The living room is the heart of your home, and your sofa is its centrepiece. From cosy movie nights to lazy afternoons, it’s where we spend a lot of our downtime. There’s no surprise it can pick up dust, crumbs, and everyday mess. Here’s how to deep clean your sofa based on its material, so it stays fresh, clean, and comfy for longer:

How to clean a fabric sofa

Before starting, make sure to check the manufacturer's recommendations to avoid any damage to your sofa.

• Start by vacuuming all areas, including the back, arms, cushions, and underneath the cushions (if possible) to remove dust, dirt, and debris. Use your vacuum's crevice tool to get into those hard-to-reach areas and folds where dust and dirt tend to hide. Vacuums with a flexi-hinge design are perfect for cleaning underneath your sofa if needed.

Pro tip: For homes with pets, use an upholstery brush to remove stubborn pet hair from your sofa and cushions.

• Use a handheld steamer to kill surface dust mites. Equip your upholstery attachment and steam over the entire sofa. The steam will penetrate the sofa fabric to guarantee a deep clean.
• If you notice any stains after steaming, use a spot cleaner to tackle them. Spray the stain, then scrub with the brush to lift the mark.

What if my fabric sofa smells?

Your sofa can begin to smell from odours absorbed from your surroundings. Thankfully, there is an easy resolution. After vacuuming, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the sofa and leave to sit for 15-20 minutes. Then, vacuum over the sofa again, ensuring to remove all the product.

How to clean a leather sofa

The cleaning process differs for faux and real leather. So before starting, make sure your leather sofa is genuine and not a faux leather.

• After clarifying your sofa's material, begin by vacuuming your leather sofa. Work in combination with a microfiber duster to avoid your vacuum's plastic nozzle directly touching the leather. This could mark the surface and press dirt into the fine grain of the leather.
• For minor marks on your leather sofa, use a damp cloth and gently wipe the affected area. For deeper stains, use a leather cleaner designed specifically for the job. Always test the product on a small, hidden part of the sofa before using in a more visible area. Follow the product’s instructions to avoid any complications.
• After cleaning, apply a light coating of leather conditioning. Use a clean cloth and work in circular motions. Leather is a natural material and needs regular conditioning to stay shiny. You won't need to condition after light cleaning but do so after a deep clean for optimal care.

Beldray: Helping You Keep Your Sofa Spotless

With the right tools and a little know-how, keeping your sofa clean and fresh doesn’t have to be a chore. Whether it’s fabric or leather, these simple steps will help you tackle dust, spills, and even stubborn pet hair, so your living space stays inviting and comfortable.

Looking to level up your cleaning routine? Explore our full range of floorcare products or stock up on cleaning essentials to keep every corner of your home feeling fresh. With Beldray, it’s easy to make your home a cleaner, cosier place to be.