Moving into a new home is a thrilling experience, but along with the joy of fresh spaces comes the responsibility of maintenance—especially when it comes to keeping your furniture clean. Your sofa is likely the most-used piece of furniture in your home, whether you’re lounging after a long day or entertaining friends. As a new homeowner, learning proper sofa cleaning techniques is essential to maintain comfort, hygiene, and aesthetics.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about sofa cleaning—from day-to-day maintenance to treating those pesky, deep-set stains. Whether your couch is fabric, leather, or suede, this guide has you sorted.
Why Sofa Cleaning Matters?
Sofas accumulate a surprising amount of grime. Dust, pet hair, sweat, food crumbs, and body oils can all settle into the fabric over time. Without regular cleaning, your lounge can become a hotspot for allergens, odours, and even bacteria.
For new homeowners, it’s important to start good habits early. Not only does a clean sofa look great, but it also contributes to a healthier living space.
Understand Your Sofa Fabric
Before you grab a sponge and start scrubbing, you need to identify your sofa’s material. Common types of upholstery include:
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Fabric (cotton, polyester, linen)
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Leather or faux leather
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Microfibre
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Suede or velvet
Most sofas will have a manufacturer’s tag with a cleaning code:
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W – Water-based cleaners only
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S – Solvent-based cleaners only
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WS – Water- or solvent-based cleaners are safe
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X – Vacuum only
Make sure to check this code before attempting any kind of spot treatment or deep cleaning.
Basic Maintenance for All Sofa Types
Regardless of fabric, a few general practices help extend the life of your sofa:
1. Vacuum Weekly
Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum to remove dust, dirt, and pet hair. Be sure to get into crevices and under cushions.
2. Rotate Cushions
Switch cushions around every couple of weeks to distribute wear evenly.
3. Wipe Down Non-Fabric Surfaces
For wooden or leather arms, use a damp cloth to wipe away grime and dust.
4. Treat Spills Immediately
The quicker you act, the easier it is to prevent permanent staining.
Spot Cleaning Stains: What Every New Homeowner Should Know
Spills and stains are inevitable, especially when entertaining guests or dealing with kids and pets. Here’s how to handle the most common types.
Food & Drink Stains
Blot (don’t rub!) the area with a dry cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible. Then apply a mild detergent mixed with warm water using a microfiber cloth. Rinse with a damp cloth and let air dry.
Mud or Dirt
Allow mud to dry completely before vacuuming it off. Then spot clean with a fabric-safe upholstery cleaner.
How to Remove Old Stains from Couch Fabric?
If you’ve inherited a couch from the previous homeowners or neglected a spill for too long, you may be facing some set-in stains. Wondering how to remove old stains from couch upholstery?
For older stains:
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Sprinkle baking soda over the stained area and let it sit for 15–30 minutes to absorb odours and loosen dirt.
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Vacuum it up, then apply a mixture of white vinegar and water.
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Gently blot the stain, then rinse and repeat if needed.
Sometimes a professional upholstery cleaning service is your best bet for stubborn, set-in marks.
How to Get Oil Out of Couch Upholstery?
Oil-based stains—from food, skin, or hair products—are among the trickiest to remove. If you’re wondering how to get oil out of couch cushions or fabric, follow this method:
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Blot up excess oil immediately with a paper towel.
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Cover the stain with baking soda or cornflour and let it sit for 30 minutes to absorb the oil.
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Vacuum off the powder.
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Apply a dish soap solution (mix a few drops of grease-cutting dishwashing liquid with warm water).
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Blot the area gently, then rinse with clean water and allow to dry.
Avoid using heat (like a hairdryer) on oil stains—it can set the stain permanently.
Deep Cleaning Fabric Sofas
Even with regular maintenance, your fabric sofa will need a deep clean every 6–12 months.
DIY Fabric Sofa Cleaning Steps:
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Vacuum thoroughly, including crevices.
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Use a steam cleaner or hire a carpet cleaner with an upholstery attachment.
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Use a water-based fabric cleaner following the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Open windows or use fans to speed up drying.
Make sure not to oversaturate the fabric, as trapped moisture can lead to mould or mildew.
Leather Sofa Cleaning Tips
If your new home came with a leather lounge, you’re in luck—it’s one of the easiest materials to maintain. Wipe it down with a damp cloth weekly and condition the leather every 3–6 months to keep it supple and prevent cracking.
Avoid using all-purpose cleaners or anything with alcohol or ammonia, which can strip the leather.
Preventive Measures for Long-Term Sofa Care
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Use sofa covers or throws for added protection—especially in homes with kids or pets.
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Place furniture away from direct sunlight to avoid fading.
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Keep food and drinks off the couch to minimise accidental stains.
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Use a dehumidifier in damp climates to prevent moisture buildup and mould.
When Should You Hire a Professional?
Call in professional sofa cleaners if:
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The stain won’t budge after multiple attempts
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Your fabric is delicate or marked “X” (vacuum only)
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Mould, odour, or bacteria may be present
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You’re prepping your home for guests or sale
Professionals use industry-grade equipment and fabric-safe cleaning agents that go deeper than surface-level fixes.
Final Thoughts for New Homeowners
Your lounge isn’t just furniture—it’s part of your daily lifestyle. Learning how to properly clean and maintain it will keep your home looking and smelling fresh while also extending the life of your investment. Whether you’re dealing with everyday dust or learning how to remove old stains from couch cushions, having the right techniques will keep things simple and stress-free.
And if you’re dealing with greasy fingerprints or spilt snacks, don’t stress. Knowing how to get oil out of couch upholstery will help you act fast and get back to enjoying your new home.