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DIY Cleaning Methods for Sofa

Reviewed by Zac Kieffer

Updated: September 15, 2025

Discover easy DIY cleaning methods for your sofa. Learn tips and tricks to remove stains, refresh fabric, and keep your couch looking new at home.

DIY Cleaning Methods for Sofa

Baking Soda and Vacuum Cleaner

Sprinkle baking soda evenly over the sofa and let it sit for 15–20 minutes to absorb odors and loosen dirt. Then, use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to thoroughly remove the baking soda and any debris, leaving your sofa fresh and clean.

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How to Clean a Sofa with Baking Soda and a Vacuum Cleaner

Start with a dry surface. Make sure your sofa is completely dry before you begin. Moisture and baking soda don’t mix well and can leave behind a paste that’s tough to remove.

Remove loose debris first. Use your vacuum’s upholstery attachment to go over the entire sofa, including under the cushions and in the crevices. This helps pick up crumbs, pet hair, and dust before you add anything else to the mix.

Sprinkle a light, even layer of baking soda. Grab a box of baking soda and shake a thin layer over the fabric. Don’t dump it on—just a gentle dusting is enough. Focus on areas that tend to hold onto odors or look a little dingy.

Let it sit for 15–30 minutes. This gives the baking soda time to absorb odors and help loosen up surface grime. If you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn spot, you can leave it on a bit longer, but don’t go overboard—baking soda left too long can be harder to vacuum up.

Vacuum thoroughly. Go over the sofa again with your vacuum’s upholstery attachment. Move slowly and make sure you get all the baking soda out of the fabric, especially in seams and corners. Any leftover powder can feel gritty or look chalky if not removed completely.

Check for residue. Run your hand over the fabric. If you feel any leftover powder, give it another pass with the vacuum. For stubborn spots, a soft brush attachment can help lift the last bits out of the weave.

Repeat as needed. If your sofa still smells a little off or looks dull, you can repeat the process. Just make sure to vacuum thoroughly between rounds to avoid buildup.

Pro tip: Always spot test a hidden area before sprinkling baking soda over the whole sofa. Some fabrics can react differently, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Limited Deep Cleaning

Baking soda and a vacuum cleaner only remove surface dirt and odors, missing deep-seated stains, allergens, and grime. This DIY method lacks the power to fully sanitize or refresh the sofa, leading to limited deep cleaning results.

White Vinegar and Olive Oil

Mix equal parts white vinegar and olive oil in a spray bottle. Lightly spray onto the sofa’s surface and gently rub with a soft cloth. The vinegar helps lift stains and deodorize, while the olive oil conditions and restores shine to the fabric or leather.

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How to Use White Vinegar and Olive Oil to Clean a Sofa

Check the care label first. Sofas come in all sorts of fabrics and finishes, and not all of them play nice with vinegar or oil. Look for a tag under the cushions or on the frame. If it says “W” or “WS,” you’re generally good to go with water-based solutions like vinegar. If it says “S” or “X,” skip this method and stick to dry cleaning or vacuuming only.

Vacuum thoroughly before you start. Use the upholstery attachment to get rid of crumbs, dust, and pet hair. This step keeps you from rubbing grit deeper into the fabric while you clean.

Mix your solution. Combine equal parts white vinegar and olive oil in a spray bottle or bowl. For a standard sofa, 1/4 cup of each is usually enough. The vinegar helps break down grime, while the olive oil can add a bit of moisture to leather or faux leather surfaces.

Test in a hidden spot. Dab a small amount of your mixture on an inconspicuous area—like the back or underside of a cushion. Wait 10-15 minutes to make sure there’s no discoloration or weird texture changes.

Apply the solution. For fabric sofas, lightly mist a clean microfiber cloth (not the sofa directly) and gently blot stains or dirty spots. For leather or faux leather, you can apply the mixture directly to the cloth and rub in small circles. Don’t soak the fabric—less is more here.

Buff and dry. After cleaning, use a separate dry cloth to buff the area and remove any excess oil or moisture. This helps prevent residue and keeps the surface from feeling greasy.

Let it air out. Open a window or turn on a fan to help the sofa dry faster and to clear out any lingering vinegar smell. The scent usually fades as it dries.

Repeat as needed. For stubborn spots, you can repeat the process, but always let the area dry completely between attempts.

Residue Build-Up Risk

Using white vinegar and olive oil on your sofa can leave behind a sticky residue if not wiped properly, attracting dust and dirt over time. This build-up may cause fabric discoloration and make the sofa harder to clean in the future.

Rubbing Alcohol and Microfiber Cloth

Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto a microfiber cloth. Gently blot and rub stained or dirty areas of the sofa. The alcohol evaporates quickly, lifting dirt and disinfecting the fabric without leaving moisture behind.

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How to Clean a Sofa with Rubbing Alcohol and a Microfiber Cloth

Check the care tag first. Sofas usually have a tag with cleaning codes like “W,” “S,” “WS,” or “X.” If you see “S” or “WS,” rubbing alcohol is generally okay. If it says “W” or “X,” skip this method—water or vacuuming only for those.

Test in a hidden spot. Before you go all in, dab a little rubbing alcohol on a hidden area (like the back or under a cushion). Wait a few minutes to make sure it doesn’t mess with the color or fabric.

Ventilate the room. Rubbing alcohol has a strong smell and evaporates quickly. Open a window or turn on a fan to keep the air moving.

Pour rubbing alcohol into a spray bottle. This helps you control how much you use. You want the fabric damp, not soaked.

Lightly mist the sofa. Spray the rubbing alcohol over the area you want to clean. Don’t drench it—just a light mist will do.

Wipe with a clean microfiber cloth. Gently rub the fabric in a circular motion. Microfiber is great because it grabs onto dust and grime without being rough on the fabric.

Let it air dry. Rubbing alcohol dries fast, but give it a little time before you sit down. This helps avoid any lingering smell and lets the fabric fluff back up.

Brush the fabric (optional). If your sofa has a nap (like microfiber or velvet), use a soft brush to lift the fibers once it’s dry. This keeps it looking fresh instead of matted down.

Fabric Damage Potential

Rubbing alcohol can weaken or discolor some sofa fabrics, especially delicate or dyed materials. Using a microfiber cloth may cause abrasion, leading to visible wear, pilling, or damage if the fabric is sensitive or not colorfast.

Fill the steam cleaner’s tank with distilled water. Allow the machine to heat up, then slowly run the steam nozzle over the sofa’s surface. Wipe away loosened dirt and moisture with a clean microfiber cloth. This method deep cleans fabric and removes stains without harsh chemicals.

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How to Clean a Sofa with a Steam Cleaner and Distilled Water

Check the care tag first. Sofas usually have a tag with cleaning codes like W, S, WS, or X. “W” means water-based cleaning is okay, “S” means use solvent only, “WS” means either is fine, and “X” means vacuum only. If your sofa says “S” or “X,” skip the steam cleaner and stick to dry methods.

Vacuum thoroughly before you start. Use the upholstery attachment to get rid of crumbs, pet hair, and dust. Pay extra attention to crevices and seams—steam can turn leftover debris into a muddy mess if you skip this step.

Use only distilled water in your steam cleaner. Tap water can leave behind mineral deposits that clog your machine or leave streaks on your fabric. Distilled water helps keep things running smoothly and avoids those chalky marks.

Test a hidden spot first. Steam can sometimes change the color or texture of fabric. Pick a spot on the back or under a cushion, steam it, let it dry, and check for any weirdness before you tackle the whole sofa.

Work in small sections. Move the steam cleaner slowly, overlapping each pass. Don’t soak the fabric—just a light, even application is enough. Too much moisture can lead to long drying times or even water stains.

Let the sofa dry completely. Open windows, turn on fans, or use a dehumidifier to speed things up. Sitting on a damp sofa is no fun, and moisture left behind can lead to musty smells.

Fluff cushions and brush the fabric. Once dry, use a soft brush or your hand to lift the nap (the fuzzy surface) of the fabric. This helps your sofa look fresh instead of flattened.

Spot clean stubborn marks if needed. If you notice any spots that didn’t come out, use a fabric-appropriate cleaner and a clean cloth to gently dab (not rub) the area. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for both your sofa and the cleaner.

Stain Penetration Issues

Stains may penetrate deeper into sofa fabric when using a steam cleaner with distilled water, making them harder to remove. The heat and moisture can push stains further in, especially if not extracted properly, leading to unsatisfactory cleaning results.

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