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

Anybody??

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

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

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

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!

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

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.

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

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