, or you don’t have time to wait for the sofa to dry.
I don’t know much about you, but my reason was a bit more genuine. I bought a sofa previously, which has developed dirt, stains, and unpleasant odors over time. But since it has “Code S” (more in the next section), I had to clean it without using water so as not to shrink it.
Well, I discovered a few ways to do it, and I’ll be teaching you the same in this detailed cleaning guide. Be with me as I uncover the most suitable way how to clean a fabric sofa without water, along with the essential tips, tricks, and precautions.
Get To Know With Upholstery Care Tag Codes
In my experience, you should start by understanding the different upholstery care tag codes that can be found on your furniture before you start cleaning your fabric sofa. These codes are usually located on the cushions’ underside or the furniture’s bottom.
The most common upholstery care tag codes include:
- “W” means the fabric can be wiped with water-based cleaning solutions.
- “S” means the fabric should only be cleaned with dry cleaning solvents.
- “SW” means the fabric can be cleaned with water-based or dry-cleaning solvents.
- “X” means the fabric should only be brushed or vacuumed.
In my case, and probably in yours as well, the sofa has the “Code S”, meaning water-based cleaning solutions must not be used. Therefore, opting for non-water cleaning methods is the go-to solution. Below are the ways to clean your sofa without using water.
How to Clean a Fabric Sofa Without Water?
You might be cautious of using water to clean your fabric sofa out because you’re worried about possible damage or long drying times. Luckily, the following are effective methods to clean your fabric sofa at home without using water.
Method 1: Vacuum Cleaning.
Vacuuming is the most common way to clean your fabric sofa without water. Dust and dirt can pile up on your sofa, making it look dingy and dull. Therefore, you can grab your vacuum cleaner and remove the loose debris from the sofa’s surface.
[su_note note_color=”#f8d3d2″]Note: Suppose your sofa has the “Code X”, meaning it can only be vacuumed clean. In such a case, simply vacuum clean the sofa following the next instruction; don’t implement any other method.[/su_note]
Tools & Materials
You’ll require a soft-bristled brush, a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment, and a crevice tool to reach tight corners and crevices.
Instructions
- Attach the upholstery attachment to your vacuum to help avoid damaging the fabric and pick up the dirt more effectively.
- Start by running the attachment across the top of the sofa cushions, followed by the sides, backrest, and arms.
- Use a soft brush to loosen any remaining dust and dirt. Vacuum the removed dust and dirt again to get the best results.
[su_note note_color=”#dcf8d2″]Tip: Be sure to pay close attention to crevices and corners where dirt and dust tend to gather. Take your time with this process, as it can make a significant difference in the overall appearance of your sofa.[/su_note]
Method 2: Baking Soda.
Baking soda is a legitimate and effective cleaning agent that can assist in removing old stains and odors from your fabric sofa without using any water.
Tools & Materials
- Baking soda
- A vacuum cleaner
- A soft brush
Instructions
If you have a fabric sofa, chances are it has a few stains here and there or an odor. Baking soda is the most suitable way to tackle the odor and/or the stains.
[su_note note_color=”#f8d3d2″]Note: Applying baking soda on the sofa’s surface comes after the vacuum cleaning. If you’re jumping straight to this method, first, make sure to vacuum the sofa properly.[/su_note]
- Evenly distribute a thin layer of baking soda over the stained surface of your fabric sofa, covering the entire area that requires cleaning.
- Take a toothbrush or a soft bristle brush and lightly swab the baking soda into the affected spots, following the circular motions.
- Allow the baking soda to sit undisturbed on the stain for 1-2 hours to absorb the moisture and odor from the fabric.
- Utilize a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to remove the baking soda from the sofa thoroughly. Go over the whole affected area, paying extra attention to the spots where the baking soda was applied.
- Take a clean, dry cloth and gently wipe the sofa to remove any residual baking soda that may be left behind.
Method 3: Rubbing Alcohol.
Rubbing alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol, can be a great solution for deep cleaning your fabric sofa without the use of water. It is an effective disinfectant that can eradicate viruses, bacteria, and other germs that might be present on your sofa.
Tools & Materials
- A spray bottle
- A clean white cloth
- Rubbing alcohol
Instructions
- Add a suitable amount of alcohol to the spray bottle.
- Spray the alcohol on the stained area, keeping the bottle 6-8 inches apart from the fabric.
- Take a clean, dry cloth and gently rub the cloth onto the sofa’s surface for 5 minutes, focusing on areas with stains or spots. Do not rub the fabric too hard, as this could harm it.
- Use a dry cloth to blot the sofa and remove any excess rubbing alcohol.
- Let the affected area thoroughly dry by air.
Method 4: Dry Cleaning Solvent.
Sometimes, stains can be particularly stubborn and refuse to budge with just baking soda or rubbing alcohol. It’s time to launch the big gun—a dry cleaning solvent—for such stains.
However, before you begin, always do a spot test on an unnoticeable sofa spot to ensure the solvent doesn’t damage or discolor the fabric.
Tools & Materials
- A dry cleaning solvent, which you can purchase at most home goods stores or online
- A clean cloth or sponge
- Gloves (optional)
- A well-ventilated area
Instructions
- Apply a reasonable amount of the solvent to a sponge or clean cloth.
- Gently rub the cloth on the stained part, being cautious not to drench the fabric.
- Once the solvent has been there for a while, utilize a clean cloth to blot the area and remove any excess solvent.
- Redo the procedure until the stain has vanished, taking care not to over-saturate the fabric.
- Use a dry, clean cloth to blot the area once the stain is removed to get rid of any persisting solvent.
[su_note note_color=”#f8d3d2″]Note: Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when using dry cleaning solvent. Only utilize it in a well-ventilated space. [/su_note]
How to Clean a Fabric Sofa with Steam?
Steam cleaning is another efficient method to clean fabric sofas without using water. Steam cleaning helps remove dirt, grime, and stains from the surface of the fabric without leaving any watermarks or damage.
Tools & Materials
To clean your sofa with a steam cleaner, you will need the following tools:
- A steam cleaner. Choose a machine that is designed for upholstery cleaning and has a variety of attachments to suit your needs.
- Cleaning solution. Some steam cleaners come with their own cleaning solution, but you can also purchase a separate solution designed for fabric cleaning.
- Microfiber cloth. You will need these to wipe down your sofa after steaming it to remove any remaining dirt or cleaning solution.
Instructions
1. Check the Manufacturer’s Guidelines First.
Read the manufacturer’s instructions before starting and test the steam cleaner on a small, discrete sofa section to ensure the fabric can withstand steam cleaning.
2. Vacuum Your Entire Sofa Via Upholstery Attachment.
The entire sofa should be vacuumed to remove any loose dirt, dust, and debris. Don’t forget to attach the upholstery attachment to avoid harming the fabric.
3. Use Steam Cleaner to Steam Clean the Sofa.
Fill the water and turn on the steam cleaner. When the steam cleaner is ready, use the fabric attachment to clean the sofa. To let the steam enter the cloth and release the dirt and grime, make sure to work in small parts.
4. Wipe Down the Sofa and Let It Dry Thoroughly.
Use a dry towel after cleaning to remove any persisting moisture from the sofa’s surface. Before using the sofa once more, allow it to dry thoroughly.
How to Maintain a Sofa to Last Longer?
Now that you’ve successfully cleaned your fabric sofa without water, it’s important to maintain it properly to ensure it stays clean and fresh. Here are some final tips to help you keep your sofa in great condition:
- Vacuum your sofa regularly to prevent dirt and dust buildup. Utilize a vacuum with a soft-bristled brush attachment or a handheld vacuum to gently remove any debris.
- Rotate the cushions and pillows on your sofa often to avoid unwanted wear and tear and help the sofa maintain its structure and shape over time.
- Keep your sofa out of direct sunlight to avoid fading and discoloration. If you can’t avoid sunlight, consider using a protective cover or applying a UV-resistant spray.
- Address any stains or spills promptly to prevent them from setting into the fabric. Use the cleaning methods discussed in this article to tackle any messes.
- Consider using a fabric protector spray to help repel stains and spills. Don’t forget to test the spray on a small, invisible area of your sofa first to ensure it doesn’t harm the fabric.
FAQs
Is It Possible to Clean a Fabric Sofa Without Water?
Yes, there are ways to clean a fabric sofa without water, even though it is usually used for cleaning. You can use baking soda, rubbing alcohol, and a dry cleaning solvent to efficiently remove stains and odors from your fabric sofa.
What Materials Are Needed for Waterless Sofa Cleaning?
A vacuum with an upholstery attachment, baking soda, and a dry cleaning solvent is required for the waterless cleaning of a couch or sofa. Start with vacuuming, followed by applying baking soda and dry cleaning solvent.
What Are the Benefits of Using Baking Soda to Clean a Fabric Sofa?
Without the use of water, baking soda is a safe and efficient cleaning solution for removing stains and odors. It is also a non-toxic, inexpensive, and widely accessible cleaning solution that can be used without harming most fabrics.
Conclusion
A practical and efficient way to keep a fabric sofa looking beautiful is to clean it. If “Code S” is there on the sofa, go for non-water cleaning. While baking soda helps remove stains and odors, vacuuming the sofa removes dirt.
Deep cleaning can be accomplished with rubbing alcohol, and tough stains can be removed using a dry cleaning solution.
Furthermore, steam cleaning is a fantastic waterless alternative. Before steam cleaning, remember to hoover and thoroughly dry the sofa before using it. You may maintain the inviting appearance of your fabric sofa with these techniques.
Related articles:
- Recliner Sofa Vs Regular Sofa? Which One Is Better?
- How To Remove Dried Slime from Fabric Sofa? What Is Needed?
- How Far Does a Reclining Sofa Need to Be From The Wall?
