When was the last time you cleaned your sofa cushions? For most people, cleaning their furniture, especially sofa cushions, is low on their list of priorities and can easily be forgotten about.
If you think about it, a sofa takes a lot of abuse. From pet hair to dirt to spilled food, sofa cushions can get dirty quickly. But what is the best way to keep your sofa clean? The answer depends on a variety of factors including the material of your sofa and how dirty it is.
From tips for different sizes of stains to washing machine instructions, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cleaning your sofa cushions below. Keep reading to learn the best way to keep your sofa looking good!
Why Do I Need to Wash My Sofa Cushions?
There are many reasons why you should clean your sofa cushions regularly. By properly cleaning your sofa cushions you can:
- Maintain the appearance of your sofa
- Keep your furniture comfortable
- Save yourself money and time in the long run
- Keep your home clean, healthy, & safe
Things to Know Before Washing Sofa Cushions
Whether it’s your first time washing your sofa cushions, or you haven’t cleaned them for a while, there are a few things you can do to ensure that you’re cleaning them properly.
- Identify the type of material your sofa is covered with & check the tags for specific care instructions
- Identify the degree of stain & how much cleaning needs to be done
- Pre-treat heavily stained areas with the appropriate cleaner
- Always test any cleaning products on a small, hidden area first
- Always use professional cleaning services or products for leather
How to Clean Sofa Cushion Covers Properly
The first thing you should do if you need to clean your sofa cushions is to do some precleaning. Before trying to remove any stains, you should always thoroughly vacuum your entire sofa to remove any crumbs, lint and dust that may be present.
If you have pets, there are a number of products designed specifically for pet hair removal that you can use.
You should also always check your sofa’s tags for specific cleaning instructions. Some materials can only be cleaned professionally and you can damage your sofa if you attempt to wash it at home.
Minor Stains
If your sofa cushions only have a few small stains, you should try spot cleaning them first. Most minor stains can easily be removed using a cloth and upholstery cleaner which can save you time cleaning the entire cushion.
When spot cleaning, try to avoid scrubbing as it can sometimes cause the stain to move deeper into the sofa. The best way to get a stain out is to gently rub your cleaner on the stain until the spot is removed. For some stains, it may take several rounds of cleaning to be fully removed.
Recent Stains
If you’ve recently spilled something on your sofa cushions, you should act as fast as possible. It’s easiest to get stains out of your cushions if you immediately soak up as much of the liquid as you can with a towel or rag. Once most of the liquid is cleaned, you can spot clean the area as mentioned above.
Large or Stubborn Stains
If you have a stain that is too big or too stubborn for spot cleaning, you have a few options. First, you should check the tags to see if there are any specific cleaning instructions you should follow.
Depending on the care instructions and the material of your sofa, you can clean your cushions by:
- Removing the covers and soaking them
- Having them professionally cleaned or steamed
- Machine washing the cushion covers
If you are unable to find any cleaning instructions, we recommend having your sofa professionally cleaned to avoid ruining or damaging your sofa.
What Should I Do if My Cushion Covers Aren’t Removable?
Some sofas have cushions with covers that aren’t removable. In this case, it’s best to spot any stains or spills when you notice them. When it’s time for your entire sofa to be cleaned you can use a steam cleaner or have it professionally cleaned.
Can I Machine Wash my Sofa Cushions Covers?
Some fabric cushion covers are machine wash friendly, but you should always check the tags before you do so.
To machine wash your sofa cushion covers you should:
- Remove the covers
- Flip them inside out to protect the colours and fabric
- Wash on a gentle cycle in cool water
- Hang or air-dry
How Often Should I Wash My Sofa Cushions?
You should be cleaning your sofa cushions more often than you may think. While how often you should clean your sofa depends on how dirty it gets and the type of material it’s made of, we generally recommend deep cleaning your sofa at least every 6 months.
Get More Help with Sofa Cleaning
Regularly washing your sofa cushions is a great way to keep your sofa looking newer for longer.
If you have any more questions about cleaning your sofa cushions, please don’t hesitate to contact us! Our team can help you find the best way to keep your sofa looking its best!
