DECOR >> FILES
Easy Sofa Cleaning Tips
Be sure to check out One Sofa, 4 Styles.
- Vacuum the entire sofa, including the back and cushions. Do this regularly to prevent dust buildup.
- Check the manufacturer label to ensure your sofa can handle water. Mix the following solution: cup of liquid dish detergent with 1 cup of warm water. Beat the solution with a hand mixer or whisk until the suds look like whipped cream.
- Choose a patch on the back of your sofa to colour test. Dip a clean, cotton cloth into the suds only and rub it onto a small section. Let it dry.
- If fading, shrinking or discolouration occurs, have the job done professionally. Visit iicrc.org to find a certified upholstery cleaner in your area.
- If not, start with a small section of your sofa, dip the cloth into the suds and rub until dirt begins to appear in the soap solution. You may need to change the suds, rinsing water and cloths before you’re finished. Tip: Blot a stain with white vinegar on a clean cotton cloth before you apply the suds.
- Use a spatula or icing knife to scrape away the suds.
- Go over the area with another damp cloth to rinse.
- Repeat these steps with the other areas of your sofa. Overlapping will ensure you don’t miss a spot.
- Let the sofa dry overnight, if possible with a fan.
First published in Wish September 2006
Comment on "Easy Sofa Cleaning Tips"
Noreen writes:
Great tips on how to clean the sofa...........mine could use a go. One thing to keep in mind though, is the effect sun damage has had on your sofa before you decide to clean. Testing a spot on the back of the sofa, often where sun does not reach to damage, may lead you to think it's okay to tackle the rest of the areas. Sun damage may have weakened fibers in other spots that are particularly dirty (the arms) and your sofa may not survive a good scrubbing.
Love the magazine,
Noreen
—posted September 7, 2006 at 11:46 a.m.
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