A sofa is a staple in every home, serving as not just a piece of furniture for relaxation but also as an essential aspect of home decor. However, sofas are also prone to stains, dust, and dirt, which can be difficult to clean.
A dirty sofa not only ruins the aesthetics of a room but also poses a health hazard due to the accumulation of dirt and bacteria.
Fortunately, there are simple and effective ways to clean a sofa, making it look brand new. Below are some cleaning tips for different types of sofas:
1. Fabric sofa
Cleaning a fabric sofa requires attention to detail; otherwise, it can easily wear out. To prevent this, it is recommended to apply a cleaning agent on a new purchase. In case of large stains, it is best to seek professional cleaning services.
For sofas that have been used for a year, it is advisable to use a detergent for cleaning. However, the detergent must be thoroughly rinsed off to avoid staining the sofa further.
Regular dusting of a fabric sofa is necessary, at least once a week. Do not forget to clean small and hidden areas, such as the back of the sofa. A vacuum cleaner or a towel can be used for dusting.
2. Leather sofa
Cleaning a leather sofa is less complicated than a fabric sofa, but one must be careful since leather sofas are relatively expensive furniture. A professional foam cleaner can be used to clean the sofa by dabbing it on a wet towel and wiping it gently.
It is crucial to note that the pH of the cleaner should be around 5-7. Do not spray too much cleaner, and wipe the surface of the sofa several times to prevent it from getting too wet.
3. Solid wood sofa
Solid wood furniture is highly sensitive to water. Wiping it with a damp cloth and then drying it immediately with a dry cloth is the best method of cleaning. If there are any stains on the surface, scrub it with warm neutral soapy water, rinse it with clean water, and then dry it with a dry cloth.
For additional protection of the solid wood surface, it is best to paint the furniture after six months of use.
4. Rattan sofa
A rattan sofa can be cleaned by scrubbing it with salt water, which makes it softer and more flexible. To clean the gaps between the rattan, use a toothbrush or a small brush. Soap and soda are effective in removing stains, but don't forget to dry the sofa thoroughly after cleaning.
5. Velvet sofa
If a sofa has a fake velvet surface, it can be cleaned using alcohol. Pour the alcohol into a watering can and spray it evenly on the dirty area. After the alcohol has penetrated into the inside of the dirty place, use a dry rag to absorb the alcohol.
Gently wipe the dirty area with a sponge to clean the sofa. After cleaning, the surface of the sofa may appear hard, but patting it repeatedly should restore its original texture.
Maintaining a clean sofa not only enhances the aesthetics of a room but also contributes to a healthy living environment. With these simple cleaning tips, anyone can keep their sofa looking new for years to come.