When I splurged on a new designer sofa Toronto furniture boutique last year, I was determined to keep it looking pristine as long as possible.
But with two kids and a dog, it wasn’t long before my designer sofa Toronto purchase started showing some dirt and stains.
Instead of breaking out the conventional cleaners full of toxins, I tried some natural solutions with ingredients I already had at home.
I was amazed by how well they worked to remove even tough stains like wine, chocolate, and mud. Read on for my top natural cleaning tips for sofas.
Use Baking Soda as a Multi-Purpose Cleaner
Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can lift dirt and debris from fabric when used dry. It’s also a powerful odor-neutralizer. To refresh upholstery between deeper cleanings:
- Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the entire sofa.
- Let sit for 15-30 minutes.
- Use a soft bristle attachment on your vacuum to remove. The baking soda will lift dirt, absorb odors, and brighten the fabric.
Lift Stains with Vinegar
White vinegar is acidic enough to break down some stain compounds but gentle enough not to damage fabrics. To treat tough stains:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Lightly mist the stain.
- Let sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Blot with a clean white cloth or paper towel. Check to see if the stain has lifted, repeating as needed. Vinegar is safe for most fabrics but test an inconspicuous area first.
Freshen with Lemon Juice
The natural citrus oils in lemon make it a perfect light cleaner for sofas. Lemon juice adds a fresh scent while helping to lift some dirt and stains. For a quick freshening between deep cleanings:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of lemon juice with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle.
- Lightly mist over the fabric.
- Allow to dry completely before using the sofa. The scent of lemon will fade as it dries but leave your sofa smelling clean.
Deep Clean with Soap and Water
For a deeper clean every few months, you can’t go wrong with some good old soap and water. The key is working section by section so you don’t overly saturate the sofa cushions.
- Mix a mild eco-friendly liquid soap like Castille soap with lukewarm water in a bucket.
- Dampen a soft cloth in the solution, wringing out any excess moisture.
- Working in sections, rub the cloth gently over the fabric to lift dirt.
- Wipe the area with a second clean damp cloth.
- Allow the section to fully dry before moving to the next area. Check the care instructions for your specific sofa fabricbut most can be safely cleaned with a gentle soap and water method.
Did you find these natural cleaning tips helpful? Share your best tricks for keeping upholstery looking new in the comments! I love finding DIY green solutions.
