Fabric sofas are the victims of a daily lot of wear and tear, and after a while, you may have to clean the fabric to continue using it. While there are many options available, frequent usage of cleaning products can make your sofa look dull and old. This is why many people are opting for vinegar as a safe cleaning product for sofa fabrics. If you are looking for ways to clean your sofa fabric, then this article is for you. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean a fabric sofa with vinegar.
Vinegar, although an acid, is a totally safe product for cleaning. Vinegar isn’t only practical for cleaning; it is also cheap, eco-friendly, and non-toxic, making it the perfect multipurpose cleaning solution. It doesn’t matter if the fabric sofa is under $1000, at a high-end price, or a white slipcovered sofa. You are safe. However, to get the best results, you should only mix a small amount of vinegar when cleaning a fabric sofa- more on this below.
Cleaning fabric sofas with vinegar is pretty simple. With the instructions here, you’ll be doing it on your own in no time. First, you’ll have to prep the couch and then gather the tools you’ll need to prepare the mixture and apply the solution. Each stage is further detailed below for easy comprehension.
It’s advisable to gather all the tools you’ll need before you start cleaning the sofa. The essentials things you need are:
This is the first stage, otherwise called prep. Preparing the couch for cleaning is necessary. It helps removes dust, sand particles, and other surface dirt from the sofa before applying the vinegar solution. If your sofa cushions have slipcovers, now is the time to remove the cushions and vacuum all hidden cervices and cracks before applying the solution.
It’s advisable to use a vacuum to do this cleaning. Only a vacuum can reach where your hands can’t reach.
If you have any wet stains on the couch, this is also the time to wipe with paper towels before cleaning with vinegar. The paper towels will absorb the liquid, making it easier for the solution to penetrate the fabric.
Preparing the vinegar solution is the next step. Get a spraying bottle (this is where you’ll mix the solution) and fill it with white distilled vinegar and water. Don’t forget to measure the amounts you are using before mixing. For fabrics sofas, the best mixture is ¼ cup of white distilled vinegar, added to 1 cup of water, and ½ tablespoons of liquid soap in a spraying bottle.
You can easily get vinegar from your local stores or on amazon. According to user reviews, Harris all-purpose household vinegar is one of the best due to its versatility and ability to clean without leaving any residue.
Now that you’ve prepped the couch and mixed the solution, it’s time to apply it. Ensure the solution is well mixed and spray all over the couch or on particular spots (if you’re spot treating) in light mists.
Dab the vinegar solution with a clean cloth and use to blot any stains remaining. Repeat the process until the stains and dirt are gone, and allow to air dry. If you aren’t comfortable with the lingering vinegar smell, you can gently clean the sofa with a mixture of liquid soap and water to remove the odor before air drying. Besides, you can also try other cleaning options, like using baking soda, steam cleaning if you’re uncomfortable with the vinegar smell.
Now that you know how to clean fabric sofas with vinegar, you can go ahead and try it. You no longer have to worry about what to do with those stains on your couch. Just follow the instructions above, and you can have your couch looking as good as new in no time!