How to Clean a Fabric Sofa: Complete Cleaning Guide for Your Convenience

How to Clean a Fabric Sofa: Complete Cleaning Guide for Your Convenience

Choosing a sofa is much more than a simple purchase. The sofa is the place where you can relax and enjoy your favorite series, your friend's unexpected visit, or the obligatory date with your dog when you get back from work.

Added to the fact that the sofa is often the center of decoration in your home, it is essential to know how to leave it impeccable.

In this article Pummba brings you a detailed guide on how to clean a fabric sofa effectively with some tricks to make it irresistible.

How to clean a fabric sofa at home step by step

Knowing how to clean a fabric sofa at home step by step can be much simpler than you imagine.

We are going to share with you the details you need to know to leave it looking like new and keep it shiny always!

Preparation before cleaning

Before starting the task, remove any type of blanket, pillows or objects that you have on it.

Go for a good vacuum cleaner that has a brush that allows you to remove dust and all types of impurities that have settled. Vacuum it completely! Don't forget the folds and corners.

Stain detection

Discover exactly each of the stains it has. Then identify what type of stain it is.
For common stains from daily use you should mix warm water with a liquid soap, the same as ever!
The suggested proportion is one tablespoon of liquid soap for each liter of water, so you should then:
  • Apply the solution : Once the mild solution is ready, moisten a clean cloth in it. Then, gently pass it over each stain, avoiding excessively wetting the fabric.

  • Rub gently : Using the damp cloth, rub the stain with gentle, circular movements. Don't apply too much pressure, as this could damage the fabric.

  • Remove the solution: Now it is time to remove the solution with another clean cloth, and you will see that with all that love the stains begin to disappear.

For deep cleaning

  • Use a ready-made solution : When the sofa is too dirty and it is no longer just a matter of some bold stains, we recommend purchasing ready-made solutions from specialist factories following the product instructions.

  • Brush the surface correctly : Use a soft-bristled brush to clean the sofa fabric, this way you will avoid possible further damage.

  • Time to rinse and dry : Once you have correctly applied the cleaner, you should rinse the fabric with a very clean cloth. The ideal for proper drying is to leave it outdoors for a while until it dries completely.

How to clean a fabric sofa: the best products

It is important to know how to clean a fabric sofa, how to remove stains and how to approach different situations, but what are the best products to carry out this task?

We summarize them briefly so that you can easily remember them when going to the store:

  • Specific upholstery cleaners.
  • Mild detergents .
  • White vinegar.
  • Sodium bicarbonate .

Can they be used to clean a very dirty fabric sofa?

Well, if you are trying to remove a lot of accumulated dirt, we suggest you turn to those who clearly know how to clean a very dirty fabric sofa.

It is important to choose the appropriate products and techniques to keep your sofa in optimal condition , but we know that there are no magic formulas.

In cases in which the stain is already indelible, it is a sign that it may be time to buy a new Pummba.

How to clean fabric sofa: home tricks that work

Sometimes, it is not necessary to resort to commercial products, usually expensive, to keep your modular sofa in perfect condition.

Let's see together some effective home tricks that will help you clean and care for your Pummba while listening to your favorite playlist.

White vinegar and water

White vinegar is a powerful ally in cleaning a sofa. You just have to follow these steps:

  • Mix equal parts warm water and white vinegar in a container.
  • Dip a clean cloth into the solution and wring it out so it is slightly damp.
  • It's time to stop dancing to the music and gently rub the surface of the sofa with the damp cloth. Pay special attention to stains and dirty areas!
  • Use another clean, damp cloth to rinse the fabric and remove any vinegar residue.
  • Now we can resume dancing while the sofa dries naturally in the open air. Avoid using direct heat.

Sodium bicarbonate

Baking soda is another extremely effective product for cleaning your fabric sofa, leaving it fresh and without unpleasant odors :

  • Spread baking soda over the entire surface of your sofa. Focus on the dirtiest areas or where there are odors.
  • Let the baking soda sit for at least 15-20 minutes. This will allow it to absorb dirt and odors.
  • Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to vacuum up all the baking soda from the couch.

How to clean a stain-resistant fabric sofa

If you chose a stain-resistant fabric sofa , you are one of the people who prefers to save time on cleaning and maintenance, and invest it in reading that book forgotten on the nightstand.


And that's why Pummba is made life-proof , with a stain-resistant fabric that will withstand all the Saturday night drinks, pizza and movie days, or a visit from your favorite nephew.


These sofas are designed to repel stains and make removing them a much simpler task. Let's see what it takes to keep it looking new always.

Immediate cleaning

  • Act immediately if you spill some wine on your couch or drop a slice of pizza while laughing out loud, clean it up immediately!
  • Never rub the stain too hard, on the contrary, you should press gently to absorb the spill and prevent the stain from getting bigger. Pour your next glass of wine off the couch!

Regular maintenance

  • Vacuuming periodically using a soft brush on the vacuum cleaner is essential to remove the dirt that accumulates and is sometimes not visible to the naked eye.
  • Despite being stain-resistant, your sofa needs a deep clean from time to time. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and use a specific upholstery cleaner.
  • Be sure to use gentle, non-abrasive cleaning products. You don't want to compromise your sofa's valuable stain-resistant properties!

How to clean a white fabric sofa

Yes, yes, we know that white sofas look beautiful in any space, but they also require more thorough care, so it is important to keep the following in mind:

  • No strong products : To clean them, use soft products to avoid discoloration.
  • Removable covers : Covering them with covers that can be removed and washed whenever necessary is more than a good measure to protect them. They are not just covers, they are real outfits! At Pummba, we design them with stain-resistant and easy-to-clean bouclé fabric. Dress your Pummba in a different color for every occasion. Choose your favorite colors and have fun mixing them!

Pummba, more than quality modular sofas

At Pummba we bet on designs designed to last. We want your Pummba to accompany you in every chapter of your life, in your plans, dinners, friends, new family members, pets...


Pummba is prepared for every scenario you can imagine, and is also the first sofa-in-a-box in Spain.

Additionally, Pummba's fabric is made from recycled plastic, so we reuse this material instead of adding more plastic to the approximately 300 million tons that are produced each year.


We invite you to discover the variety and quality of Pummba sofas with our free samples . Enjoy the comfort and style we have to offer, and above all, being stain-free!

F&Q on how to clean a fabric sofa

What should I do if I spill liquid on my fabric sofa?

If a spill occurs, absorb the liquid immediately with a clean, dry cloth. Do not rub, just press gently so that the spilled product is absorbed and the stain does not spread.

How can I prevent my fabric sofa from getting dirty quickly?

Protective covers are a good option, as is vacuuming them periodically to prevent the accumulation of dust and dirt.

What is the best time to clean a fabric sofa?

Clean your fabric sofa at least once a month, and remove stains as soon as they appear.

Can I use commercial products to clean my fabric sofa?

Yes, but make sure they are suitable for fabric sofas and follow the instructions provided by the factory that made it.

How to eliminate unpleasant odors from my fabric sofa?

Baking soda is effective in neutralizing odors. Sprinkle on the sofa and vacuum the entire sofa after a few minutes.

Can I wash my fabric sofa covers in the washing machine?

Yes, if the covers are removable and suitable for washing in the washing machine. Wash them with appropriate and good quality soaps to preserve the quality of the fabric.

When should I consider professional cleaning for my fabric sofa?

If your sofa is too dirty or has stains that are difficult to remove, you can turn to expert professionals. They know what to use and how to apply each product.