sofas get dirty is a fact of life.Pets track mud all over the surface of these sturdy pieces of furniture, and chip crumbs find their way into the cracks.All you need is a bit of time and some great cleaning supplies to clean a sofa.
Step 1: Large particles should be vacuumed up.
If you want to get into the deep-cleaning, you need to remove any surface debris from the sofa.To clear the sofa, use a hose attachment on a full-sized vacuum cleaner.To get into the crevices, use the long, narrow attachment.The cushions should be vacuumed.The base of the sofa needs to be vacuumed.
Step 2: A bristle brush is used.
If there are spots that have heavy dust or dirt, use a stiff-bristled brush to break up the spots and clean the area.Rub lightly, but not hard enough to damage the fabric.
Step 3: lint and fur can be removed.
The average vacuum cleaner won't be able to remove pet hair or lint.A lint roller can be used to remove what the vacuum cleaner can't.To make sure you don't miss any hair, work in a grid across the entire sofa.
Step 4: If you have exposed hard surfaces, wipe them down.
You want to pay attention to the exposed wood or other materials on the sofas.You can find a cleaning product that is appropriate for the surface you want to clean.If you don't have a specific product on hand, an all-purpose surface cleaner will suffice.Rub a paper towel over the surface if the spray zone is broad.This will make sure that you don't get chemicals on your fabric.
Step 5: Determine the fabric of the couch.
The tag tells you what the sofa cover is made of.The tags have instructions for what to use on the fabric.Water-based detergent is used with a steam vacuum.You can use either a water-based detergent with a steam vacuum or a dry-cleaning detergent.Only a dry-cleaning detergent is used.The material should be washed using cold water.You can either use a professional service for shampooing or vacuum and brush alone.
Step 6: The fabric needs to be pre-conditioned.
If you can't find it in a grocery store, you may have to purchase it online.It is used to remove oil and debris from the body.Spot-test the preconditioner on a spot of the sofa that isn't easy to see to make sure it's not discolored.You should spray the sofa surfaces with the pre-conditioner.
Step 7: There is a solution of detergent and water.
The water-based detergent should be mixed with 3 ounces of water in a container.
Step 8: Do you want to spot-test your detergent solution?
Rub a rag on a small part of the sofa.The preconditioner was tested on the same spot.The solution should sit on the fabric for 10 minutes.You can see if the dye comes off by pressing a paper towel to the spot.Move on to the next step if there is no discoloration.
Step 9: The steam vacuum needs to be cleaned.
This step will provide general instructions for different models of steam vacuums.Attach the tank to the vacuum and remove the cap that keeps the liquid in.Put the solution into the tank and replace the lid.Attach the hose if it isn't permanently attached.Attach the stair attachment to the end of the hose.
Step 10: The sofa has detergents on it.
Place the nozzle against the sofa's fabric and hold down the button that releases the solution you poured into the tank.As you did with the vacuum cleaner, keep the button depressed and move across the sofa in a grid pattern.The entire sofa needs to be washed.Move slowly to make sure the distribution is even.
Step 11: The excess detergent needs to be removed.
Release the button.The nozzle should be moved across the sofa's surface so that the detergent can be sucked up into the vacuum.
Step 12: The process should be repeated as necessary.
Spot-treating certain spots with the nozzle is the best way to do it.It can result in permanent discoloration if you over-shampoo any area.
Step 13: The sofa needs to be air-dry.
The button will not dry the fabric out.Leave the sofa alone until the air dries completely.
Step 14: Purchase a cleaning product.
Dry cleaning products are not actually dry, but they do not have any water.There is a dry cleaning aisle in the grocery store.You can purchase it online.
Step 15: Take out the room.
Open doors and windows in the area to let the smell escape and clean the air in because dry cleaning solutions have a strong odor.If you want to encourage the fumes to leave the room, turn on a ceiling fan or set up a floor fan.
Step 16: To clean a rag, apply the dry-cleaner.
Rather than applying the solution directly to the couch, you should apply it to a rag that you can wipe against the stained portions of the fabric.These solutions are very strong, so remember that a little goes a long way.Follow the guidelines on the packaging.
Step 17: Spot-test the solution.
Rub the rag on the couch.Wait 10 minutes and check to see if there is any staining on the sofa fabric.You can see if any dye comes off by pressing a paper towel against the wet area.If not, move on to the next step.
Step 18: The couch is stained with rag.
To press the rag against the stains, you don't want to rub them.Don't get impatient and apply too much dry cleaner to the stain because it might take a long time.This could harm the fabric.Take breaks and allow the solvent to dry from time to time for heavy stains that need a lot of treatment.Remember to show restraint when applying dry cleaner to the rag.
Step 19: Go to the dry cleaner.
If you allow the chemicals to sit on your stain for too long, they can leave your fabric discolored.If you want to remove the dry cleaner from the fabric, moisten a new clean cloth with water.It should be wet, but not soaking wet.Remove the stains, wash it and wring it out.The couch should air dry once you have finished.
Step 20: A leather cleaner is a good buy.
Though wiping a leather sofa down with a moist rag will work as part of your regular cleaning routine, you should give it a proper cleaning every once in a while.Purchase a product that is specifically designed for leather upholstery.If you can't find it at the grocery store, go to a larger store like Target or Walmart.You can purchase these products online.
Step 21: You can make a cleaning solution.
If you don't want to spend a lot of money on a cleaner, you can make your own at home.In a bowl, mix equal parts water and white vinegar.
Step 22: The cleaner needs to be put on the couch.
You don't want to use the cleaner on the sofa.You can use a rag to apply it to the leather.Make sure to wipe the rag over the entire sofa so you don't miss anything.The rag should not be wet.
Step 23: The sofa needs to be cleaned.
If you just applied a cleaning product to the leather, use a fresh, dry rag to wipe it clean.
Step 24: Take care of the couch overnight.
You can make a solution with one part white vinegar and two parts linseed oil.Rub that onto the couch with a clean rag.For about eight hours, let this solution work on the sofa.
Step 25: The sofa needs to be cleaned.
Rub the sofa with a fresh, clean rag after you let the couch condition overnight.It will make the leather shiny and healthy.