How To Clean A Sofa At Home: Step-by-Step Guide For Fabric, Velvet & Leather

Jan 10, 2026

Corner Sofa 3 Seater Fabric Grey Left Hand Sickels

A sofa is one of the most used pieces of furniture in any home - and also one of the quickest to pick up crumbs, stains and everyday marks. Knowing how to clean a sofa at home safely can help it look better, smell fresher and last longer.

In this guide, we will walk through step-by-step methods for cleaning fabric, velvet and leather sofas, simple stain removal tips and an easy care routine for modern UK homes.

1. Before you start: check labels and test a hidden area

Before using any cleaning method, it is important to understand what your sofa is made of and what it can handle.

Read the care label or product description

Look for any care symbols or instructions on the label under the cushions or on the base.
Some may say dry clean only, water-based cleaners only or give a specific code.
If you bought the sofa online, check the product page for fabric information and care recommendations.

Always do a patch test first

Whatever cleaner you plan to use (even mild soap and water), test it on a small, hidden area first.
Apply gently, let it dry and check for:
- Colour change or fading
- Water marks
- Damage to the texture

If there is any damage, do not use that method on visible areas.

2. General sofa care: what to do every week

A good regular routine means you will need fewer deep cleans and your sofa will stay fresher for longer.

Vacuum regularly

Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum.
Go over seats, backs, arms and into the creases.
Remove cushions where possible and vacuum underneath as well.

Plump and rotate cushions

Plump loose cushions to redistribute fillings and prevent flattening.
Rotate and flip (if reversible) to even out wear.
This is especially important for fabric and velvet sofas to avoid compressed areas.

Deal with spills quickly

Blot, do not rub.
Use a clean, dry white cloth or paper towel to absorb as much liquid as possible immediately.
The quicker you act, the less likely stains are to set.

3. How to clean a fabric sofa at home

This section targets: how to clean a fabric sofa, clean sofa at home.

Step 1: Vacuum thoroughly

Remove all loose crumbs, dust and dirt first.
Pay extra attention to seams, corners and under the cushions.

Step 2: Prepare a mild cleaning solution

If your sofa fabric is suitable for water based cleaning:

Mix warm water with a small amount of mild liquid soap (for example, a gentle dish soap).
You only need a light, soapy solution - not heavy foam.

Modular Corner Sofa 2 Seater Fabric Grey Right Hand Nespresso

Step 3: Spot clean stains

Dip a clean, white cloth into the solution and wring it out well.
Gently dab the stained area, working from the outside towards the centre.
Avoid soaking the fabric - too much water can cause marks.
Once the stain lifts, use a second cloth dampened with plain water to remove soap residue.

Step 4: Freshen larger areas if needed

For general freshening, lightly wipe areas such as armrests and front edges with the same mild solution.
Work in small sections and do not over-wet the fabric.

Step 5: Let the sofa dry completely

Leave cushions propped up so air can circulate.
Open windows or use gentle air flow, but avoid direct heat from radiators or hairdryers.

4. How to clean and care for a velvet sofa

This section targets: how to clean a velvet sofa, how to care for velvet sofas.

Velvet sofas look luxurious, but modern upholstery velvet is more practical than many people think - as long as you treat it gently.

Every day care for velvet sofas

Vacuum regularly with a soft brush attachment to remove dust.
Use a soft clothes brush to gently brush the pile in one direction.
Avoid prolonged direct sunlight to reduce fading of the pile.

Modular Sofa 3 Seater Velvet Beige Azura

Step 1: Blot spills immediately

If you spill something on velvet, act quickly.
Blot with a clean, dry cloth - do not rub, as this can damage the pile and spread the stain.

Step 2: Light cleaning for marks

If the care instructions allow water based cleaning:

Mix a small amount of mild soap with lukewarm water.
Dip a clean cloth in the solution, wring it very well, and dab the area gently.
Follow with a cloth dampened with plain water to remove any soap.
Let the velvet dry naturally.

Step 3: Restore the velvet pile

Once completely dry, use a soft brush or a handheld steamer on a low setting to lift and align the pile again.
Brush in one direction to restore the smooth, even appearance.

If the stain is large or stubborn, consider professional upholstery cleaning rather than aggressive home methods.

5. How to clean a leather or faux leather sofa

This part catches searches for how to clean a leather sofa.

Step 1: Remove dust and crumbs

Use a soft cloth or vacuum with a brush attachment to remove loose dust and debris.
Pay attention to seams and creases where dirt can collect.

Sofa 3 Seater Faux Leather Black Jumal

Step 2: Wipe with a damp cloth

Use a clean cloth dampened with plain water.
Wring thoroughly so it is just slightly damp, not wet.
Wipe gently over the surface to remove light marks.

Step 3: Use a suitable leather cleaner

For real leather, use a leather cleaner recommended for upholstery and follow the instructions.
For faux leather, a mild soap and water solution is often enough (check the care label).
Always test on a hidden area first.

Step 4: Condition real leather

Apply a leather conditioner occasionally (as advised on the product) to help keep the leather supple and reduce cracking.
Do not use on faux leather unless specifically recommended.

Avoid harsh chemicals and wipes

Avoid strong solvents, bleach or abrasive cleaners on leather or faux leather.
Baby wipes and household cleaning sprays can damage the finish over time.

6. Removing common sofa stains

Here are simple approaches for some of the most common sofa stains. Always adapt to your fabric type and test first.

Food and drink (tea, coffee, soft drinks)

Blot immediately with a dry cloth.
Then use a mild soap and water solution on fabric or velvet, or a suitable cleaner on leather.
Dab gently and avoid soaking.

Grease and oil (food, makeup, body oils)

Blot any excess oil with a dry cloth.
On fabric or velvet, sprinkle a little baking soda or cornflour on the area to help absorb the grease, leave for a short time, then vacuum gently.
Follow up with a mild cleaning solution if the care label allows.

Mud and dirt

Let the mud dry fully, then gently vacuum or brush off as much as possible.
Only then treat any remaining mark with a mild cleaner.

Pet hair and odours

Use a vacuum with an upholstery tool or a lint roller to remove hair.
To freshen odours on fabric (if suitable), sprinkle a small amount of bicarbonate of soda, leave for a while, then vacuum thoroughly.

7. Simple sofa care routine: weekly and seasonal

Make sofa care easy by following a simple routine.

Every week

Vacuum seats, backs and arms.
Plump and rotate cushions.
Wipe leather or faux leather gently with a soft cloth.
Deal with any small marks before they become stains.

Corner Sofa 3 Seater Fabric Light Brown Right Hand Weller

Every few months

Do a slightly deeper clean:
- Fabric: light wipe with mild solution on high touch areas (arms, front edges).
- Velvet: gentle vacuuming and brushing, checking for any marks.
- Leather: clean and condition if needed.
Check and tighten any visible legs or fixings if the design allows.

When to call a professional

Very large stains
Serious damage or heavy soiling
Delicate or dry-clean-only fabrics

Professional upholstery cleaners have stronger tools and products that are still safe when used correctly.

8. Choosing easy-to-clean sofas with SOOXOS

Knowing how to clean a sofa at home is important, but choosing the right sofa in the first place can make life easier.

When you are selecting your next sofa:

Look at the fabric type and check how easy it is to maintain.
Consider whether you prefer fabric, velvet or leather-look based on your household, pets and lifestyle.
Think about colour and pattern - mid-tones and textured weaves are often the most forgiving.
Check product descriptions for any care advice and helpful features.

At SOOXOS, our sofas include:

Fabric Sofas designed for everyday comfort in modern UK homes.
Velvet Sofas that add a touch of luxury with carefully chosen upholstery fabrics.
Corner Sofas and Sofa Beds that combine style, comfort and practicality.

Explore our Sofas collection to find a design that suits your lifestyle - and use this guide to keep it looking fresh for years to come.

Sofa 3 Seater Fabric Grey Deavan

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