Sofa cleaning – not a job for mañana

The temptation is to grab a bowl of soapy water and rub away that stain. In fact, dabbing, or blotting, is better, but even that isn’t really the best cause of action. It can just push the stain deeper into the fibres. Remember that when you put solution into the fabric you have to remove it properly, imagine washing your hair and not rinsing the shampoo out.

Professional sofa cleaning is of course the best way to keep sofas in tip-top condition, but here’s some ideas in case that next spill is likely to tip you over the edge:

1. Pick a sofa with washable covers – sometimes a spin in the washing machine is enough. Watch out for shrinkage though.
2. Consider getting a spare cover for your sofa – one on the sofa and one in the wash.
3. Keep it covered – use throws and blankets to protect your sofa at busy times of day.
4. Blot don’t rub – use water (not soap or detergent) to blot rather than rub a stain. This will help a professional remove the stain easier if you engage one.
5. Use a steamer to help lift the stain, although this will not remove the stain completely.
6. Book a regular appointment with a pro cleaner (and maybe get your carpets done at the same time).
7. Eat at the table: Hard we know sometimes, but try to eat food at a table rather than on the sofa to save those potential stains from happening.
8. Off the shelf products: Using supermarket shelf stain removers don’t always do what they says on the tin. Always read the label and bear in mind they may actually set the stain permanently.

Ultimately, consider getting your sofa cleaned professionally a couple of times a year – maybe once in winter and once in Spring. Just like your carpet. And try not to leave it too between cleans as regular cleaning will stop particles becoming embedded and therefore even harder to remove.