By Your sofa is the heart of your living room—it’s where you relax, host guests, and binge-watch your favorite shows. But over time, it can become a magnet for stains, odors, and everyday grime. Whether it’s a coffee spill, pet accident, or just that mystery smell you can’t seem to get rid of, keeping your sofa clean is essential for a fresh and inviting home.
In this expert guide, we’ll walk you through the best ways to remove stains and odors from your sofa, no matter the fabric type. Let’s bring your couch back to life!
🧼 Step 1: Know Your Sofa’s Fabric
Before you dive into cleaning, check the manufacturer’s label. This will tell you what kind of cleaning methods are safe for your sofa.
Look for these codes:
- W – Water-based cleaners are safe
- S – Only solvent-based cleaners (no water!)
- WS – Water or solvent cleaners are okay
- X – Vacuum only, no liquid cleaners
Pro tip: If you can’t find a tag or you’re unsure, test any cleaning solution on a hidden spot first.
💨 Step 2: Deodorize Naturally
To start fresh, get rid of any lingering odors. Here’s how:
Use Baking Soda:
- Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the entire surface of the sofa.
- Let it sit for 15–30 minutes (or even overnight for deep odors).
- Vacuum thoroughly using a brush attachment.
Baking soda absorbs odors and loosens up dirt, making the next steps more effective.
🧽 Step 3: Remove Stains by Type
Here’s how to tackle the most common types of sofa stains:
1. Food & Drink Stains (e.g., coffee, wine, soda)
- Mix 1 cup warm water with 1 tsp dish soap and 1 tbsp white vinegar.
- Dab (don’t rub!) the stain with a clean cloth soaked in the solution.
- Rinse with a damp cloth and blot dry with a towel.
2. Grease or Oil Stains
- Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda directly on the stain.
- Let it sit for 15–20 minutes to absorb the oil.
- Vacuum it up, then blot with rubbing alcohol on a cloth.
3. Ink or Dye Stains
- Dab the area with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover (acetone).
- Blot gently and avoid spreading.
4. Pet Accidents
- Blot up excess liquid with paper towels.
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, and apply to the spot.
- Sprinkle with baking soda and let sit until dry, then vacuum.
🧹 Step 4: Deep Clean Fabric or Upholstery
For a more thorough clean:
DIY Upholstery Cleaner:
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1 tbsp dish soap
Mix in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the sofa (don’t soak it!) and scrub gently with a soft brush or cloth. Wipe with a damp cloth and let air dry.
Steam Cleaning (Optional):
If your fabric allows it, a steam cleaner can sanitize and deep-clean effectively. Be sure to follow manufacturer instructions.
🪑 Step 5: Maintain That Freshness
Now that your sofa is looking and smelling great, here’s how to keep it that way:
- Vacuum weekly to remove dust, pet hair, and crumbs.
- Use washable slipcovers or throws if your sofa sees heavy use.
- Rotate cushions regularly to keep wear even.
- Clean spills immediately—the quicker you act, the better.
🧴 Bonus: Natural Freshening Spray
Keep your sofa smelling amazing with this DIY spray:
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1 tbsp baking soda
- 10 drops essential oil (like lavender or lemon)
Shake and lightly mist your sofa in between cleanings.
✅ Final Thoughts
A clean, fresh-smelling sofa can transform the feel of your entire living space. With these expert tips, you’ll not only remove tough stains and stubborn odors—you’ll extend the life of your furniture and enjoy a healthier, more inviting home.
Need a deep clean but don’t want to DIY? Consider hiring a professional upholstery cleaner once a year for a true refresh.
Have any stain disasters or miracle cleaning tips of your own? Share them in the comments! 👇
