Cleaning at home
How to clean a fabric sofa without ruining it
Updated · Reviewed by Equipo SofaSpa
The difference between a sofa that improves and one left with rings, pilling or faded colours comes down to three things: reading the label, testing on a hidden area and using far less water than seems necessary. That's what this guide is about, not recipes.
1. Find the label
Under a cushion, on the back or on the manufacturer's spec sheet. The codes: W water, S solvent only, WS both, X vacuum only. If there's no label, act as if it were S: no water until you've tested.
2. Vacuum thoroughly
With the upholstery tool: seats, backs, arms, seams and under the cushions. A large part of the dirt that makes a sofa look "grey" is dust and hair that can be removed dry.
3. Test on a hidden area
Dampen a white cloth with cold water and press it on the back of a cushion or the rear of the sofa. Wait for it to dry. If the cloth picks up colour or the fabric changes appearance, stop here: that sofa can't be cleaned with water at home.
4. General cleaning (W or WS only)
- Cold water and, if needed, a drop of neutral soap diluted in the water, not on the sofa.
- A barely damp microfibre cloth. Work in small areas, always in the same direction, without rubbing in circles.
- Change the water when it gets dirty and rinse with another cloth with water only.
- Press dry with a dry cloth and leave to dry with ventilation.
5. Specific stains
Use the stain guide: choose fabric, stain and code and you'll see what to do first and what to avoid.
What to always avoid
- Rubbing hard or using stiff brushes.
- Soaking: the water goes down into the padding, takes days to dry and leaves rings as it rises.
- Steam and direct heat.
- Mixing products or using bleach, ammonia or alcohol without knowing the fabric.
- Internet "hacks" applied to a fabric that isn't the one in the video.
When to stop and ask for help
- The fabric bleeds in the test.
- A ring appears as it dries.
- The stain is days old or was previously treated with other products.
- The sofa is velvet, linen, silk or leather.
- There's an odour that returns with humidity: it's in the padding.
Frequently asked questions
Is supermarket upholstery cleaner any good?
On W fabrics and after a test, some work for light soiling. The risk is using them on S, X or without testing: rings and discolouration. Read the sofa's label and the product's.
Can I wash the covers in the washing machine?
Only if the cover's label allows it, on the programme indicated and washing all the covers together so any change in shade is uniform.
How often is a professional clean worthwhile?
There's no rule: it depends on use, pets and children. When the fabric loses its feel, dark patches appear or there's an odour, it's time for an assessment.
Notes
- Reviewed by the SofaSpa team on 14/10/2026.
- This guide doesn't replace the manufacturer's label: if it says otherwise, it takes priority.