Sofa cushions can trap dirt, dust, and odours over time. Whether you have kids, pets, or just want to freshen up your living room, knowing the best way to clean sofa cushions helps keep your home looking and smelling great.
Check the Label First
Before cleaning, always check the care label on your sofa or cushion covers. It will usually have one of these codes:
- W – Use water-based cleaners
- S – Use solvent-based (dry) cleaners
- WS – Either water or solvent cleaners are fine
- X – Vacuum only
Knowing this helps you avoid damaging the fabric while finding the best way to clean sofa cushions safely.
If There’s No Label
If your sofa or cushions don’t have a label, you can still clean them carefully.
- Test a small hidden area first.
Dampen a white cloth with mild detergent and water. Blot a hidden area, then let it dry. If the colour or texture doesn’t change, it’s safe to continue. - Avoid using too much water.
Use minimal moisture to prevent mould and long drying times. - Vacuum regularly.
Regular vacuuming keeps dust and dirt under control and helps maintain your sofa’s appearance. - Call a professional if unsure.
If you’re not sure what fabric you have, a professional upholstery cleaner can identify it and clean it safely.
If you’re unsure how to test properly, choose a hidden spot like under a cushion, mix one drop of detergent with warm water, and blot gently with a white cloth. Let it dry and check for colour or texture changes. If it fades or feels rough, stop and contact a professional.
Can You Machine Wash Sofa Cushions?
It depends on the cushion and cover.
- Removable covers with a “W” or machine washable label:
- Use a gentle cycle, cold or lukewarm water, and mild detergent.
- Zip up covers before washing.
- Always air dry – never tumble dry.
- Foam or fibre-filled cushions:
- Don’t wash the whole cushion – it can soak up water and grow mould.
- Just wash the cover or use a professional upholstery cleaner.
- No removable covers or no label:
- Avoid machine washing. Spot clean or book a professional upholstery clean instead.
If you’d like to wash your smaller cushion covers yourself first, that’s fine. At CarpetProCleaning, we can adjust your quote so you only pay for cleaning the large seating cushions and sofa frame. It’s a great way to save money while still getting a professional finish.
And if you’re not sure whether you can safely clean or machine wash your sofa cushions, you can always ask Henryk at CarpetProCleaning for free advice. He’ll help you decide the safest option for your specific fabric.
Vacuum the Cushions
Start by removing dust and dirt using a vacuum with an upholstery tool. It’s one of the easiest ways to keep sofa cushions looking clean between deep cleans.
Spot Clean Stains
For small stains:
- Mix a little detergent with warm water (for W or WS fabrics).
- Blot gently – don’t rub.
- Use a clean damp cloth to remove soap, then blot dry.
If your cushions are S or X, avoid water and use a dry-cleaning solution instead.
Remove Odours
Sprinkle baking soda over the cushions and leave for 15–30 minutes, then vacuum. It absorbs pet, food, and sweat smells effectively.
Let Them Dry Properly
Always let cushions dry completely before using them again. If covers are removable, hang them to air dry. Never place them back on the sofa while damp.
DIY Cleaning vs Professional Cleaning
Most DIY cleaning methods leave chemical residues that attract more dirt over time.
At CarpetProCleaning, our upholstery cleaning includes a full rinse and extraction step, removing all soil and residue. This means your sofa stays cleaner for longer, with a fresher finish that’s safe for families and pets.
Professional Sofa Cleaning
For delicate fabrics like velvet, silk, or viscose, it’s best to call a professional. At CarpetProCleaning, we use safe, low-moisture upholstery cleaning methods that bring your furniture back to life without overwetting the fabric.
How to Save Money on Sofa Cleaning
You can save money on professional sofa cleaning by doing part of the job yourself. Many of our customers choose to clean their smaller cushion covers at home and then hire CarpetProCleaning to professionally clean the sofa frame and larger seating cushions.
This way, you still get the same great results without paying for a full service. It’s ideal for busy households and rental properties where the frame needs deep cleaning, but the cushions can be handled at home.
Risks of DIY Sofa Cleaning
DIY cleaning might seem simple, but it can cause real damage. Using too much water or the wrong product can soak foam, trap dirt, and even lead to mould.
Some fabrics are extremely gentle – like viscose velvet, which can be damaged even by plain water. You can read more about this in our article:
Viscose Velvet Sofa Cleaning
If moisture seeps into your sofa, it can lead to mould growth and health risks. For more information, see our post: Is Mold on Your Couch Dangerous? What You Need to Know
Our professional cleaning avoids these issues by using controlled moisture, fabric-safe solutions, and full extraction for a deep, safe clean.
Conclusion
Keeping your sofa cushions clean keeps your home looking fresh and hygienic. Light vacuuming and gentle spot cleaning help, but for deep cleaning, professional care is the best way to clean sofa cushions safely and effectively.
At CarpetProCleaning, we provide professional upholstery and sofa cleaning across Wallasey, Wirral, and nearby areas. We remove dirt, odours, and chemical residues, leaving your upholstery clean, fresh, and residue-free.
Book your upholstery cleaning today at carpetprocleaning.co.uk/booking or call 07574 923082 for a free quote. Read more about Our Upholstery cleaning services. Find out our before and after on upholstery cleaing on Facebook and Photo Galeries on this page.
