How to clean your sofa naturally

We are more conscious than ever about the chemicals in our homes and the chemical-based cleaning products we use to tackle stains and smells aren’t always the most beneficial for our furniture pieces. Common cleaners often contain hazardous chemicals that are bad for the environment, and if you are conscious about having these substances in your home and around your children or pets – you may want to consider a natural upholstery cleaner. At Oswald & Pablo, we have discovered a range of natural cleaners that you can use to get rid of those stubborn stains, without compromising the health and integrity of your sofa. 

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1. Prepare your sofa with a hoover

Before you decide to clean your sofa with natural products, it is important to give it a hoover and vacuum any excess crumbs or debris from the furniture piece. The best way to do this is to remove the cushions from the base of your sofa and hoover the frame. You will find that crumbs, bits and if you are lucky, even some money may have fallen into the segments of the sofa. If your sofa is starting to have a funny odour, this should be your first port of call as it will help you to get rid of potentially stinky items that may have fallen into the cracks. Give each cushion a once over with the hoover after you have dealt with the frame – this will give you a base clean that you can develop further. 

2. Identify your material – Fabric or leather?

The properties of each material are important when it comes to deciding which cleaning products you should use. For example, leather sofas are more hypoallergenic but can scratch more easily, whereas fabric sofas can hold allergens but can be more comfortable. These properties mean that the substances needed to clean should be tailored to your furniture material to ensure that you don’t harm the sofa whilst cleaning. 

3. Check the sofa label

Before you start your cleaning efforts, it is best to check which cleaning products and substances are compatible with the material of your sofa. Below you will find a list of letters and their meanings that frequently appear on sofa labels – cross-reference the letters below with your sofa before cleaning to ensure that you don’t harm the sofa during cleaning. 

• W – you can only use water-based cleaners on the sofa. 
• S – you can clean your sofa with solvents (dry-clean only)
• P – you can clean your sofa with solvents (dry-clean only)
• SW – you can use either a water-based cleaner or solvent cleaner. Alternatively, a steam cleaner can be used. 
• WS – you can use either a water-based cleaner or solvent cleaner. Alternatively, a steam cleaner can be used. 
• X – you can’t use water or detergent on this sofa. It is best to get furniture with this label professionally cleaned.

How to clean fabric sofa naturally

Whether you have noticed a specific stain that you want to tackle, or you have spotted a few smaller marks in the deeper clean of the full sofa that you want to eliminate – we have a range of methods that you can use. The following natural cleaning methods are suitable for fabric sofas. 

Use vinegar

If you have a fabric Chesterfield sofa, and you notice a stain one of the best natural stain removers available is white vinegar. To clean a stain on a fabric sofa naturally, you can blot the stain with a solution of equal parts water and vinegar. Once you have blotted the stain thoroughly with the solution, wipe the area with a new or clean microfibre cloth. To remove any smell of vinegar, you can blot the area with a mixture of water and mild detergent and leave it to dry naturally. 

Sprinkle baking soda

The baking soda method for cleaning your sofa naturally is simple and will help you eliminate any stubborn odours from your sofa. You should sprinkle the entire sofa with baking soda and let it sit for a minimum of 20 minutes. Take your vacuum cleaner with the brush attachment and vacuum the baking soda from the sofa. 

You can also use baking soda to remove stains from your fabric sofa. If you mix baking soda with a dry carpet cleaner, sprinkle it across the surface area of the stain and let it rest for 20 minutes before vacuuming. This can help break down any stains on your upholstery in a natural way. 

Vinegar, baking soda and washing up liquid

If you have a particularly stubborn stain on your fabric sofa that needs to be lifted and you want to do it naturally, you can do so using white vinegar, warm water, baking soda and washing up liquid. 

To make the natural cleaning solution, take a teaspoon of washing up liquid, white vinegar, baking soda and mix it together with warm water. Don’t be worried if the mixture starts to froth; this is the baking soda and vinegar reacting together. 

Add this mixture to the stain directly. Leave it to dry for 10 minutes. 

Once it is dry, wipe the surface area with a clean cloth. This will lift away the residue, and your stain should have vanished, or it will be less prominent. 

How to clean a leather sofa naturally

When cleaning leather sofas, you should be cautious about the products you use. Leather is a temperamental material and can be difficult to clean, so natural products are best. When it comes to cleaning your leather sofa, there are a few general tips and tricks you should follow before you try and tackle specific stains. 

Vacuum and wipe

Use your vacuum attachments to give your leather sofa a clean before you dive in with any lotions or potions. Removing any dust or debris before you start the cleaning process gives you a base to work from and will help you identify any further stains that you may not have noticed. Make sure that you remove the cushions where you can, and to hoover the cracks and crevices of the frame. 

Wipe down the sofa with a damp cloth; this will help you to remove any surface dirt that has built up onto the leather surface. Ensure that the cloth is slightly damp and not wet as water can cause some discolouration to leather that is unfinished. 

Vinegar and olive oil

If you want to make your own cleaning solution that is natural to clean your leather sofa, you can mix 2 parts white vinegar with 1 part olive oil. Mix this well and add to a spray bottle, shake well and then spray generously and wipe your sofa with a clean cloth. Using a circular motion across the surface area of the sofa is the best way to give your leather sofa a general clean. Use a paper towel to dry the sofa and to absorb any excess oil from the surface of the leather. 

Browse the selection of Chesterfield sofas available at Oswald & Pablo today where you will find designs that have been handcrafted by our experts in our Manchester workshop. Whether you are looking for a premium leather Chesterfield sofa, or you want the best of both worlds and are searching for a fabric and leather mix sofa – we have a wide range of designs for you to explore.