We spend a lot of time sitting on our sofas, so it’s common for them to get dirty and stained over time. From spills to stains, couches endure a lot.
You might not think about cleaning your couch until a stain or bad smell reminds you it’s needed. But regularly cleaning your couch is a good idea to add to your weekly cleaning routine.
One easy and effective cleaner for a sofa that you likely have in your kitchen is baking soda. This versatile powder has many uses around the home beyond baking, from removing mold on tiles to absorbing odors in litter boxes. It’s also great for removing stains and smells from couches.
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, works so well because it’s a mild alkali. When mixed with water, it dissolves dirt and grime for easy removal. This safe powder soaks up moisture and reduces the smell by making things less stinky.
Cleaning light stains or odors from your sofas doesn’t require calling in a professional cleaner or purchasing a special spot-cleaning appliance. There’s a simple solution using common household items. To clean your couch, gather baking soda, and a soft brush and get started.
How to Clean a Sofa at Home with Baking Soda?
We sit on the sofa a lot, and it tends to get dirty and stained over time. Knowing how to clean sofa stains is a useful skill for all of us to have. The full process is fairly simple and you can complete it in an hour.
Method – 1
What will you need- Dish soap, White vinegar, Baking soda and Warm water.
1. Mix 1 teaspoon each of dish soap, white vinegar, baking soda, and warm water. This will create a frothy mixture as the baking soda and vinegar react.
2. Apply the mixture directly onto any stains or dirt marks on your sofa. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. Also, you can use this liquid to fully clean your sofa.
3. After 10 minutes, wipe the couch surface with a clean cloth to remove any residue. This should leave you with a clean, stain-free sofa.
The combination of baking soda and vinegar works well to clean tough stains. When combined, they create an acidic formula that can cut through grease and grime gently.
Method – 2
1. If the cushions on your sofa can be removed, take them off and set them aside.
2. Use your handheld vacuum or your regular vacuum with the upholstery attachment to remove any loose dirt from the cushions and the sofa itself.
3. Sprinkle lots of baking soda all over the sofa, making sure to cover every part, even the sides of it.
4. Be gentle and use a soft brush to rub the baking soda into the sofa fabric. Make sure the brush is clean and not too hard. Don’t use a stiff brush just use a soft brush and do it with gentle hands.
5. Allow the baking soda to sit and absorb odors for 30 minutes to an hour, you can continue it longer if the odor is especially strong.
6. Grab your handheld vacuum or use a regular vacuum with the soft brush attachment to carefully suck up all the baking soda from the couch and cushions. Then, put the cushions back in their looks.
How to Deep Clean Your Sofa?
First, check if your couch has a cleaning code label underneath or behind the cushions. This indicates what types of cleaners can be used:
W = Water-based cleaners only
S = Solvent-based cleaners only
S/W = Both water and solvent cleaners are okay
X = Avoid all cleaners
To remove odors –
Sprinkle baking soda all over the couch.
Let sit for 20-30 minutes to absorb smells.
Vacuum up the baking soda.
For stains-
1. For fabric, mix one-fourth cup vinegar and three-fourths cup warm water.
2. For synthetic fabric, mix three-fourths cup warm water and 1 tablespoon dish soap.
3. Spray solution on stains, let sit for 5-10 minutes, then scrub with a soft brush. Rinse it thoroughly.
4. For a deeper clean, rent a steam cleaner and use its solution. Or machine wash removable cushion covers if possible.
Why is Baking Soda Great for Cleaning Sofa?
Baking soda excels as a cleaner for several reasons. Some of them are –
1. It Dissolves Dirt and Stains Gently
Baking soda is a mild alkali, which means that when mixed with a little water it creates a gentle cleaning solution.
This solution helps break down and dissolve stains, dirt, and grime that are stuck on fabric or in fibers without damaging the material. Unlike some harsh cleaners, baking soda clears stains effectively but carefully.
2. It Deodorizes and Neutralizes Odors
Over time, sofas can build up unpleasant smells from spills, pets, food, sweat and more. Baking soda is excellent at absorbing and neutralizing these odors instead of just covering them up.
When used routinely, baking soda can gradually eliminate fabric odors completely rather than simply masking them temporarily.
3. It’s Non-Toxic
Some cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can fade or damage delicate fabrics. Baking soda is completely non-toxic and this makes it very gentle on all types of sofas materials like cotton, microfiber and leather. With proper use, baking soda won’t weaken or discolor fabrics over time.
4. You Probably Already Have It at Home
Unlike renting specialty cleaning equipment or buying expensive cleaners, baking soda is an affordable cleaning ingredient that most people have in their kitchen. It’s a convenient, effective and fabric-safe cleaner that allows you to lift stains from your sofa using an item you probably have in your pantry already.
5. Soak Up Moisture
Fabric sofas can get damp from sweat and humidity. Baking soda is like a moisture magnet—it pulls in dampness. Using it can stop mold, dust mites, and other tiny bugs from hanging out on your sofa.
How to Clean a Microfiber Sofa?
To clean your microfiber sofa naturally and cheaply, make your own cleaner using pantry items. You can spot clean without a steam cleaner by using a baking soda paste –
1. In a bowl, mix equal parts baking soda and warm water to form a paste.
2. Dip a soft brush into the paste and gently scrub stains on the sofa in circles.
3. When dry, vacuum the couch to remove the baking soda residue.
4. The baking soda paste lifts stains effectively without expensive cleaners or rental equipment.
How to Clean a Leather Sofa?
Leather couches have different finishes, so cleaning methods vary. These tips are for protected leather, the most common and easy-to-clean type. For other leather types, check the manufacturer’s suggestions.
1. Always check the care label and test cleaners on a hidden spot first.
2. Vacuum the entire couch, even getting into corners.
3. Wipe with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
4. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a bucket. Dampen a cloth in the solution and wipe the couch, rinsing the cloth often.
5. Dry with a clean, dry cloth.
6. Use leather conditioner every 6-12 months to keep the material soft.
Checking the label and testing cleaners prevents damage. For unprotected leather, consult the company for their recommendations.
Conclusion
Baking soda is an effective homemade solution for cleaning sofas. Its natural deodorizing and stain-fighting abilities allow it to freshen sofas without harsh chemicals. Plus, it’s inexpensive and readily available.
To use this eco-friendly cleaner, first vacuum then apply baking soda and gently rub it in with a soft bristle brush. Let the baking soda sit to fully absorb odors before vacuuming away residue.
Cleaning sofas regularly will help remove unsightly marks, eliminate unpleasant odors, and make your living space fresh and inviting. And using an item already in your kitchen helps achieve this without spending much money or effort.
