How to Clean a Fabric Sofa Naturally (Baking Soda & Vinegar)

You can clean most fabric sofas at home with baking soda, white vinegar, mild dish soap and water, with no harsh chemicals. First, check the cleaning code on the sofa’s tag, because using water on the wrong fabric can leave watermarks.

Step 1: check the cleaning code

What you need

• A vacuum with an upholstery brush
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Mild dish soap or castile soap
• A spray bottle, soft brush and microfibre cloths

How to clean a fabric sofa naturally

1. Vacuum thoroughly, including under the cushions and along the seams.
2. Deodorise: sprinkle baking soda over the whole sofa, leave it for 20 to 60 minutes, then vacuum it off.
3. Mix the cleaner: 1 cup of warm water, 1/2 cup of white vinegar and 1 teaspoon of dish soap in a spray bottle.
4. Test it on a hidden spot and let it dry to check for colour change or rings.
5. Mist lightly. Don’t soak. Work section by section with a soft brush in small circles.
6. Blot with a clean damp cloth to lift the dirt and soap.
7. Dry fast: open the windows and run a fan or the aircon. In Singapore’s humidity, slow drying causes musty smells.

Natural fixes for common stains

• Coffee or tea: blot, then dab with the vinegar mix
• Grease or curry: sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch, wait 15 minutes, brush it off, then dab with soapy water
• Pet odour: baking soda overnight. For urine, you need an enzyme cleaner. See urine odour removal

When natural cleaning isn’t enough

Home cleaning handles light dirt and fresh spills. It won’t remove years of body oil on armrests, deep dust mites or urine in the foam. Overwetting can also cause watermarks and mildew. For a deep clean, professional hot-water extraction flushes and removes dirt from inside the fibres. See sofa cleaning and what it costs.