hardcore clean req'd ancient sofa - how?

[BetterOnACamel]

DH came into my life with a sofa set that is truly disgusting ancient and has been with him for 20 years, or so he claims. He also insists it's worth a fortune etc. etc. and was given to him by a dear friend's dear mum (so it's even more ancient than previously thought!) for all those and more reasons we cannot possibly get rid of it. Since all my attempts to ruin his relationship with the thing have failed, I have no choice but to live with it - but please, please can someone tell me how I can clean it thoroughly, and I mean thoroughly - heaven knows what filth and gross creatures lurk within its depths.

Pleeeeease! It gives me nightmares, it really does! Steam cleaner? Professional of some sort? Hypnotist for DH? Sofa hit man? I'll consider all possibilities!

Does it have removable covers? Will they wash or dry clean? Could you make DH pay for a new set of removable covers that you can wash regularly.

Not knowing the structure of the sofa in question, it is hard to advise exactly on cleaning but I'd suggest.

1. Take any removable parts ( cushions etc) outside and bash them hard with something ( dh's head?) to remove as much dust/vermin as possible.
2. Strong suction vacuum all over, then turn on side and strong suction vacuum the underneath.
3. wipe down any wooden parts with a damp cloth - you can add just a little drop of washing up liquid to the water if need be but wring cloth out well each time.
4. steam clean each part carefully ( ie remove seat and back cushions and do these separately), rubbing down each section with a dry piece of old towel/microfibre cloth just as you finish steaming.
5. Leave to air thoroughly (outside in sunshine if poss - at least the cushions!)

You can get professional who will clean stuff it and suck out any dirty water which could be a good option if you can afford it. Personally, I'd go for techniques that don't use detergent as I think if detergent residue gets left behind then they get dirty again really quickly. I like chemdry.

If the seat covers come off, remove these and show your DH how filthy the cushions are at the front where people's legs rub against them. He may reconsider.

Do some research and look online to see if you can find any similar makes/models for sale. If the are so valuable, suggest to DH they are worthgetting reupholstered properly. If they are not worth much you have ammo to argue against DH

Ohmigoodness! I had given up on this thread already! You are wonderful, those are such fantastic suggestions - there's no wooden bits on it but everything else is totally do-able - I feel like I have a plan of action at last! Thank you so much for taking the time to respond in such detail!

Happy to help! ( Displacement activity from doing tax return!)