Help with cleaning my sofa

[alwaysabattle]

Hi all I've got a big sofa and cuddle chair the main cushions ar fabric and can't be taken off to wash. With 2 young dc they are in desperate need of cleaning. I wounder if you wise mumnetters could give me some advice on how I could clean it myself or how you clean yours. I have a steam cleaner but not sure if that would work thanks for any advice

[alwaysabattle]

Anybody??

[AGrinWithoutACat]

Depending on the fabric I would use the steam cleaner, did any guidelines come with the sofa that make you wary?

once clean may be worth investing in several throws - I have them over our sofa & chair and throw them in the machine every so often

[TheSydenhamSet]

I've heard good things about scotchguard, which repels stains. Once you've cleaned your sofa and chair consider getting them treated.

[alwaysabattle]

Thankyou I will look into scotch guard. No just not sure how well a steam cleaner would work but will definitely give it a try thanks

[wowfudge]

You could always try good old fashioned plain stardrops in warm water. Dunk a cloth in it and wring it out well then clean your sofa using gentle a circular motion. Work methodically and rinse and wring the cloth out regularly. I did this with a sofa I thought was beyond redemption and wished I had done it sooner!

[Leviticus]

Thanks Fudge I've got some Stardrops. I have the same problem as the OP. I'm worried it's starting to smell.

[Petradreaming]

I second 'hot clothing' with a good cleaner. If you have the water as hot as you can bear, I go just below boiling point, then the heat/steam helps move any grease build up as well as remove the surface dirt. I use zoflora as I like the smell.

[alwaysabattle]

Thanks I've still not got it clean properly Guna try star drops and so flora now

[wowfudge]

The only thing with using hot water is that you might 'set' any stains and there is the possibility that the fabric will shrink.