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How to Clean a Sofa at Home Expert Tips for Fabric and Leather Sofas

How to Clean a Sofa at Home: Expert Tips for Fabric and Leather Sofas

After a long day, all your body needs is a little time to relax in the comfort of your living room sofa. Not just a matter of functionality, sofas are integral to maintaining the aesthetics of your home, too. No matter how expensive your sofa is, the key lies in maintaining and caring for it the right way. 

If you’re wondering how to clean a  sofa at home, this guide covers:

  • Why regular sofa cleaning matter

  • How to read fabric cleaning codes

  • Step-by-step sofa cleaning

  • Cleaning techniques for fabric vs. leather

  • Preventive care tips

  • FAQs about sofa cleaning

Why Is It Important to Clean a Sofa at Home?

Taking time out of your routine to clean your sofas once in a while can be truly worth it. Here are some reasons why you should prioritise cleaning your sofas at home:

  • Prevents Dirt Accumulation: Without regular cleaning, dust, dirt, crumbs, spills, and pet fur accumulate over time, making your sofa look dull and unhygienic. With regular cleaning, you can maintain the freshness and comfort of your seating space.

  • Maintains Aesthetics: Regular care helps preserve its look and feel, thereby enhancing the overall appearance of your home interiors.

  • Extended Lifespan: Routine cleaning and maintenance help prevent wear and tear, ensuring that your sofa stays in great condition for years to come.

  • Cost-Effectiveness: Neglecting sofa maintenance for too long can lead to damage that requires expensive professional cleaning or even replacement. Regular cleaning keeps your sofa in good shape and helps you save on unnecessary costs.

Know Your Sofa Fabric and Cleaning Needs

Regular cleaning is of utmost importance when it comes to extending the lifespan and maintaining the aesthetics of your sofa. For proper cleaning, it is important to understand what fabric your sofa is made of and which cleaning methods it can tolerate. For instance, not all fabrics are the same, and some cannot handle water-based cleaners.

 

Pictured above is the Faroe Two Seater Loveseat Sofa

The right way to clean your sofa is to identify the cleaning code given on the tag. You can easily find it under the cushions or on the underside of the sofa. Let’s quickly decode the sofa code to learn how to clean your sofa:

  1. W - Water-Based Cleaning

If your sofa has a W code, it can be cleaned using water-based solutions. You can use a mild upholstery shampoo or foam cleaner for spot cleaning. However, avoid over-wetting the area as too much moisture can lead to stains or fabric damage. It’s always wise to test the solution on a hidden part of the fabric first to make sure there’s no discolouration. 

  1. S - Solvent-Based Cleaning Only

Fabrics marked with S are more sensitive and should not be treated with water-based products. Instead, use a water-free solvent or dry-cleaning solution to gently spot-clean stains. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area and keep the solvent away from open flames, as it can be flammable. Also, avoid solutions that contain carbon tetrachloride, as it is highly toxic. 

  1. W/S - Water and Solvent Compatible

Fabrics marked with W/S can be cleaned using either water-based solutions or mild solvent products. You can use foam cleaners, mild detergents, or dry-cleaning solvents, depending on what you have at home. A patch test is highly recommended, and for stubborn stains, professional cleaning may be a better option to avoid accidental damage. 

  1. X - Vacuum or Brush Only

If you spot an X-code, the fabric is extremely delicate and should not be cleaned using any water or solvent-based solution. These sofas should only be maintained through gentle vacuuming or light brushing. For stains, it’s best not to attempt DIY cleaning and instead consult a professional, as using liquids can permanently damage the upholstery. 

How to Clean a Sofa at Home?

Cleaning your sofa at home can be a less complicated task once you understand the fabric and its cleaning requirements. With the right approach and a few household essentials, you can refresh the fabric, remove stains, and restore its appearance easily. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you deep clean your sofa safely and effectively. 



Pictured above is the Aura Three Seater Super Sofa

Step 1: Remove Loose Debris and Deodorise

Start by clearing away any loose dirt or food crumbs. If you have a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment, remove all cushions and vacuum the sofa thoroughly, paying attention to crevices, seams, armrests, and under the cushions. Once the surface is clean, sprinkle baking soda generously over the sofa. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes to absorb any trapped odours, then vacuum it up. This quick step not only removes dust but also helps freshen up the sofa naturally.

If you don’t have a vacuum cleaner, use a soft brush to loosen dirt from the surface and corners. You can also gently tap the cushions to release embedded dust or use a dry microfiber cloth to push hidden debris out. Make sure to inspect every nook and cranny and clean each section thoroughly before proceeding to stain removal. 

Step 2: Spot-Treat Stains

After the surface dust is cleared, it’s time to tackle the stains. Prepare a mild cleaning solution using warm water mixed with a small amount of dish soap. Alternatively, you can use an equal mix of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle to help break down tougher or oily stains. Dip a clean microfiber cloth into the solution, wring it out well, and gently blot the affected area. Avoid rubbing or soaking the fabric. Rinse and repeat until the stain lightens or disappears. Once done, use another clean cloth to blot the area dry. 

Step 3: Clean the Entire Sofa

After tackling the individual stains, you can now clean the entire sofa to ensure uniform cleaning. Use a fresh microfiber cloth dampened with your chosen cleaning solution and work in circular motions across the surface. Rinse the cloth frequently in clean water to avoid spreading dirt around. If you notice any stubborn stains or spots, apply a small amount of solution directly to the affected area, let it sit for a brief period, and then gently wipe it away.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

To remove any soap or cleaner residue, use a separate clean cloth dampened with just water and wipe over the surface again. Finally, pat the fabric dry using a clean towel. Allow the sofa to air dry completely before using it. Keeping a fan nearby can help speed up the drying process. Avoid sitting on the sofa until it is fully dry to prevent creasing or re-soiling. 

Deep Cleaning Techniques Based on Sofa Material

As mentioned earlier, the cleaning approach may vary depending on the sofa fabric. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right method according to your sofa fabric:

  1. Fabric Sofas

Fabric sofas are a popular choice due to the comfort and versatility they offer. However, they require regular cleaning and proper maintenance to retain their appearance and lifespan. Here are some quick tips you can use while deep cleaning your fabric sofas:

Pictured above is the Eira Three Seater Super Sofa

  • Using Baking Soda

Baking soda is an excellent natural deodoriser and mild cleaner. To clean your fabric sofa, sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the surface. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes. By absorbing odours and loosening dirt and stains, baking soda makes it easy to vacuum everything up, leaving your sofa fresh and spotless.

Baking soda is mostly safe for fabric sofas, though it is recommended to test the method in hidden areas to ensure it doesn’t cause discolouration. 

  • Spot Cleaning Technique

For spot cleaning, take a few drops of mild detergent and mix it in warm water. Avoid rubbing; instead, dab the solution over the stains using a microfiber cloth. Blot from the outer edge of the stain toward the centre to keep it from spreading. 

  • Steam Cleaning

For an intense, deeper cleansing, you can use a steam cleaner. This process helps remove bacteria, allergens, and dirt trapped in between the fabric. Allow the sofa to dry fully in a well-ventilated room. This speeds up the drying process and prevents musty odours. 

  1. Leather Sofas

Leather sofas are a luxe and elegant option for enhancing home aesthetics. Here are some quick ways to help you deep clean your leather sofa:

Pictured above is the Century Two Seater Loveseat Sofa

  • Spot Cleaning Technique

You can remove stains on leather sofas using a solution of water and mild soap. Gently dab the solution over the stain. Avoid soaking the leather with the solution or rubbing to remove the stain. 

  • Condition Your Leather

Conditioning leather is an excellent way to keep it in great shape. Over time, leather can dry out, crack, and lose its shine due to factors like regular use, air conditioning, and sunlight. Conditioning helps maintain the material’s suppleness, prevents premature wear, and preserves its natural shine and softness.

Preventive Tips for Keeping Your Sofa Clean

  1. Always use washable sofa covers, as they act as a protective shield against spills, stains, dust, and everyday wear and tear.

  2. Rotate the cushions periodically to prevent uneven sagging and ensure consistent usage.

  3. Clean your sofa regularly to maintain hygiene, appearance, and overall longevity.

  4. Prolonged sun exposure can cause sofa fabric to fade and leather to dry out or crack. Therefore, it is important to place your sofa away from direct sunlight or use curtains/blinds to protect it. 

Define Luxury in the Furniture You Choose with Nebora

Furniture, especially sofas, holds the key to a luxe interior everyone admires. Choosing the right sofa to enhance aesthetics is just the beginning; proper cleaning and maintenance are what truly define its longevity and lasting appeal. Now that we’ve explored various ways to clean your sofa at home, you’re all set to keep it looking premium and feeling fresh. 

At Nebora, we take you through an extensive selection of high-end, premium furniture that aligns with your style and quality preferences. Endlessly explore the exquisite designs we offer and choose the best that feels right in terms of form, functionality, and comfort. For the modern lifestyle you seek, we hold the key that turns your spaces into statements of luxury. 

Explore Sofas by Nebora

Discover our handcrafted modern sofas — designed for comfort, built for life.

Premium Performance Fabrics Used in Nebora Sofas

At Nebora, every sofa is designed not only for beauty and comfort but also for effortless maintenance. This is why we use globally trusted, high-performance upholstery fabrics designed to endure daily use while retaining their elegance over time. Two of the premium fabrics we rely on are Halo by Warwick and Fabricare by D’Décor — both engineered to offer exceptional stain resistance, durability, and long-term colour retention.

Below is everything you need to know about these fabrics and why they make sofa care so easy.

Halo® by Warwick — Performance Meets Luxury

Halo by Warwick is one of the most advanced performance upholstery ranges globally, known for combining luxurious texture with outstanding durability. It’s engineered for modern living, making it ideal for families, pet-friendly homes, and luxury interiors that demand both beauty and resilience.

 

Pictured above is the Aura Single Seater Super Sofa

Key Benefits

1. Built-In Stain Resistance

Halo fabrics are treated with a proprietary performance technology that prevents stains from penetrating the fibres. Most spills — tea, coffee, wine, juices, sauces — can be wiped away with simple blotting using a damp cloth.

2. Fade-Resistant & Colour-Stable

These fabrics retain their vibrancy even with exposure to sunlight (ideal for bright living rooms with large windows). The colours remain rich and consistent over years.

3. Durable for High-Traffic Homes

Halo fabrics are abrasion-tested to withstand everyday wear. This makes them perfect for:

  • Family homes

  • Homes with pets

  • Frequent entertainers

  • Lounging or binge-watching spaces

4. Soft, Luxurious Feel

Despite being performance-grade, Halo feels exceptionally soft, plush, and premium — maintaining Nebora’s aesthetic of quiet luxury.

5. Very Easy to Maintain

  • Vacuum weekly

  • Blot spills immediately

  • For most marks: water + mild soap

  • Deep clean occasionally with gentle upholstery methods

Halo combines engineering with comfort, ensuring your Nebora sofa looks new for years with minimal effort.

Fabricare™ by D’Décor — Engineered for Everyday Living

Fabricare by D’Décor is another state-of-the-art upholstery technology crafted specifically for easy cleaning and long-term durability. It’s popular across premium homes in India because of its exceptional performance in tropical and dusty climates.

 

Pictured above is the Luxe Cocoon Chair

Key Benefits

1. Advanced Stain-Repellent Treatment

Fabricare fabrics have a special finish that repels liquids on contact. Spills bead up on the surface instead of soaking in — giving you ample time to clean up without staining.

2. Ideal for Indian Homes

Designed with India’s climate and usage patterns in mind:

  • Resists humidity

  • Holds colour exceptionally well

  • Doesn’t pill or snag easily

  • Easy to maintain even in dust-prone cities

3. Pet & Child Friendly

Fabricare fabrics are durable, scratch-resistant, and designed to withstand daily wear — perfect for active households.

4. Soft, Elegant Textures

You get the look of luxurious premium fabric with the practicality of performance-grade technology.

5. Fuss-Free Cleaning

Most stains can be cleaned with:

  • Water

  • Mild soap

  • Vinegar-water solution

Fabricare makes it possible to maintain a spotless sofa even in busy homes — without the need for harsh chemicals or frequent dry-cleaning.

Why Nebora Chooses Halo & Fabricare

Both materials perfectly align with Nebora’s promise of craftsmanship, comfort, and longevity:

  • They are luxurious.

  • They are soft and premium.

  • They are durable enough for everyday use.

  • They simplify sofa maintenance dramatically.

  • They ensure your sofa remains fresh, elegant, and “new-looking” for years.

Whether you choose a Halo-upholstered Nebora sofa or a Fabricare sofa, you’re investing in a piece built for real life — modern living, pets, children, entertaining, and relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Which is the best homemade sofa cleaner? 

Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle; the result is a widely recommended natural upholstery cleaner. Lightly mist the stained area without soaking it, then blot gently using a clean microfiber cloth. This helps lift stains while deodorising the fabric, making it a safe option for most water-safe sofas. 

  1. How can I make my fabric sofa look new again?

Start with a deep clean using suitable cleaners or a steam-based machine to refresh an old or dull fabric sofa. Address stains and trapped dirt thoroughly. If the fabric is worn out or heavily damaged, reupholstering may be another option to restore its appearance and comfort. 

  1. Can vinegar be used on sofas to remove stains?

Yes, white vinegar is considered one of the best natural stain removers for fabric sofas. Create a solution with equal parts water and white vinegar, and gently blot the stain using a microfiber cloth. Avoid scrubbing to prevent spreading and ensure the fabric is appropriate for water-based cleaning. 

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