Whether your sofa is leather or fabric, cleaning it the right way keeps it looking good, extends its life and makes the room a cleaner, more comfortable place to be. Below are the basic rules Sochiu recommends.
1. Clean on a regular schedule
Dust is what makes a sofa age quickly, and it turns the upholstery into a home for bacteria and dust mites.
- Vacuum or wipe the surface once or twice a week.
- Clean the seat gaps, the seams and the places that are hard to reach.
- In homes with small children or pets, clean more often.
2. Deal with spills as soon as they happen
When water, food or a drink lands on the sofa:
- Use a clean cloth or paper towel to lift the liquid immediately.
- Do not rub hard or scrub back and forth - it spreads the stain and can damage the surface.
- Once the liquid is lifted, continue according to the instructions for your particular sofa.
3. Use the right cleaning solution
Avoid harsh detergents and chemicals of unknown origin.
- Choose a cleaner made for upholstery, or a mild soap.
- Always test on a hidden corner before cleaning the whole surface.
- Do not use bleach, strong alcohol or powerful solvents - they will damage the colour and the protective finish.
4. Let the sofa dry naturally
After cleaning:
- Blot the remaining moisture with a clean cloth.
- Let the sofa dry naturally in a well-ventilated spot.
- Avoid high-heat dryers and direct harsh sunlight.
For fabric sofas
- Vacuum regularly so dust does not work deep into the fibres.
- If the covers come off, hand washing is best. If you machine wash, use a laundry bag and a gentle cycle.
- Wash in cool water, around 30-40°C.
- No bleach, and no high-heat drying - both cause shrinkage and fading.
- Baking soda can help with odours and light stains.
For leather sofas
- Wipe the surface with a soft, slightly damp microfiber cloth rather than a lot of water.
- Never let water sit on the leather.
- Use a cleaner made specifically for leather when a deeper clean is needed.
- Condition the leather every three to six months to keep it supple and prevent cracking.
- Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources to limit fading and ageing.
A few habits that keep a sofa looking new
- Avoid eating and drinking on the sofa when you can.
- Rotate or swap the seat cushions from time to time so the wear spreads evenly.
- Keep sharp objects from rubbing against the upholstery.
- Clean on a schedule rather than waiting until the sofa is badly soiled.
- For stubborn stains - ink, paint, grease or mould - call a professional cleaner rather than risk damaging the material.
Caring for a sofa is not complicated if you do it correctly and consistently. Clean on a schedule, deal with spills the moment they happen, and use the method that suits the material - and a leather or fabric sofa will stay clean, keep its colour and last for many years.
Learn more
- Sochiu fabric & leather library
- View all sofas