How to deep clean a sofa by hand

It's the centrepiece of your living room and probably somewhere you spend a lot of time, so it's important to keep your sofa looking fresh. 

This guide explains how to clean your sofa, including the most effective odour-busting methods. 

It also shares tips on how to keep it looking good in the long-term.

See our best sofa shops guide to find the top brands, as rated by consumers

How to deep clean your sofa: step-by-step

Make deep cleaning a fabric sofa a breeze with these simple steps.

1. Check the care label

Before you start cleaning your sofa, always check the label for instructions. The following are some of the most common cleaning codes.

Following these instructions will ensure that you don't permanently damage the material of your sofa. 

2. Vacuum and dust

Grab your vac and, using the soft brush attachment, give your sofa a good once-over. 

Remove the cushions if you can and vacuum them on both sides. 

3. Spot check your solutions

Before you use any cleaning product, check the sofa’s care label to see what's safe to use. 

Then test the cleaning product on a small, hidden spot to ensure that it won’t leave marks.

4. Clean stains

Mix a little warm water with a mild detergent or fabric cleaner, then dab the stain gently with a clean cloth. 

Resist the urge to scrub or you could damage the fabric.

5. Deep clean and deodorise

Once you've worked on the stains, grab a fabric upholstery cleaner, follow the instructions for dilution and apply it evenly. 

Then use a sofa brush or cloth to clean it off.

6. Air dry

For best results, you want to dry your sofa as quickly as possible - this will ensure it won't develop a mildew scent. Considering opening your windows and switching on your heating. 

If you would rather not use heating, ventilate the room as best as possible by opening doors. 

Avoid using a heater or hairdryer to speed up the process as the sofa's material could be sensitive to heat.

7. De-bobble (if necessary)

As well as needing an occasional cleaning, fabric sofas tend to bobble, so a bit of maintenance may be required to stop them from looking old before their time. 

A fabric shaver is the best option to take care of this task.

Best sofa cleaning products

If you want to clean stubborn stains or strong odours, specific upholstery cleaners will be your best bet. 

You can see our round-up of the best carpet and fabric cleaners, according to our expert testing. 

We've also found the best vacuum cleaners and carpet cleaning machines.

How to clean your sofa naturally

However, if you want to clean your sofa naturally, or with products you have on hand, you can swap out traditional cleaning products for more simple - but almost as effective - options. 

To treat any stubborn marks, mix one part white vinegar with three parts water and use in place of a stain remover. 

To clean the whole sofa, try covering it with a fine sprinkle of baking soda as this will naturally absorb odours. Leave it for a few hours or overnight, then vacuum it up. 

Another natural way to clean your sofa naturally is with vodka - the alcohol kills odours without staining. Mix equal parts vodka and water, spritz over your sofa, and leave to airdry. 

How to remove stubborn bad smells from your sofa

If you've tried natural options and standard cleaning products, but your sofa is still smelling bad, you still have some options - but they are pricier. 

Enzyme cleaners are designed to break down organic matter and therefore stop it from smelling. They can be highly effective, but will only work if the scent is coming from a natural source - like pets, pet urine or vomit. 

You can also considering renting a machine cleaner - carpet cleaners, steam cleaners, and even ozone cleaners can be effective. 

Just ensure you spot test where possible, and read the instructions carefully. 

If you need a new sofa, check out our sofa buying guide for some handy tips

How to steam clean a sofa

If you have tried deep cleaning your sofa by hand and it is still looking a little worse for wear, steam cleaning is a great way to freshen it up without resorting to a professional cleaning. 

It's also completely natural as it doesn't use harsh chemicals.

If you need to buy a steam cleaner, see our guide to the best steam cleaners for our Best Buy and Great Value recommendations. 

Before starting to steam clean, you'll need to run through a few steps:

• Check your care label Make sure it's OK to get the sofa wet by ensuring the care label has a W or WS code. 
• Vacuum and treat any stains Use the relevant instructions above to pre-treat the sofa. 
• Patch test your steam cleaner Run the cleaner over a small area and allow to dry – this will ensure the sofa won't be damaged by steam cleaning. 

Once you've done that, gently run the steam cleaner across the fabric, working in sections to prevent streaks.

You can hold the cleaner over stubborn marks for a few extra seconds to help lift stains. 

Once you're done, gently blot the sofa with a microfibre cloth to remove excess moisture and allow the sofa to air dry in a well-ventilated room. 

If it's time for a new sofa, see our guide to the best sofa disposal methods – including how to dispose of your sofa for free

How to clean a leather sofa

Deep cleaning a leather sofa follows a similar set of steps to cleaning a fabric one.

1. Vacuum first Using the soft brush vacuum attachment or a clean, soft cloth, wipe away any dust or crumbs that have built up. 
2. Spot-treat stains Before you use any cleaning products, try blotting the area with a damp cloth. If that doesn’t work, you can try using a mild soap mixed with warm water. Finally, consider a specialist leather cleaner for deeper stains. As previously mentioned, always check the care label and test the cleaning products in a hidden area before use. 
3. Do a wider clean If your whole sofa is looking a little worse for wear, you can wipe it down with a specialist leather cleaner, remembering that less is more here. Make sure you use a very soft cloth to avoid scratching the leather. 
4. Let it air dry Once it’s clean, pat it dry with another clean cloth and allow it to air dry. 

Maintaining a leather sofa

As well as keeping a leather sofa clean, you can also help it to look its best by following a basic maintenance routine. 

To avoid damage to the leather, keep it away from heat and pointy objects (such as pet claws, keys in pockets and sharp accessories), and wipe away dirt and spills quickly. 

You should also apply a leather conditioner once every six to 12 months, depending on how much use it gets. This will keep your leather supple and prevent cracking. 

How to clean a velvet sofa

Velvet is a very delicate material, so you should always take a 'less is more' approach when cleaning: check the manufacturer's instructions and test any method in a hidden area first. 

If you stain a velvet sofa, follow these steps: 

1. Start with a vacuum As with other materials, start by using a soft brush or the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner to gently remove surface dust and debris. You can also use a lint roller on any particularly dusty areas. 
2. Use a velvet-friendly cleaner If blotting with a clean cloth doesn’t work, try a velvet cleaner on any stains, following the directions on the product. 
3. Air-dry Once you have cleaned the sofa, allow it to air-dry before use. 

Velvet has a plush texture because it has a very high pile, meaning each strand of material stands up very high from the surface. 

Over time, those long strands can become compressed, so velvet can quickly look worn. If your sofa needs some extra love, try the following methods:

• Velvet brush Using a soft, metallic brush (designed for use on velvet), brush the sofa following the direction of the fibres. This will restore the finish of the sofa. 
• Steam cleaner For a more intense intervention, try a steamer. Using the lowest setting, gently run the steamer in the opposite direction of the fibres to get rid of creases and decompress the pile. 
• Professional cleaning If yours needs a deeper clean or has persistent stains, consider a professional cleaning service.

How to clean a suede sofa

Just like velvet, suede is a very delicate material. But treat it with care, and it will stay soft and stylish for years to come.

Here's a step-by-step guide to keep yours looking fresh:

1. Brush the sofa Using a suede brush or a clean, soft-bristled brush, brush the sofa in the direction of the nap to remove surface dirt. 
2. Tackle any stains. Check if the sofa has a care label. If it recommends a specific suede cleaner, use one. If not, you can create a gentle cleaning solution by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water. Dampen a clean cloth with the solution and blot the stained area.
3. Rub with a white eraser or sandpaper If a more gentle approach doesn’t work, you can use a white eraser or fine-grit sandpaper. Gently rub the stained area in one direction. This can help lift the stain without causing damage.
4. Brush again Once the suede is dry, brush the sofa again to restore the nap. Brush in the direction of the fibres to keep the suede looking smooth and uniform.
5. Use a suede protector Consider applying a suede protector spray to the sofa. This can help repel stains and water, keeping the suede looking pristine.

Remember that with suede, prevention is key. Avoid eating or drinking on it and be cautious with dark-coloured clothing that may transfer dye. 

Always test any cleaning method in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it won't cause discolouration or damage.

How often should you clean your sofa?

How often you need to clean your sofa will depend on how much you use it, and who uses it. If you have pets or children, you'll need to clean the sofa more than if you have a sofa that's only used occasionally. 

In general, it's best to vacuum and spot-clean stains as soon as you notice them to prevent grime from building up. 

Then you can deep-clean and deodorise the sofa once or twice a year.

How to keep your sofa clean for longer

There are a few different ways you can keep your sofa for longer:

• Clean spills immediately: mopping up spills as soon as they occur and prevent stains from setting, which means they are much easier to remove. 
• Vacuum regularly: regularly cleaning your sofa will prevent food, odours and stains from being pressed so deeply into the sofa material, which will make them easier to clean up. 
• Use sofa covers: if your sofa is particularly delicate, or you have pets and kids, strategically placing throws, blankets and pillows will prevent stains from occurring. 
• Avoid direct sunlight: bright sunlight can fade the colour of your sofa, making stains appear more prominent.

Sofa care FAQs

Should I buy sofa insurance?

Sofa protection plans are often offered at the point of sale, or you can buy one separately (which may be cheaper). If you know that your sofa is going to get a lot of use and it is expensive, then it could be worth it. 

Before you buy, check whether accidental damage to your sofa – such as spills – is covered by your home insurance policy. 

Home insurance typically doesn't cover wear and tear, but might help pay for a new sofa if something beyond your control causes significant damage. 

Should I have my sofa reupholstered?

If you've had your sofa for a while and no amount of cleaning will make it look like new again, it could be worth getting it reupholstered instead of splashing out on a new one. 

There are different options for upholstery depending on whether you want the whole sofa to be recovered, or just the cushions or arms. 

You can fill out sagging seat cushions with fresh feathers and extra foam to add plumpness or get new arm covers if only part of your sofa is worn. 

Don’t forget that if you have your sofa reupholstered, you'll have to live without it for a short while and pay delivery costs. 

Can I use fairy liquid to clean my sofa?

No, you shouldn't use fairy liquid to clean your sofa, as it can stain or damage the material of your sofa. 

In addition, fairy liquid is designed to kill bacteria and break down cooking oils - so it's unlikely to be effective for cleaning any marks or smells on your sofa. 

Considering a sofa bed? See our guide on how to buy a sofa bed for more information and advice