Ten Baby Steps To Clean Your Sofa

• Step One: Take plenty of BEFORE photos. If you don’t, you’ll wish you did!
• Step Two: Use a horse-hair brush and a shop vac to gently remove dry soiling. Hint, often times, horse hair brushes are included accessories that come in the box with a new vacuum. Vacuum everywhere! If possible, tilt the sofa back, and vacuum the underside thoroughly, and while the underside is exposed, check for tags, which will contain detailed fabric information. You might also find the tag beneath the cushions. If the couch reclines, fully recline the couch to its extreme extended position. Be sure to gently brush and vacuum all exposed surfaces, and even down deep into the folds. Vacuuming is the most crucial part of the cleaning, so be diligent.
• Step Three: If the tag indicates code “W”, you may proceed to step 4, otherwise, STOP, and read the tag throughly to determine cleaning restrictions. Some materials indicate they are dry clean only , and others will require professional cleaning. Use caution and read tags carefully. If tags are marked with the letters “S”, or “X”, it indicates that the fabrics are not water safe.
• Step Four: Mix up your cleaning solution in a spray bottle, and TEST it in an inconspicuous area of the fabric. Mist on until lightly until the fabric is moistened and let the cleaner dwell. Avoid over-wetting, but don’t overthink it either. After a few minutes of dwell time, spray the treated area with some dry foam, and use your horse hair brush to work the foam into the fabric. The idea is to use the foam to work the cleaning solution into the fabric. Use gentle circular motions, first clock-wise, then counter-clock wise.
• Step Five: Spritz the rinse spray over the cleaned area, and use a white (cotton or microfiber) wash cloth, along with the rinsing solution, to wipe down the cleaned area thoroughly. You’ll notice that all the soiling is being extracted and transferred to the wash cloth, so be sure to have plenty clean white rags on hand. Once the cloth appears to be rinsing clean, move on to the next section.
• Step Six: Use your wet vac with water suction attachment to pull out soiling and moisture.
• Step Seven: Work section by section. Divide the sofa into 8 – 10 sections, and run through all the steps for each section before moving on to the next. Move from section to section until the entire sofa is clean, and don’t forget the cushions.
• Step Eight: Polish the wood, brass and metal. A quick wipe down or polishing of the trim wood and metal makes a terrific final touch. Spend the extra five minutes!
• Step Nine: Wait about fifteen minutes and briskly wipe down entire couch with the remaining dry wash cloths. This will remove any final soiling remaining on your couch. Guess what? You’re done! Your sofa should be fully dry and ready for use in 4 – 6 hours. For faster drying, see tips on speed drying below…
• Step 10: Once dried, Be sure to take AFTER photos and start sending them to friends. Bragging rights have been earned. Go out and celebrate with your besties, and enjoy your victory.