Before applying any product, it is advisable to vacuum thoroughly and test it on an inconspicuous area to avoid damage or stains.
Experts say that using too much water is one of the most common mistakes when cleaning upholstery.
In the United States, a simple formula for cleaning sofas with homemade ingredients began to gain popularity among home maintenance recommendations. It combines everyday products, is inexpensive, and can be applied without special equipment.
The homemade mixture for cleaning sofas in minutes
The YouTube account, dedicated to household tips, shared how to prepare the mixture. The recipe includes three common ingredients. ‘Your sofa and carpet will look like new after using this trick,’ the clip states.
Posted 5 Days Ago
- Half a litre of warm water.
- One tablespoon of baking soda.
- One tablespoon of dish soap.
The mixture is applied with a microfibre towel wrapped around a pot lid
As explained, you have to mix the ingredients until they are well blended, dampen a microfibre towel and wrap it around a pot lid.
According to the author, ‘microfibre towels help to remove dirt very easily’ and the lid ‘allows the towel to slide evenly without damaging the fabric’. An important point is that the towel should be left slightly damp: ‘This way, the sofa will not be wet or damp.’
The method can be applied to armchairs, rugs, chairs, or headboards. ‘The stains disappear immediately, and the sofa looks like new,’ says the creator at the end of the video.
Other homemade mixtures for cleaning the sofa
Specialist Mary Marlowe Leverette published the article ‘How to make homemade upholstery cleaners for each type of fabric’.
Among them, she confirmed that mixtures with vinegar, bicarbonate of soda or soap can be effective, provided they are applied according to the material of the furniture.
‘Creating a homemade upholstery cleaner is an easy and inexpensive way to maintain your furniture. Daily use causes stains, but regular cleaning helps prevent damage,’ said the expert.
An American creator shared a method for cleaning sofas and carpets with items that everyone has at home: warm water, dish soap, and baking soda.
Water-based formulas — such as those using warm water, soap and bicarbonate of soda — work well on fabrics labelled ‘W’ or ‘W-S’, which allow for completely liquid cleaners.
On the other hand, fabrics marked with “S” or ‘X’ should only be cleaned with solvents or by vacuuming.
Leverette warns: ‘Some fabrics are damaged if cleaned with water-based solutions. Always check the furniture label and test a small, inconspicuous area before applying any product.’
According to the recommendations, do not soak the upholstery, as excess moisture can cause mould or odour.
Before applying any product, it is advisable to vacuum the sofa thoroughly and test the product on an inconspicuous area to avoid damage or stains.
Alternatives for leather and imitation leather
Leather or imitation leather upholstery requires a different treatment. You can prepare a mixture of half a glass of white vinegar and a quarter cup of olive oil, shake it well and apply it with a microfibre cloth. The vinegar removes dirt and the oil ‘keeps the surface soft and shiny’. Then polish with another dry cloth to avoid residue.
Do not use this mixture on suede leather, as it may leave permanent stains.
If the stains do not disappear after the first attempt, it is best to contact a specialised cleaning service. They also recommend maintaining good ventilation during the process and avoiding the use of alcohol or solvents near heat sources or open flames.
