Sofas are one of the most frequently used pieces of furniture in our homes. Frequent use can cause dust, debris and other particles to accumulate on the surface of the sofa, not to mention between the sofa cushions. Cleaning your sofa regularly can better take care of your sofa and home environment.
Of course, there are many ways to clean your sofa, and vacuuming is one of the common methods. But is it necessary to do so? If so, how often should you clean it? Experts share all you need to know about vacuuming your sofa.
Vacuuming your sofa is the first line of defense to keep your sofa clean. “This is especially true for fabric sofas, as dust, dirt and debris tend to adhere to and get stuck in the fabric fibers,” said Asaph Ooi, Dyson’s floor care product project leader.
“Many people may not realize that dust mites are most likely to breed in dark, warm, humid places with high skin cell fragments,” said Mr. Huang, “including sofas and beds – spaces where we often stay and make ourselves more comfortable.”
Vacuuming your sofa is a must-do to keep your sofa clean and reduce allergens. A high-suction vacuum cleaner can remove debris from the surface of the sofa and suck out particles deep inside the sofa.
Ideally, you should vacuum your sofa once a week. Weekly vacuuming prevents dust and debris from building up, making vacuuming easier and more efficient. Vacuum the entire sofa thoroughly, including the base and under the cushions.
In addition to vacuuming, washing the upholstery monthly will remove oil and dirt and improve cleanliness. Removable covers and cushions can be washed or dry cleaned, while the rest of the sofa can be steam cleaned. Before steam cleaning, test a small area to ensure that no stains will be left.
For weekly cleaning, start by using an upholstery brush to clean all visible surfaces of the sofa. Ooi recommends using a high-suction handheld cordless vacuum for the best cleaning flexibility. Also, choose a vacuum with a fully sealed filtration system. Some vacuums can re-expel particles back into the environment, which you want to avoid for a deeper clean.
Once the surface of the sofa has been vacuumed, remove the cushions and begin detailed cleaning. Using the upholstery attachment, clean the sides as well as the top and bottom of each cushion. Run your fingers through the fabric of invisible zippers to remove any debris or dust. Then, clean the base of the sofa and underneath the cushions. Switch to a crevice attachment on your vacuum cleaner to make it easier to clean tight spaces.
Avoid food and drinks: One of the best ways to keep your sofa clean is to avoid eating or drinking on it. This will reduce the amount of food, stains, and crumbs that get trapped.
Clean the upholstery: Wash or dry-clean the upholstery on your sofa monthly.
Consider the material: Leather sofas are less susceptible to dirt, debris, and liquids than fabric sofas. And leather sofas are easy to wipe down. Families with pets, children, or those who are more concerned about allergens may want to choose a leather sofa that is easier to clean.
Invest in an air purifier: Use an air filtration system in your home to limit the number of particles in the air, which reduces the amount of particles that end up on your furniture.
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