How to Clean a Sofa: Smart Tricks for Optimal Cleaning of Your Upholstery

Arriving home after a tiring day of work and studies and finding our beloved sofa, for sure, is one of the best sensations we have in our daily lives, right? Besides being a very important decorative piece in our homes, the sofa is also the beloved piece of furniture for the comfort and relaxation moments it offers us.

Its various models also provide us with a wide range of design possibilities, since the furniture is versatile in every way: size, type of fabric, shapes, and can even become a bed! In other words, it really deserves attention, since it is fundamental to our homes.always in good condition, since the high cost does not allow the furniture to be easily replaced whenever any accident or unforeseen event occurs.

How to clean a sofa and make it look like new

Daily care and periodic cleaning are essential for our beloved sofas, so if you are wondering how to clean your sofa correctly, don't worry. Tua Casa had a chat with the brand manager Dona Resolve, Paula Roberta da Silva, who tells us some smart tips for a thorough cleaning and the best conservation of this piece of furniture that has already become our best friend! Check it out:

1. the day to day cleanliness that makes the difference

If you have a habit of eating or drinking while always sitting on the sofa, you'd better rethink this activity. As comfortable and relaxing as it may be, unexpected stains and dirt can happen frequently. According to specialist Paula Roberta, day-to-day maintenance is important: "It is recommended to clean the sofa weekly to keep it always clean and cared for. In the case of cleaningheavy, it is recommended to perform them in the interval of one year and, if possible, hire a specialized company", he explains.

Tip 1: Wet wipes are useful for various types of cleaning in a household, as well as for cleaning the sofa;

Tip 2: Supports on the arms of the furniture help keep the sofa clean and new for longer.

2. watch out for the dust: you don't see it, but it's there!

Dust particles are always present in the air. Even if you cannot see them, they can impregnate the upholstery, affecting the hygiene of your sofas. Most of the time, it is recommended to use a vacuum cleaner for maintenance cleaning. So, include this activity in your cleaning routine.

3. for each type of fabric, an immediate cleaning!

The expert also explains that there is no such thing as an easier or more difficult fabric to clean. In fact, the real challenge is the type of dirt on your sofa. For immediate cleaning, one should always respect what is specified on the label of each piece, but she gives smart tips for each type of fabric:

- Fabric, linen and velvet: On a clean cloth, moisten it with the mixture of one liter of warm water to 1/4 of white vinegar. Then, simply wipe the sofa. Let it dry naturally.

- Leather or leatherette: Use a damp cloth with a solution of water and neutral detergent. To preserve it, apply liquid silicone with the help of a flannel. Repeat the process every three months to hydrate the piece.

Paula also explains that there are several options of leather and they are very delicate, so, if the person is not careful, the use of any product can damage and stain the piece: "We recommend, in this case, that the service be performed by a specialized company that will clean and moisturize the leather with care, quality and safety. For day-to-day cleaning, use aIn case of immediate cleaning, the tip is always the same: check the sofa label to see which products are indicated", he explains.

- Suede: "In this case, use a cloth lightly dampened in water and, depending on the level of dirt on the furniture, add neutral detergent.

- Suede, chenille, or jacquard: For this type, you can use neutral detergent and a soft bristle brush. This process is enough for daily cleaning.

4. eliminate dog and cat hair once and for all

For those who have pets at home, you know well that hair is everywhere, including on the sofa. In this case, the vacuum cleaner is an ally! But, as a tip, Paula still recommends the use of a piece of tape. Just wrap a piece of tape in your hand and, with the adhesive side out, rub the tape all over the place, and the glue will do the job of eliminating the hair.

5. a little recipe to eliminate odors from the beloved sofa

There is nothing worse than a bad smell on the upholstery, right? So follow the homemade mixture indicated by the specialist and eliminate odors as well:

This procedure is valid only for fabric pieces, and it is important to remember to always check the label of the sofa before doing any cleaning", Paula reinforces.

6. how to get rid of the terrible stains

If there is an accident on the sofa with food or liquids, the orientation is to clean it immediately. Too many liquids can stain the fabric and the total removal of the stains will be more difficult. For light dirt and immediate dirt, mix a liter of water for half a glass of white vinegar (do not use vinegar of another color, it can stain the fabric), two teaspoons ofbaking soda and neutral detergent.

Put the mixture in a spray bottle and apply it directly on the stain. Use a soft brush to help with the scrubbing, doing it clockwise and counterclockwise to avoid spreading the stain even more. Then remove the excess with a damp cloth and dry the fabric with a clean, dry cloth. If the stain persists, look for a specialized company.

7. homemade mixtures: to do or not to do?

It is always important to be careful with the homemade recipes we find on the internet: "We do not recommend the use of products that contain chlorine and cleaning with washing powder. When in doubt, opt for neutral liquid detergent or a specific product for upholstery cleaning. And, of course, always check the label before starting any cleaning on your upholstery", commentsexpert.

8. dry cleaning for sofas

There are companies that perform upholstery dry cleaning, removing unwanted dirt and stains. These companies have the proper equipment for a complete and heavy upholstery wash, on all types of fabrics (except synthetics) that cannot be washed.

However, if the idea is to perform a quick and practical cleaning for the day to day, always check the label with the recommendations and go ahead with the little recipe: sprinkle baking soda over the sofa and let it act for 30 minutes. Besides helping in the cleaning, it also helps to eliminate odors. Then, remove the dust with the help of a vacuum cleaner.

9. upholstery waterproofing

Waterproofing is a technique that consists in applying specific products with the objective of protecting the various areas of a piece of furniture, avoiding the penetration of some liquids, dirt, and dust.

But, according to the specialist, one must be alert: "One must be very attentive when contracting this type of service, because there are flammable and non-flammable products on the market. Brazil has already registered several cases of accidents, such as burns and fires in apartments, during waterproofing processes", she comments.

Therefore, when hiring this service, make sure the company uses non-flammable products, because they prevent accidents, help absorb liquids, and treat the fabric threads, increasing the useful life of the upholstered furniture.

This technique is very useful for keeping the sofa clean and new for longer, especially for those who have children and pets at home.

10. advantages of hiring a specialized company

Time can be a scarce thing out there, isn't it? Besides, taking risks with upholstery cleaning at home can also bring doubts or even losses (if it is not done correctly). That is why counting on a specialized company offers safety, quality, and tranquility to you.

In the procedure, specialized equipment is used for each type of cleaning and fabric, with qualified techniques and professionals. The values vary a lot from city to city, besides the type of cleaning, sofa size and other aspects, such as the level of dirt. But the specialist comments that the values can be found starting at R$69,90 for leather cleaning and moisturizing. Toupholstery washing, we can find it starting at R$89.90.

* Values applied by Dona Resolve - Cleaning and Facilities, as of August 2017.

With all these tips, it is now easy to know how to clean a sofa and maintain the cleanliness and new look of the upholstered furniture.