Knowing how to clean a sofa at home is essential if you want to keep them looking great and feeling cosy for years to come. While wiping off surface stains is important, understanding the best way to clean a sofa is crucial for preserving its appearance, texture, and preventing permanent damage or staining.

Before you clean any sofa, it’s crucial to check the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations. These should be written on the tags attached to the edge or underside of the cushions. They will provide you with cleaning codes that you can research to keep your sofas clean without compromising their integrity.

If you’re ready to learn how to clean a sofa, let’s delve into the various fabric and material types to discover the best practices for sofa cleaning. Whether you’re dealing with different fabrics or materials, these guidelines will help you maintain your sofas’ cleanliness effectively.

How to clean a leather sofa

When it comes to cleaning leather sofas, the process is relatively simple but requires regular maintenance. To keep your leather sofa in good condition, start by dusting regularly with a soft cloth as well as an occasional clean with a mild soaping agent. Rinse with clean cold water and wipe off with a dry cloth. Most leather sofas sold are upholstered with protected leather, which is easy to wipe clean and maintain.

For natural leathers that may exhibit creasing, scars, colour variations, and natural markings, a more delicate approach is needed as they can be more sensitive to spills. To maintain their appearance, apply a protection cream to natural leathers to help maintain their appearance. saturate the cloth with a leather cleaner and gently wipe all the leather surfaces. Remove any excess product before wiping down the leather with a rich leather conditioner and a clean cloth to nourish it. Once done, allow the sofa to dry for an hour or longer.’

Leather sofas, like those in our Selvino and Churchill collections, can last for many years if properly maintained. This material is one of the easiest to maintain.

Before cleaning your leather sofa,  it’s crucial to test your cleaner and cream in a hidden area to ensure they’re suitable for use. Once confirmed, spray the cleaner onto the affected area, for example if there’s been a spillage. Using a cloth, gently wipe in a circular motion before wiping away any residue with a damp cloth. It’s important you only lightly wipe the leather and do not rub it.

To protect your leather sofa, you can use a blend of premium waxes and conditioning creams. Prior to application, ensure the area is clean and then use a cloth to apply the protection cream in a light circular motion.

How to clean a fabric sofa

If you own a fabric sofa from collections like Vesper, Roosevelt, Gabriella and Selvino, you know they exude both luxury and comfort. The good news is that cleaning a fabric sofa at home can be quite simple once you learn the proper techniques. The key is to address stains promptly to prevent permanent staining.

Start deep cleaning your fabric sofa by going over it with a stiff, dry brush to loosen dirt and stains, and then vacuum it well. Use a light-coloured microfibre cloth and a fabric cleaning solution to gently blot any stains, then use a fresh cloth saturated with water to remove any remaining stains and soap. Blot damp areas with a dry cloth and leave the surface to dry completely before use.

How to clean a velvet sofa

To maintain the beauty of your velvet sofa, such as those found in our Vincenzo collection and other ranges regular cleaning is essential. Vacuuming the sofa on a weekly basis is recommended to remove dirt and debris that could weaken the velvet fibres and leave a stale smell. You can also use a hand-held clothing steamer to lift the fibres and freshen up your sofa.

When it comes to treating stains on a velvet sofas and crushed velvet sofas, immediate action is crucial. Begin by blotting them with paper towels and then gently wiping them using a soft cloth and a mixture of warm water and dish soap. Allow damp areas to air dry completely and use your clothes steamer or your hand to refresh the pile of velvet fabric, if necessary.

Navy blue fabric sofa

How to clean a sofa at home

Fishpools’ collection of sofas boasts a wide range of luxurious fabrics with unique cleaning requirements. Use the guidelines above to keep your sofas and lounge suites looking new, smelling fresh, and feeling soft. Properly maintaining your furniture will protect it against damage and help you to get the most out of your investment!