The sofa is probably the piece of furniture you use the most and deep-clean the least. It builds up dust, crumbs, hair, sweat and those stains you'll "deal with later". The good news is that most of the upkeep can be done at home, in just a few minutes.
Always start by vacuuming
Before any product, vacuum the sofa with the brush attachment, including the seams and under the cushions. That's where 90% of the dirt hides. This simple step, done once a week, stops dust from turning into a stain when it meets moisture.
Match the right stain with the right product
Not all stains are cleaned the same way. Always check the sofa's label (code "W" allows water, "S" requires a dry solvent):
- Drinks and coffee: blot the liquid with a dry cloth, then clean with warm water and a little mild soap.
- Grease: sprinkle baking soda, let it sit for 15 minutes and vacuum before cleaning.
- Never scrub hard — press from the outside in so the stain doesn't spread.
Fabric vs. leather
On fabric sofas, a steamer helps loosen dirt and freshen up without soaking. On leather, forget abrasive products: a soft damp cloth and a proper conditioning cream keep the material crack-free.
When to call a professional
If your sofa has old stains, a persistent smell or has never been deep-cleaned, professional cleaning with injection and extraction removes what home methods can't reach — and extends the life of the upholstery. On the OSCAR app you can book a sofa clean at a fixed price, with a verified professional arriving in minutes.