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How Do You Clean Sofa Cushions?

Sofa cushions provide your home with comfort and style. But with regular use, dirt, pet hair, spills and stains can accumulate on the cushions. Whether you have fabric, leather or synthetic sofa cushions, frequent cleaning is necessary to maintain their appearance. Weekly vacuuming removes loose dirt and reduces allergens, but deeper cleaning is necessary at least once a year or whenever stains occur. Before cleaning your sofa cushions, check the care tag or manual for an "S", "W" or "X". An "S" means solvent-based cleaners are safe to use on your cushions, a "W" means water-based cleaners are safe and an "X" means no products are safe to use. If both and "S" and "W" are present, either type of cleaning product is safe to use.

Things You'll Need

  • Vacuum
  • Solvent-based upholstery cleaner
  • Cloth or soft-bristled brush
  • Towel
  • Bucket
  • Mild detergent
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Instructions

  1. Solvent-Based Cleaning

    • 1

      Remove the cushions from the sofa if possible. Vacuum the cushions thoroughly with a soft brush attachment.

    • 2

      Spray any stains or dirty areas with a solvent-based upholstery cleaner such as dry-cleaning solution and allow it to sit for the length of time specified on the package.

    • 3

      Scrub the sofa cushions gently with a soft-bristled brush to remove any ground-in dirt and debris. If your sofa cushions are made of a delicate material, wipe the cushions with a soft cloth instead.

    • 4

      Dry the sofa cushions with a towel. Allow them to air-dry for an hour or two before using the sofa.

    Water-Based Cleaning

    • 5

      Remove the cushions from the sofa if possible. Vacuum the cushions thoroughly with a soft brush attachment.

    • 6

      Fill a bucket with 1/2 gallon of warm water and add 2 to 3 tsp. mild detergent.

    • 7

      Dip a cloth into the bucket and wring it out. Wipe over any stains or spots with the cloth.

    • 8

      Rinse the cloth thoroughly with clean water. Wipe any cleaned areas with the cloth to remove any detergent residue.

    • 9

      Press a towel onto the cushions to dry.