How to Clean Your Sofa

Last week, my dog decided the sofa was the perfect place to bury his bone. Let's just say it wasn't pretty. Muddy paw prints and dog hair galore — all over the cushions. But I wasn't stressed, because over the years, I've learned exactly how to handle these pet-related furniture emergencies. Today, I'm sharing my proven cleaning techniques for keeping your furniture fresh, even with furry friends around. 

Smart Furniture Choices for Pet Owners

While these cleaning tips work for any furniture, I've found that choosing pet-friendly pieces from the start can make life much easier. One standout option is the HavenlyCloud sofa, which features completely removable, machine-washable covers. Imagine being able to simply unzip every fabric piece and toss it in the washing machine after a muddy paw incident or during seasonal cleaning. It's these kinds of practical design features that can make a big difference in maintaining a clean, beautiful home when you have pets.

Get To Know Your Sofa

Before you start cleaning, check the tag on your sofa. It tells you what kind of fabric it is and how to clean it. Look for these letters:

• W: You can use water to clean it.
• S: You need special dry cleaning stuff. No water!
• WS: You can use water or dry cleaning stuff.
• X: You need to call a professional cleaner.

If you can't find the tag, it's safer to ask a professional, especially for fancy fabrics like silk or velvet.

Cleaning Tools

Once you know your fabric, get your cleaning stuff ready:

• Vacuum with a brush
• Soft cloths
• Bucket
• A HeySunday laundry detergent sheet dissolved in warm water
• Vinegar 
• Baking soda 
• Spray bottle: 
• Couch cleaner (for your fabric)
• Gloves

Let's Clean!

1. Vacuum First: Vacuum every part of your sofa, even the cracks and under the cushions. This gets rid of loose stuff before you start cleaning.
   
   
2. Clean Stains: If you have any stains, try to clean them first. For spills, blot them with a cloth. For tough stains, you might need a special stain remover. Always try cleaning a small, hidden spot first to make sure it doesn't hurt the fabric.
   
   
3. All-over Cleaning:
   
   • For "W" sofas: Dissolve a HeySunday laundry sheet with warm water. Dip a cloth in the water (not too wet!) and wipe the sofa. Do a small part at a time. Then, use a clean, wet cloth to wipe off the soap. Blot it dry with another cloth.
     
     
   • For "S" sofas: Use the dry cleaning stuff like it says on the bottle. Usually, you spray it on a cloth and rub it on the stain. Let it dry completely. Never use water on an "S" sofa.
     
     
   • For "WS" sofas: You can do it either way! Use the "W" way or the "S" way.
     
     
4. Get Rid of Smells: Sprinkle baking soda all over your sofa and let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight). Then, vacuum it all up.
   
   
5. Let It Dry: After cleaning, let your sofa dry completely. Open windows and use fans to help it dry faster.
   
   

Extra Tips

• Vacuum your sofa once a week to keep it clean.
• If you have pets or kids, think about using slipcovers. They're easy to take off and wash.
• The faster you clean a spill, the less likely it is to stain.
• No food on the couch if you can to help prevent spills and crumbs.

Your sofa should be a place of relaxation, not stress. With these proven cleaning methods, you can spend less time worrying about stains and more time enjoying your space with family — pets and all!

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