How to clean a sofa

It's the centre of your living room, and probably somewhere you spend a lot of time, so it's important to keep your sofa looking fresh. 

This guide explains how to clean all different types of sofas, and offers some maintenance tips. 

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Sofa cleaning tips

Before you start cleaning your sofa, always check the label for instructions. The following are some of the most common cleaning codes.

Another golden rule is to attend to spills immediately. Dab gently with a paper towel, cloth or sponge to soak up any excess moisture. Don’t rub at the stain as this only pushes the spillage deeper into the fabric – which of course makes it harder to clean. 

When trying a new product, always apply it to a small, hidden area to test it first and check for any discolouration. Discover the best fabric stain removers, including branded stain removers and home remedies. 

If, despite your best efforts, it’s time for a new sofa, head to our guide to the best sofa shops according to real sofa shoppers. 

How to clean a fabric sofa

Make cleaning your fabric sofa a breeze with these simple steps. 

1. Vacuum away the dirt. Grab your vacuum and, using the soft brush attachment, give your sofa a good once-over. Remove the cushions if you can and vacuum them on both sides. 
2. Make sure you spot-check. Before you use any cleaning product, check your sofa’s care label to see what's safe to use. Then test your product on a small, hidden spot to ensure it won’t leave marks. 
3. Stain removal. Mix a little warm water with a mild detergent or fabric cleaner and dab the stain gently with a clean cloth - resist the urge to scrub or you could damage the fabric. 
4. Show the whole sofa some love. Once you have worked on the stains, grab a fabric upholstery cleaner, follow the instructions for dilution and apply it evenly. Then use a sofa brush or cloth to clean it off. 
5. Let it air dry. Resist the urge to use a heater or hairdryer to speed up the process as your sofa may be sensitive to heat.

As well as needing an occasional cleaning, fabric sofas tend to bobble, so a bit of maintenance may be required to stop them from looking old before their time. A fabric shaver is the best option to take care of this task.

To remove any bad smells from your sofa, use bicarbonate of soda. Lightly sprinkle it over the area, leave it for 15-20 minutes and then vacuum-clean it.

Hopefully, these steps will refresh your sofa, but if it’s still looking worse for wear, you might want to use a professional sofa cleaning company. 

Use Which? Trusted Traders to find a reliable professional near you. 

How to clean a leather sofa

Cleaning a leather sofa follows a similar set of steps to cleaning a fabric sofa.

1. Vacuum first. Using the soft brush attachment on your vacuum, or a clean, soft cloth, wipe away any dust or crumbs that have built up on your sofa. 
2. Spot-treat stains. Before you use any cleaning products, try blotting the area with a damp cloth. If that doesn’t work, you can try using a mild soap mixed with warm water. Finally, consider a specialist leather cleaner for deeper stains. Remember to always check the care label and test your cleaning products in a hidden area before use. 
3. Do a wider clean. If your whole sofa is looking a little worse for wear, you can wipe it down with a specialist leather cleaner, remembering that less is more here. Make sure you use a very soft cloth to avoid scratching the leather. 
4. Let it dry. Once it’s clean, pat your sofa dry with another cloth and allow it to air dry. 

Maintaining a leather sofa

As well as keeping your leather sofa clean, you can also help it to look its best by following a basic maintenance routine. 

To avoid damage to the leather, keep it away from heat and pointy objects (such as claws, keys in pockets and sharp accessories). Make sure you wipe away dirt and spills quickly. 

You should also apply a leather conditioner once every six to 12 months, depending on how much use it gets. This will keep your leather supple and prevent cracking. 

If you need a new, or another, sofa, check out our sofa buying guide for some handy tips. 

How to clean a velvet sofa

Velvet is a very delicate material. You should always take a 'less is more' approach when cleaning: check the manufacturer's instructions and test any cleaning method in an inconspicuous area first. 

If you inadvertently stain your velvet sofa, follow these steps: 

1. Start with a vacuum. As with other materials, start by using a soft brush or the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner to gently remove surface dust and debris. You can also use a lint roller on any particularly dusty areas. 
2. Use a velvet-friendly cleaner. If blotting with a clean cloth doesn’t work, try a velvet cleaner on any stains, following the directions on the product. 
3. Air-dry. Once you have cleaned the sofa, allow it to air-dry before use. 

Velvet has a plush texture because it has a very high pile - each strand of material stands up very high from the surface. 

Over time, those long strands can become compressed, meaning that your velvet can quickly look worn. If your sofa needs some extra love, try the following methods:

• Velvet brush: using a soft, metallic brush (designed for use on velvet), brush the sofa following the direction of the fibres. This will restore the finish of the sofa. 
• Steam cleaner: for a more intense intervention, try a steamer. Using the lowest setting, gently run the steamer in the opposite direction of the fibres to get rid of creases and decompress the pile. 
• Professional cleaning: if your velvet sofa needs a deeper clean or has persistent stains, consider a professional cleaning service.

Find out more about how to vacuum furniture, or read our vacuum cleaner reviews.

How to clean a suede sofa

Just like velvet, suede is a very delicate material. But treat it with care, and it will stay soft and stylish for years to come.

Here's a step-by-step guide to keep your suede sofa looking fresh:

1. Brush the sofa. Using a suede brush or a clean, soft-bristled brush, brush your suede sofa in the direction of the nap to remove surface dirt. 
2. Tackle any stains. Check if the sofa has a care label, and if it recommends a specific suede cleaner, use one. If not, you can create a gentle cleaning solution by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water. Dampen a clean cloth with the solution and blot the stained area.
3. Rub with a white eraser or sandpaper. If a more gentle approach doesn’t work, you can use a white eraser or fine-grit sandpaper. Gently rub the stained area in one direction. This can help lift the stain without causing damage.
4. Brush again. Once the suede is dry, brush the sofa again to restore the nap. Brush in the direction of the fibres to keep the suede looking smooth and uniform.
5. Use a suede protector. Consider applying a suede protector spray to your sofa. This can help repel stains and water, keeping the suede looking pristine.

Remember, with suede, prevention is key. Avoid eating or drinking on the sofa, and be cautious with dark-coloured clothing that may transfer dye. 

Always test any cleaning method in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it won't cause discolouration or damage.

Sofa care FAQs

Should I buy sofa insurance?

Sofa protection plans are often offered at the point of sale, or you can buy one separately (which may be cheaper). If you know that your sofa is going to get a lot of use, it could be worth it. 

Before you buy, you should also check whether accidental damage to your sofa – such as spills – is covered by your home insurance policy. 

Home insurance typically doesn't cover wear and tear, but might help pay for a new sofa if a major spill causes significant damage. 

Should I have my sofa reupholstered?

If you've had your sofa for a while, and no amount of cleaning will make it look like new again, it could be worth getting it reupholstered instead of splashing out on a new one. 

There tend to be different options for upholstery depending on whether you want the whole sofa to be recovered or just the cushions or arms. 

You can fill out sagging seat cushions with fresh feathers and extra foam to add plumpness or get new arm covers if only part of your sofa is worn. 

Don’t forget that if you have your sofa reupholstered, you will have to live without it for a short while - and pay extra for delivery costs. 

Considering a sofa bed? See our guide on how to buy a sofa bed for more information and advice