The Best Way to Clean Your Corner Sofa at Home

Corner sofas are a popular choice for many homes due to their versatility and comfort. They fit neatly into the corners of a room saving space while offering ample seating. However cleaning a corner sofa can be tricky because of its size, fabric type and shape. In this comprehensive guide we will explore how to clean your corner sofa thoroughly ensuring it stays fresh, comfortable and long lasting.

Understanding the Material of Your Sofa

Before you start cleaning your sofa it is essential to understand the type of material it is made of. Sofas are made from various materials such as fabric leather, faux leather and microfiber. Each material has its unique cleaning requirements. Ignoring these requirements can damage the sofa permanently. 

Fabric sofas for instance might be washable but leather or faux leather needs careful cleaning to avoid cracking or discolouration. Start by checking the manufacturer label or the care tag on the sofa. This label provides instructions and cleaning codes that guide you on the suitable cleaning method.

If the label mentions ‘W’ it means you can use water based cleaners. An ’ means only solvent based cleaners are appropriate. For sofas with ‘WS’ codes both water based and solvent based cleaners can be used. Finally an ‘X’ on the label indicates that only professional cleaning is recommended and vacuuming is the safest option for day to day maintenance.

Daily Maintenance to Keep Your Sofa Fresh

Regular maintenance is key to keeping your corner sofa looking clean and new. Dust crumbs and debris accumulate on the sofa daily which can lead to a worn out look if not addressed promptly. Vacuuming is the most effective way to keep the sofa clean. Use the vacuum upholstery attachment to clean the fabric gently. 

Pay attention to crevices and seams where dust and dirt are likely to collect. Regular vacuuming not only helps in removing dirt but also prevents allergens from building up in your sofa making it a healthier seating option for your family.

Rotating the cushions regularly is another essential practice. This prevents uneven wear and keeps the cushions fluffy. Sofas with reversible cushions last longer when you switch the sides periodically. 

If your sofa fabric is removable washing or dry cleaning the cushion covers as per the care instructions can refresh their appearance. Dusting the sofa arms and back is equally important to avoid grime buildup which can become tough to clean later.

Spot Cleaning Stains Immediately

Stains are inevitable but addressing them immediately can prevent permanent marks. The first step in spot cleaning is blotting the stain gently with a clean absorbent cloth. Do not rub as this can push the stain deeper into the fabric. 

For water safe sofas a mild soap and water solution can be used to treat stains. Dip a soft cloth into the solution, wring it out to avoid excessive moisture and dab the stained area gently.

For oil based stains use a small amount of solvent based cleaner. Always test the cleaning solution on a hidden area of the sofa first to ensure it does not cause any discoloration. If you are unsure about the cleaning agent to use, consult the manufacturer guidelines or opt for professional help. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive brushes as they can damage the fabric.

Deep Cleaning for a Fresh Look

While regular maintenance and spot cleaning can keep your sofa clean on the surface, deep cleaning is necessary to remove embedded dirt and odours. For fabric sofas you can use a steam cleaner if the care label allows it. 

Steam cleaning not only removes dirt but also kills bacteria and dust mites making your sofa hygienic. Ensure the sofa dries completely after steam cleaning to prevent mould growth. Placing it in a well ventilated area or using a fan can speed up the drying process.

If your sofa is leather, deep cleaning requires a different approach. Start by wiping it down with a damp cloth to remove surface dust. Use a leather cleaner to clean the sofa gently and follow up with a leather conditioner to restore its shine and suppleness. 

Conditioning the leather every six months keeps it soft and prevents cracks.

Removing Odours Effectively

Over time sofas can develop unpleasant odours due to spills, pet accidents or general use. Eliminating these odours is essential to maintain a fresh smelling home. Baking soda is a natural and effective deodoriser. 

Sprinkle it generously over the sofa and let it sit for an hour. This allows the baking soda to absorb odours. Vacuum the sofa thoroughly to remove the baking soda. For persistent smells consider using fabric safe odour neutralisers available in the market.

Another way to keep your sofa smelling fresh is by using essential oils. Mix a few drops of your favourite essential oil with water in a spray bottle and lightly mist the sofa. Ensure you test this solution on a hidden part of the sofa first to avoid staining. Washing removable covers regularly and airing out the cushions under sunlight can also help in eliminating odours.

Tackling Hard to Reach Areas

Cleaning under and behind a corner sofa can be challenging due to its size and shape. However neglecting these areas can lead to dust accumulation and even pest problems. Move the sofa carefully to access these spots. 

If moving the sofa is not an option use a vacuum cleaner with a long attachment to reach underneath. Alternatively a duster with an extendable handle can be used to clean these hard to reach areas.

Maintaining the Sofa Appearance

Over time sofas can lose their original appearance due to wear and tear. To keep your corner sofa looking as good as new, consider investing in slipcovers. These covers protect the sofa from spills, stains and pet hair while giving it a refreshed look. 

Slipcovers are available in various colours and styles allowing you to change the sofa appearance according to your preferences.

Avoid placing your sofa in direct sunlight as prolonged exposure can cause the fabric to fade or the leather to dry out and crack. Using blinds or curtains to block sunlight during peak hours can protect your sofa material. 

Additionally avoid placing the sofa too close to heat sources such as radiators as excessive heat can damage the fabric or leather over time.

When to Seek Professional Help

For stubborn stains, delicate fabrics or sofas with extensive damage it may be best to seek professional cleaning services. Professional cleaners have the expertise and equipment to handle tough stains and restore your sofa to its original state. They can also provide deep cleaning services for hard to clean materials ensuring a thorough and safe process

5 Expert Tips to Clean corner sofas Like a Pro

1. Check the Clean Code

So tip number one is to check the clean code on the item that is your cleaning tag. Now you might be thinking I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’ve never heard of that before.  It is pretty common that most pieces of furniture, if they have a tag, will have something called a clean coat. Now the clean coat is usually a letter. 

If  it is a W that means it can be cleaned with water. If  it is an S that means it has to be dry cleaned with a solvent. If  it is an S and a W that means Choose Your Own Adventure. You can clean it with water or a solvent based cleaner. Now some pieces that can be rare will have an X. An X means do not try to clean this on your own. 

Consult a professional or the manufacturer to get the best guidance moving forward. But my piece doesn’t have a tag. What should I do? That is a great question.

There are two things I like to suggest. Now number one is you can just do a quick Google search of the manufacturer name and how to clean and that will usually help you to find the proper care instructions or you can even call the retailer where you bought the piece and ask them. They usually have it on file. 

Suggestion number two would be to test an inconspicuous area on the piece of furniture with a water based or solvent based cleaner. Spray a little on a back side or underside of a cushion that you won’t ever see and notice how the cleaner reacts and how it dries. If it dries up and looks great you should be good to go. If you start to see some browning or watermarking or maybe even a little shrinking I would proceed with caution.

2. Vacuum Thoroughly

So tip number two is to thoroughly vacuum the piece before you start cleaning. There is a lot of dirt and dust that accumulates in your upholstery so you want to remove as much as you can via dry vacuuming before you get it wet with any sort of cleaner. That way it just cleans up that much better.

3. Choose the Right Cleaner

So tip number three is choose the right cleaner. Now because we have the clean code this helps us a ton on what to pick moving forward. So if  it is a water based piece I suggest one cup of rubbing alcohol, one cup of water and a few drops of Dawn dish soap. 

This is a great DIY mix. It does a good job of cleaning up the piece but  it is not going to cause any damage. For solvent based cleaning I have a product linked in the description below along with a video of exactly how to use it.

4. Clean and Extract

So tip number four is to clean and extract. And I need to warn you this is the fun part and usually  it is very satisfying. So where I like to start is to spray the cleaner on and then scrub it in with a soft bristle brush or a towel.

Foreign with a spotter machine or a carpet cleaning machine with an upholstery attachment and water only in the machine. And then I thoroughly flush, working in sections the entire piece. 

Now this is going to do a great job to not only remove the residue of the cleaner but also that embedded dirt and grime that is stuck to the fibers of the piece. What you’ll be left with is a nice clean piece of furniture.

But what if I don’t have an extractor and I still want to get my furniture nice and clean? That is a great question. So what I like to suggest is to take a spray bottle, fill it up with some warm water only and then mist the spot and wipe with a dry preferably microfiber towel. 

What this is going to do is pull that dirt and soil up into the towel extracting it from the surface. I’ll be honest though it won’t do quite as good of a job as a spot cleaner that can completely flush it out but  it is going to be much better than where you started.

5. Dry Quickly

So tip number five is to get it dry as quickly as possible. Now depending on the time of year when you do this cleaning you might be able to open the windows or even use a box fan, a ceiling fan or even a little snail fan. The key here is to get airflow over the surface of the piece so the moisture can evaporate and dry quickly.

Now the other thing I like to suggest is if you just cleaned your sofa and it has a lot of dual sided cushions or even some pillows I like to stack those up. That way each surface can get air flow drying nice and quick.

Conclusion

Cleaning a corner sofa requires a combination of regular maintenance prompt stain removal and periodic deep cleaning. By understanding your sofa material and following the appropriate cleaning methods you can ensure its longevity and maintain its aesthetic appeal. 

Whether your sofa is made of fabric leather or a synthetic blend, taking the time to clean and care for it properly will make it a comfortable and stylish addition to your home for years to come.