As soon as the festival of Diwali arrives, cleaning of the house starts. People leave no stone unturned in polishing the floors, curtains, windows and kitchen, but cleaning the sofa often goes unnoticed. Due to the sofa being used daily, dust, food marks and many other types of dirt can accumulate on it. If not cleaned for a long time, these stains become stubborn. In such a situation, it is not always necessary to buy expensive cleaners to clean the sofa. In some cases, cleaning can also be done with the help of mild soap and water. However, it is very important to adopt the right method to prevent damage to the sofa fabric. Let us know how to clean the sofa before Diwali.
1. First remove dust from the sofa
Before cleaning the stains on the sofa, it is important to remove the dust accumulated on its surface. Vacuum cleaner can be used for this. Pay special attention to the corners of the sofa, under the cushions and the stitching areas, because more dust accumulates here.
If you don't have a vacuum cleaner, remove dust with a clean and dry cloth or soft brush. Keep in mind that avoid rubbing the cloth vigorously, otherwise the fabric may get damaged.
2. How to prepare sofa cleaning solution at home?
If water cleaning is permitted on sofa fabric, a cleaning solution can be prepared with mild dish soap and water.
Things needed to make the solution:
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a cup of lukewarm water
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a little mild dish soap
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a clean, soft cloth
Method of making: Take water in a bowl and add a small amount of mild dish soap to it. Mix it slowly and prepare the solution. Avoid using too much soap as it may leave residue on the clothes.
Note that it is not safe to use water or soap on every sofa. Be sure to read the sofa manufacturer's care guide before starting cleaning. Even before adding vinegar, baking soda or other cleaners, test their effect on the fabric.
3. Adopt this method to remove stubborn stains
If there are tea, coffee or food stains on the sofa, avoid rubbing them vigorously in a hurry to clean them.
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First of all, test the prepared solution by applying it on a hidden part of the sofa.
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Only if the color does not fade and the texture of the fabric does not change, proceed with cleaning.
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Lightly moisten a clean cloth with the solution and gently dab it on the stained area.
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After the stain is removed, remove the soap residue with a clean, slightly damp cloth.
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Allow the sofa to dry completely in a well-ventilated area.
Be careful not to wet the sofa excessively. Excessive moisture can cause odor or mold problems inside the clothes.
4. Avoid these mistakes when cleaning sofas
Some mistakes made while polishing the sofa during Diwali cleaning can damage its fabric.
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Do not apply cleaner without checking: Test any solution on a hidden area first.
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Avoid rubbing vigorously: This can damage the fabric fibers and spread the stain.
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Do not add too much water: Excess moisture can reach the inside of the sofa.
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Do not mix different chemicals: Especially never mix bleach with vinegar or other cleaners.
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Understand the types of clothes: Sofas with leather, velvet and delicate fabrics may require special cleaners or professional cleaning.
5. When should you seek help from professional cleaning?
If there are very old stains on the sofa, the color of the fabric is fading or the smell persists even after cleaning, it may be better to get a professional cleaning done. Take expert advice before trying home remedies, especially on expensive, delicate or leather sofas. To make the house clean and beautiful on Diwali, include cleaning the sofa in your list. The sofa can be taken better care of by removing dust properly, gently cleaning stains and drying the sofa completely.