My sofa is one of the most used pieces of furniture in my home. It’s the place where I relax, entertain my guests, and even sleep. Recently, I have observed that it is getting dirtier with time, so I decided to dry clean it as one of my furniture-expert friends suggested.
Dry cleaning is a special way to clean fabrics and clothes without water. Instead, a different liquid called a solvent is used that is specially designed for dry cleaning. You can dry clean fabrics like wool, silk, and leather, and it’s great for removing stains like grease and makeup.
However, from gathering the necessary supplies to identifying whether your sofa is suitable for dry cleaning, several steps are included in the process. Well, be with me as I’ll show you how to dry clean your sofa at home., providing all the tips and tricks. Keep reading!
Key Takeaways
[su_note note_color=”#fff3ad”]
- Check the cleaning label on your sofa to determine the suitable method; it must be either “S” or “S/W” to be dry cleaned.
- Gather supplies needed for dry cleaning, including mild dry-cleaning solvent, a clean white cloth, and a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment.
- To dry clean the sofa, vacuum thoroughly, brush and wipe down, spot test the solvent, apply and scrub the solvent, let it sit, vacuum again, and allow it to dry completely.
- Drying time may take at least 24 hours before using the sofa.[/su_note]
Must See Code Labels To See If You Can Dry Clean.
You should see the label before attempting to dry clean your sofa at home. Doing this will tell you the fabric type and what cleaning methods suit it. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure dry cleaning is safe for your sofa material.
The following are the most common upholstery cleaning tags.
- “W” – Water cleaning. Safe to use upholstery/carpet cleaner with water for spills and stains. Durable fabric for high-use furniture.
- “S” – Solvent cleaning. Dry clean only, and do not utilize water. Still, you can spot clean with appropriate home dry cleaning products.
- “S/W” – Combination of solvent and water cleaning. You can use both water- and/or solvent-based cleaners for the process.
- “X” – Non-cleanable, vacuum-only. Only vacuum the fabric or call a professional upholstery cleaning service.
[su_note note_color=”#f8d3d2″]Note: If your couch has a cleaning code of “S” or “S/W”, the upholstery fabric can be dry cleaned using the appropriate dry cleaning solvent. Don’t attempt to dry clean yourself for “W” and “X” tags. [/su_note]
What You’ll Need For Dry Cleaning Your Sofa?
- A mild dry-cleaning solvent
- A vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment
- A clean, white cloth
How To Dry Clean Sofa At Home? How To Do It Yourself?
To dry clean your sofa at home and restore it to a new situation, simply follow the steps I have added in the below step-by-step guide. You can prepare yourself in a few easy steps for a comfortable and clean sitting experience.
Start With Vacuuming Your Sofa Thoroughly Via Attachment.
I always start dry cleaning my sofa by vacuuming it thoroughly. I typically require a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to vacuum my sofa.
I, along with most of the cleaning experts, recommend doing this as it helps to remove any loose dirt, dust, or pet hair that may be present on the surface of the couch.
- Pick the unattached cushions from the sofa.
- Attach the upholstery attachment to the vacuum and start vacuuming the sofa’s surface, paying extra attention to the crevices and corners where dirt accumulates.
- Change the vacuum bag or empty the vacuum canister after vacuuming.
With your sofa now free of loose dirt and dust, it’s time to move on to the next step in our guide on dry cleaning the sofa at home: brushing any remaining dirt and dust.
Brush the Remaining, Unreachable Dust and Wipe It Down.
- Use a soft-bristled brush to gently brush where the dust is still present even after vacuuming the upholstery.
- Get a clean, damp cloth, and wipe down the sofa to remove any remaining dirt or stains.
- (Optional) Apply some extra elbow grease if your sofa has any particularly stubborn stains.
[su_note note_color=”#dcf8d2″]Tip: Be sure to work in small sections, and do not scrub the affected spots too forcibly, as this could harm the fibers. Be gentle and avoid using excessive force.[/su_note]
Don’t Forget to Spot Test the Cleaner In a Hidden Area.
- Apply dry cleaning solvent in a small amount to an invisible sofa area.
- Let it be there for a few minutes, then clean it away using a damp cloth.
If the fabric’s color does not change, the solvent is safe to use on the rest of the sofa. However, if the fabric is delicate or prone to discoloration, use a gentle cleaning solution instead.
[su_note note_color=”#dcf8d2″]Tip: Consider using a stain remover product before applying the dry cleaner solvent for tougher stains.[/su_note]
Apply the Dry Cleaner Solvent and Scrub the Surface.
Once you have vacuumed the sofa thoroughly and performed the spot test, it’s time to apply the dry cleaning solvent. The solvent is usually a foam or a spray that can penetrate the fabric fibers and remove any dirt or stains.
- Spray the dry cleaner solvent directly onto the upholstery or use a damp cloth to apply it generously to the entire sofa, focusing on any particularly dirty or stained areas.
- Use a clean cloth or sponge to gently scrub the sofa after applying the solvent, paying attention to any stubborn stains or marks. Work in circular motions and rub the fabric lightly to avoid damage.
[su_note note_color=”#dcf8d2″]Tip: Don’t oversaturate your sofa with the dry cleaning solvent, as it may damage the fabric.[/su_note]
[su_note note_color=”#f8d3d2″]Note: You must take care of all the guidelines on the packaging, as distinct products may have distinct application procedures.[/su_note]
Let the Cleaner Sit for Recommended Amount of Time.
After applying the dry cleaning solvent to your sofa, let the solvent sit on the sofa for the recommended amount of time, typically 10-15 minutes, once finished scrubbing. Give the solvent enough time to break down any grime or dirt that may be trapped in the fabric.
[su_box title=”Fact:” box_color=”#f5c35f”]The amount of time you need to let it sit will depend on the specific product you are using, so be sure to check the instructions carefully.[/su_box]
Vacuum the Sofa Again to Eliminate Remaining Dust.
Once the solution has been there for a while, it’s time to remove it by vacuuming again to eliminate any remaining dirt or particles, leaving your sofa fresh and clean.
- Get your vacuum cleaner in your hands with an upholstery attachment and a soft brush to vacuum your sofa.
- Gently go over the entire sofa surface, including the cushions and backrests, ensuring that all areas are covered.
- Use a soft brush, as harder bristles can damage the fabric or leave scratches on the surface.
- Take a clean, dry cloth and wipe down the sofa’s surface once you have finished vacuuming.
Allow Your Sofa to Dry Thoroughly Before Sitting On It.
After you’ve vacuumed the sofa for the second time, it’s time to allow your sofa to dry completely before sitting on it or replacing any cushions or throws. The drying time can vary depending on the solvent you’ve used, but most will require at least 24 hours.
How To Dry Clean a Sofa Without a Vacuum?
If you don’t have a vacuum, you can still clean your sofa with some household items. Although this method won’t be as effective as using a vacuum, it will still help freshen up your sofa.
- Use a lint roller to get rid of any loose hair or dirt.
- Blend some water and baking soda into a paste and apply it to the sofa.
- Let it be there for about 15-20 minutes prior to utilizing a clean cloth to clean away the paste. You can also use a soft-bristled brush to help eliminate any stains or dirt.
- Utilize a clean cloth soaked with water to wipe down the sofa and allow it to air dry.
FAQs
What Should I Do If My Sofa Fabric Is Delicate?
Test the dry cleaner solvent on a small, inconspicuous spot first. If there’s a negative reaction or the color fades, consider using a gentle cleaning solution or seeking professional help.
What Tools Are Needed to Clean My Sofa Using a Solvent?
A dry cleaner solvent and a clean cloth or sponge are needed to clean your sofa with a solvent. All you have to do is spray directly or dampen the cloth to apply it. Once applied, rub the sponge or cloth to make it easy to absorb.
Can I Use a Regular Cleaning Solution Instead Of a Dry Cleaner Solvent?
To ensure thorough cleaning, it is essential to use a dry cleaning solvent made especially for upholstery. Regular cleaning products might not be as efficient or suitable for your sofa’s fabric.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dry cleaning your sofa at home is a practical and simple operation. Setting yourself up for success involves reading the label and ensuring that dry cleaning is appropriate for your fabric.
While applying a dry cleaning solvent to stains and dirt, vacuuming the sofa removes surface dirt and debris. Cleaning improves using a soft brush, gentle scrubbing, and wiping down.
Don’t forget to hoover again and give your freshly cleaned sofa plenty of time to dry. Remember, if you take the right precautions and are patient, you can get clean, comfortable seats without hiring anyone.
Related articles:
- What Are Sofa Material Types? – Fabric & Non-Fabric
- How To Tell The Quality Of A Leather Sofa? How To Identify?
- How Heavy Is A Recliner Sofa? A Detailed Breakdown
- Differences Between Recliner And Sofa? Which Is Better?
