Sofas are the perfect spot to relax—whether you’re catching up with friends over tea, watching a movie, or just unwinding after a long day. But they’re also where crisps and popcorn often fall into the cushions, and where wine or coffee spills can happen. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to clean your fabric sofa at home using your trusty Hoover upright or cordless vacuum. Say goodbye to dirt and hello to a fresh, inviting living space!
With the right vacuum and attachments, cleaning your fabric sofa is quick and easy.
Step 1: Check the tags
Look before you clean! Make sure to check the manufacturer’s tags and recommendations before starting to clean your fabric sofa. Different fabrics require different types of products and cleaning methods. Using the wrong product could invalidate warranty claims or ruin your sofa completely.
Common codes on sofas:
- W is the easiest to clean and means you can use water-based cleaners. Water-based cleaners have water as their primary solvent. Some examples are mild detergents, all-purpose cleaners, and soap-based solutions.
- W/S means that either water- or solvent-based cleaners are safe.
- S means only solvent-based cleaning chemicals should be used. Solvent-based cleaners are cleaners that have a chemical such as alcohol or acetone as their primary solvent. These cleaners are commonly used on dry-clean only upholstery or delicate fabrics like silk.
- X means do not use any cleaners and vacuum only.
Step 2: Steam the sofa
Use a garment steamer to kill surface dust mites. Go over the entire sofa, allowing only the steam to touch the fabric. Alternatively, if you don’t have a garment steamer you can use the steam bursts from a steam iron. Be careful not to leave a hot iron on the fabric as this could damage the sofa. If you don’t have a steamer or a steam iron, you can skip this step and grab the vacuum.
Step 3: Vacuum the whole sofa
One of the best features of both cordless and upright Hoover vacuums are their versatile and powerful attachments. Hoover cordless vacuums are perfect for vacuuming smaller sofas with the handheld mode. While Hoover upright vacuums are the best choice for larger sofas or when you need extra suction power. Be sure to vacuum the fabric underneath as far back as you can. Remove the cushions, if possible and vacuum them as well.
Hoover Pro Tip: For households with four-legged friends, Hoover’s mini-turbo brush is perfect for loosening and lifting out stubborn pet hair from sofas and cushions.
Step 4: Vacuum the nooks and crannies
Use the crevice tool to vacuum the seams, buttons, and trim of the sofa. With this tool, you can get all the hard-to-reach areas and folds of the sofa.
Step 5: Spot clean the stains
After vacuuming, if you notice some stains on your fabric sofa, spot clean them with the right cleaning solution. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s tags and use the correct type of cleaner. Test the cleaner on a hidden spot before using it on the entire sofa.
For fabric sofas marked with W or W/S:
- Make a cleaning solution with one teaspoon of mild dish detergent, white vinegar, baking soda and warm water.
- Apply this mixture directly to the stain and leave it to dry for about 10 minutes.
- When it’s dry, use a clean cloth to wipe away any residue—and voilà! You are left with a beautiful, stain-free sofa!
For fabric sofas marked with S:
- Apply a solvent-based cleaner to a clean, light-coloured microfibre cloth and blot the stain. Do not use water on sofas marked with S as the fabric could shrink or be damaged when in contact with water.
How to clean a fabric sofa that smells
The fibres of fabric sofas sometimes absorb odours from pets, spills or smoke. Over time this can lead to a stale-smelling sofa which definitely isn’t ideal for relaxing or hosting guests. If your fabric sofa has acquired some strange smells over the years, the solution is simple and only requires your Hoover vacuum and bicarbonate of soda or a dry carpet cleaner.
Step 1: Remove any crumbs from the sofa using the upholstery attachment of your Hoover vacuum.
Step 2: Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda or carpet cleaner over the sofa and let it sit for 20 minutes.
Step 3: Vacuum the sofa with the upholstery attachment again, removing all of the bicarbonate of soda or carpet cleaner.
Protect your sofa with Hoover
Your sofa is more than just a piece of furniture — it's the heart of your living space, offering comfort and style. With the right tools, like a Hoover vacuum and proper cleaning techniques, keeping it clean and inviting can be surprisingly simple. Regular care ensures your sofa stays a cozy, beautiful centrepiece for years to come.
