How to clean sofa upholstery: methods for very dirty furniture

A sofa needs regular cleaning, which, unfortunately, is often neglected. Dust, dirt, food debris, and other stains accumulate on the surface and in the crevices, which not only spoil the appearance but can also cause fungal spores and dust mites.

On some sofa models, the upholstery can be removed and washed. But if this is not your case, Informacion experts offer effective life hacks for cleaning surfaces.

How to clean upholstery

You should start by superficially cleaning the upholstery with a vacuum cleaner. All dust and possible mites that may be on the fibers should be thoroughly cleaned out. If you can't reach all the corners with a vacuum, use a brush to clean all the crevices and hard-to-reach places.

The next step is to use a pharmacy product. Pour warm water and a little ammonia into a container. Soak a cloth in the mixture and wipe the entire upholstery from top to bottom.

When the furniture is completely dry, you can check for stains. You can use a conventional upholstery stain remover, but if you prefer eco-friendly life hacks, try making a homemade solution.

How to prepare an upholstery cleaner

Sodium percarbonate can be used to remove stubborn stains from sofas, armchairs or car upholstery. It is a colorless, crystalline, water-soluble powder. It is added to some eco-friendly detergents. Sodium percarbonate is commonly found in a number of laundry products, including chlorine-free bleaches. It is often referred to as oxygen bleach.

Dissolve 2-3 tablespoons of this powerful natural remedy in a liter of hot water and apply the solution to the stains. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes, scrub with a brush, rinse with plenty of water, and let it dry completely.

Before using this solution, it is best to test it on an inconspicuous part of the upholstery to make sure that the oxygen bleach does not discolor it.

Other life hacks

Salt is a natural bleach that can help you remove grease stains. Mix some salt with a little lemon juice and rub the stain.

Hydrogen peroxide is one of the best stain removers for sweat and blood stains. It is best to dilute it in water before applying, as it can be aggressive to fabrics. It is advisable to first test the solution on an inconspicuous area of the sofa or chair.

Life hacks for leather sofas

Leather sofas are already a classic trend. However, keeping them in perfect condition is usually quite difficult, especially if you have children or pets in the house.

It may happen that over time or due to friction, tears and small cuts will appear on the leather. To get rid of them, you should start by cleaning the area around the scratch in small circular motions, without pressing too hard. Then you need to apply a little glue to the hole created by the cut and glue both parts together.

For a more aesthetic result, make sure that both parts are smooth and aligned so that the flaw you just fixed is not visible. A cleaner will help remove traces of glue.

Earlier, OBOZ.UA told you how to clean a suede sofa.

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