How to clean and maintain fabric sofas

2025-11-04

Fabric sofas are a common type of sofa on the market. They come in a variety of colors, shapes, and styles, and are inexpensive, making them very popular. However, fabric sofas are prone to getting dirty and accumulating dust, which can be quite annoying. So, do you know how to clean and maintain a fabric sofa?

Fabric sofas can be categorized into several types: washable, non-washable, and non-removable/washable. Washable fabric sofas produced by manufacturers mainly include blended, cotton, and jacquard fabrics. Blended fabrics are primarily composed of cotton and synthetic fibers, are inexpensive, and can mimic the appearance of silk, velvet, or linen. While they look nice, they are not very comfortable. Their main advantage is that they are easy to wash and wrinkle-free, and can be machine washed directly, making them the most suitable material for those who prefer convenience. Cotton sofas have a soft, thick feel and a high-quality texture. They are heat-resistant, alkali-resistant, breathable, and skin-friendly. Cotton sofas can be washed, but low-temperature washing is recommended, and hand washing is preferable as machine washing can easily cause pilling. Do not spin-dry or tumble-dry, and do not use bleach to avoid shrinkage, deformation, and fading.

Before cleaning a fabric sofa , it's recommended to test a small piece of the cover with a neutral detergent, cleaning the edges and corners to see if it fades. If it doesn't fade, it's safe to wash with water. Avoid machine washing to prevent excessive stretching. Do not soak for extended periods, such as overnight, to avoid deformation and difficulty in reassembly. Avoid exposing sofa covers to direct sunlight; air dry in the shade to prevent fading.

Whether a fabric sofa can be washed is explained in detail by the manufacturer in the user manual. When purchasing a fabric sofa, you should carefully read the manual and ask questions.

Besides cleaning, fabric sofas also require proper maintenance. Regularly vacuum fabric sofas, paying particular attention to cleaning the armrests, backrests, and crevices. Use a vacuum cleaner, hand roller, or tape to clean, but avoid pressing the brush head too hard against the fabric or using high suction power, as this can deform the fabric and increase wear and tear. For localized stains, take immediate action; do not use excessive water to clean them, as this can allow water to seep into the sofa's inner layers, causing the frame to become damp and warp.