Cleaning a fabric sofa without halos
Is your sofa looking dull? Here's how to revive it without making it worse rather than better.
Recommended Materials
- Baking soda (dry cleaning)
- White vinegar + Water + Dishwashing liquid
- Vacuum cleaner
Steps to follow
Step 1
The problem of halos: When you clean a small stain on a fabric sofa, the water spreads and when it dries, it leaves a large round mark (halo) even uglier than the stain. The golden rule is therefore to clean the WHOLE surface, not just the stain.
Step 2
Dusting: Vacuum the sofa thoroughly, including under the cushions and in the folds, to avoid wetting the dust (which would make mud).
Step 3
The Baking (Dry Cleaning) Method: If the sofa smells or is just a little dull, sprinkle it with baking soda. Rub with a soft brush to penetrate the fibers. Leave to act for 2 hours. Inhale. It is safe for the fabric.
Step 4
The Vinegar method (Wet cleaning): Prepare a mixture of 500ml of lukewarm water, 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Soak a clean sponge and WRITE IT very hard (it should be just damp).
Step 5
Cleaning: Gently rub the fabric in areas (seat by seat), from seam to seam. Never soak the fabric (the foam underneath should not drink the water).
Step 6
Rinsing: Pass a washcloth wet with clean water (and wrung out well) over the entire surface to remove the soap.
Step 7
Drying: Leave to dry in the open air with the windows open. Don't sit on it while it's wet. You can speed up drying with a hairdryer in the 'Cold Air' position (heat can set stains). Make sure the core of the foam is completely dry to avoid mold.
Precautions
- Always test the product on a hidden part (back of the sofa).
- Do not over-wet the foam inside.
