Spring is the perfect time to refresh your living room, and nothing makes a bigger impact than deep cleaning your upholstery. After months of cozying up on the sofa with blankets, snacks, pets, and maybe a glass of wine- your furniture could probably use some attention. Today, I’m sharing my step-by-step guide to deep cleaning upholstery and a few easy ways to refresh your living room for spring, without spending a fortune. This is also my process for cleaning vintage or thrifted furniture I bring into our home. Instead of reupholstering or replacing your sofa or accent chairs, a thorough deep clean can bring them back to life- removing stains, odors, and dust buildup. Let’s dive in!
We’re hosting house guests next week and our living room furniture was in need of a good deep clean. Before friends show up and make our home their own, I decided to tackle the white swivel chairs and mohair sofa in our formal living room. The dogs are constantly lounging here and after a snowy winter, the furniture is showing dirt. Here’s how I do it…
Why I Deep Clean Our Upholstery
We often think of vacuuming floors, wiping down surfaces, and washing bedding, but upholstery? It tends to get overlooked because it feels like such a chore. Over time, sofas and chairs collect:
- Dust & allergens (especially if you have pets)
- Dirt buildup in creases and seams
- Lingering odors from food, pets, and daily use
- Body oils & spills (even if you don’t see them… I know it’s gross)
Sure, vacuuming helps, but a proper deep clean removes grime and extends the life of your furniture. This is how I do it… my step-by-step process!
How to Deep Clean Upholstery at Home
Step 1: Check the Fabric Code
Before grabbing your cleaning supplies, check the manufacturer’s fabric cleaning code, usually found on a tag under the seat cushions:
- W: Water-based cleaners are safe to use.
- S: Use a solvent-based cleaner (like rubbing alcohol).
- WS: Both water and solvent-based cleaners work.
- X: Vacuum only, and avoid liquids!
Knowing your fabric type prevents accidental damage. If you’re unsure, always test a small hidden area first.
Step 2: Vacuum Thoroughly
Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to remove dust, pet hair, and debris. Pay extra attention to seams, creases, under the cushions, arms, and backrests. If you have pets, a lint roller or pet hair remover works wonders for stubborn fur. That’s usually my starting point!
Step 3: Spot Treat Stains
For fabric furniture:
- Use your favorite stain remover to spot treat (I use this one). Alternatively, you can mix warm water, dish soap, and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
- Lightly mist over stains and blot with a clean microfiber cloth.
- Repeat as needed, and avoid intense scrubbing!
For leather furniture:
- Use a damp cloth and mild soap to wipe stains.
- Follow with a leather conditioner to prevent drying or cracking. I swear by this one… Leather CPR!
For stubborn stains (wine, coffee, ink pen, marker, etc) a dedicated upholstery cleaner works well. Just be sure it’s safe for your fabric type!
Step 4: Steam, Shampoo, or Wash the Fabric
If your upholstery is water-safe (W or WS), using a fabric-safe steam cleaner or an upholstery shampooer will lift dirt deep within the fibers.
- For steam cleaning: Move slowly, allowing the heat to break down the grime.
- For upholstery shampooing: Follow the instructions on your device (we have and love this one) and avoid over saturating!
- For washing: If your furniture is slipcovered, you may be able to wash the slipcovers. It’s so nice to simply toss it into the washing machine! This is typically my move.
Let your furniture fully dry- airflow is key! I’ll open, windows, doors, or even plug-in a fan to get fresh air circulating to expedite the drying process.
Step 5: Deodorize & Freshen the Fabric
After cleaning, refresh your sofa naturally with this DIY deodorizing trick. I’ve been doing this for years!
DIY Upholstery Freshening Powder
- ½ cup baking soda
- 10 drops essential oil (lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus work great)
- Sprinkle over upholstery, allow it sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum it up.
This absorbs odors and leaves your furniture smelling fresh. Emmett actually taught me this trick! His mom used to clean homes for a living and he introduced me to her “carpet sprinkle” (this formula). We use it on carpet, rugs, and upholstery. I keep a pre-made jar in our laundry room.
Spring Styling Tips to Refresh Your Living Room
Now that your upholstery is clean, here are some quick tips for refreshing your living space for spring. Try these simple updates…
- Swap throw pillows & blankets. Lighter fabrics like linen & cotton feel fresh for spring & summer.
- Incorporate fresh flowers, plants, or greenery. Even a small vase of tulips brightens the room. I’m also not opposed to faux plants, if that’s more your speed.
- Light a new candle or find a signature home fragrance for the season. Opt for fresh, crisp, and clean scents like citrus, florals, or linen.
- Update your decor with lighter textures. Lighter trays, woven lamp shades, ceramic vases, and baskets add an airy touch.
A clean, refreshed living room feels brand new- without having to replace a thing! This is such a mood booster for me, and while it is a bit of work… it’s always worth it!
FAQ
Ideally, every 6-12 months. If you have kids or pets, every 3-6 months is best. We usually do this twice a year… once in the spring and before the holiday season.
Only if the fabric label allows it. Many upholstery covers are dry-clean only. That said… I’ve washed many slipcovers that are not supposed to be washed (on delicate) and it has worked out wonderfully. I always test a small cushion before fully committing, and I never tumble them dry. Put them back on your furniture or cushions when they’re damp, so it doesn’t shrink.
Of course. Check out this post with lots of options… white swivel chairs for any budget!
Yes… my must-haves are lint rollers or removers (pictured below) and a good fabric shaver!
Related
Looking for more cleaning, seasonal refresh, or spring related home posts? I’m going to link some of my favorites for you below…
- 10 Tulip Styling Ideas & Arrangements for Spring
- How to Wash Towels Back to White with Laundry Stripping
- 25 Neutral & Beautiful Outdoor Area Rugs for the Patio
- How to Deep Clean a Fabric Lampshade
- The Easiest Indoor Plants that Thrive in Low Light
- My Top 30 Home Finds from Amazon’s Big Spring Sale
- How to Remove Furniture Indentations from Carpet
- 15 Aesthetically Pleasing Kitchen Storage & Organization Ideas
- Roundup : Pretty & Functional Cleaning Supplies
- Amazon Finds : Closet Organization
A deep-cleaned sofa and refreshed living room instantly make your home feel lighter and brighter for spring. With minimal effort, you can extend the life of your furniture and create an inviting space appropriate for the season. Do you have any go-to upholstery cleaning hacks? Let me know in the comments! I’m still crossing things off the organization and cleaning list I made back in January… better late than never! This warmer weather (and arrival of house guests) definitely has me feeling motivated. Anyone else?
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