How to clean my reupholstered sofa?
First Things First
At NUR, we recommend considering performance fabrics like Crypton or FiberGuard for future upholstery projects. These advanced textiles resist stains and moisture, making long-term maintenance much easier.
Love a fabric but worried it’s not stain-resistant? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered!
We can apply a professional-grade treatment to almost any fabric to make it resistant to stains, spills, and everyday messes. So go ahead—choose the fabric you truly love, and we’ll make sure it stays beautiful for years to come.
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Know Your Fabric Code
Before you grab the nearest spray bottle, check your furniture’s
cleaning code—usually found on the underside or under a cushion.
These letters help you understand which cleaning method is safe:
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W – Water-based cleaner is safe
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S – Solvent-based cleaner is recommended
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WS – Both water- and solvent-based cleaners can be used
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X – Vacuum only; no water or solvents
Understanding your fabric type helps prevent damage
and ensures the best results—something we always emphasize
at NUR before beginning any upholstery project.
DIY Upholstery Cleaners That Actually Work
If your furniture is marked W or WS, you can safely try the following homemade upholstery cleaning solutions:
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Mild Dish Soap + Water: Mix a few drops of gentle dish soap with warm water. Dampen a microfiber cloth and blot the stained area—never rub.
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White Vinegar + Water (50/50 mix): This natural solution works well to remove light stains and neutralize odors. Spray lightly and blot with a soft cloth.
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Baking Soda: Sprinkle it over the surface to absorb odors and loosen dirt. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly.
These methods are effective, budget-friendly, and avoid the harsh chemicals found in many commercial cleaners.
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Step-by-Step Guide to Deep Cleaning Upholstered Furniture
Here’s our recommended process at Novik Upholstery and Restoration for refreshing fabric furniture:
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Vacuum Thoroughly – Use the upholstery attachment to remove dust, hair, and debris.
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Spot Test First – Always test your cleaner on a hidden area of the fabric to check for discoloration or damage.
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Clean with Care – Apply your cleaner using a damp cloth. Gently dab the area, don’t scrub.
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Rinse Gently – If needed, use a clean, damp cloth to remove any cleaner residue.
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Allow to Air Dry – Ensure the furniture dries completely before use to avoid trapping moisture in the fabric.
Treating Common Upholstery Stains
Some stains require a little extra attention. Here’s how we suggest handling them:
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Coffee/Tea: Blot the excess liquid. Apply dish soap + warm water, let sit, then blot again with a damp cloth.
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Ink: Dab the area gently with rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad. Do not rub.
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Grease/Oil: Sprinkle with baking soda to absorb oil, vacuum, then clean with a water-based solution.
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Pet Stains: Use an enzymatic upholstery cleaner designed to break down organic stains and odors.
Can I Use a Steam Cleaner?
Yes, steam cleaning is safe for many fabrics labeled W or WS. It’s an effective, chemical-free method that deep-cleans and sanitizes. However, always:
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Double-check the fabric label before applying steam
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Use a low setting to avoid soaking the fabric
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Allow plenty of drying time afterward
For delicate materials like silk or velvet, it’s best to consult a professional—Novik Upholstery and Restoration is happy to help advise or assist with delicate or antique pieces.
Final Thoughts from the NUR Team
With the right techniques and a little care, cleaning your fabric furniture at home can be both simple and rewarding. These tips will help maintain your pieces and keep them looking fresh between professional cleanings.
And remember: if your piece needs more than a cleaning—like a full transformation or custom reupholstery—Novik Upholstery and Restoration is here to help. Reupholstering not only brings new life to old furniture, but also gives you the chance to create something entirely unique by choosing your own fabrics, textures, colors, and patterns.