It is possible to clean a sofa at home, but you will need to put in a lot of effort to do it without streaks or stains. Be patient and have the right tools. In this article we will talk about different ways to clean a sofa at home with different levels of equipment - rags, sponges, special products and vacuum cleaners. Read and choose which method suits you.
Is it possible to clean a sofa with a vacuum cleaner?
Answering the question: “Is it possible to clean a sofa with a washing vacuum cleaner?”, the question is unequivocal - it is possible, but in this case the upholstery will come into contact with water, and in some cases it will get very wet. Therefore, before using this cleaning method on your furniture, determine what material the upholstery is made of. As a rule, it is not recommended to use the device for the following fabrics:
If you decide to take a risk and still wash such upholstery with a vacuum cleaner, then be sure to carry out a preliminary check. Try cleaning the back of the furniture with the wet method, wait until the upholstery dries, and evaluate the effectiveness. If you notice that the fabric has deteriorated even a little, then it is better to refuse cleaning with a washing vacuum cleaner.
Filtration system
A variety of filters are installed to prevent dust particles from entering the room. After all, you must admit that collecting dirt from horizontal surfaces and then spreading it into the air is not the best idea.
A set of at least three filtration stages is considered the minimum acceptable. The initial step is often a bag or container in which all the main garbage settles. In this sense, cyclone-type models are more advanced: they create a vortex inside, which effectively traps all particles.
It’s even better if the installation includes an aquafilter. It mixes dust particles with water, which allows you to trap even the smallest dust particles. The bonus is that the air becomes humidified
This is especially important for families with small children and allergy sufferers
But devices with an aqua filter also have disadvantages, in particular:
- after each cleaning session, all elements should be thoroughly washed and dried, otherwise an unpleasant odor and mold will appear inside;
- When processing large areas, you will have to change the liquid several times.
The second link is the pre-motor filter, designed to protect the main working part of the equipment from debris.
Finally, at the third stage: before blowing out, the air undergoes fine cleaning. This could be a HEPA or S-filter.
The most common are HEPA filters. They differ in their cleaning class. Appliances with a designation of at least H13 are suitable for residential premises.
It is also worth looking at how often the filters require replacement. There are accessories that can be washed, and then you can forget about buying replacement elements altogether. Others require periodic replacement with new ones, and this carries additional costs and difficulties. After all, finding suitable parts is not always easy, especially if several years have passed since the purchase and the model is already considered obsolete.
Cleaning a sofa with a washing vacuum cleaner - basic rules
Any wet care for upholstered furniture involves basic rules, ignoring which can lead to the most unpredictable consequences. This may be the appearance of dirty streaks or stains, stretching or discoloration of the upholstery. To prevent this from happening, it is advisable to adhere to the basic rules of not only the cleaning itself, but also the preliminary preparation:
- Before washing, the sofa should be vacuumed with a dry cleaning device or lightly brushed to remove the top layer of dust and small debris;
- movements must occur strictly in one direction so as not to disturb the structure of the fabric or pile;
- if there are stains on the upholstery, the dirt itself is initially removed, and only then the washing begins;
- after treating the furniture with a washing vacuum cleaner, it is advisable to blot the entire surface with a towel or paper napkins to remove excess moisture;
- It is advisable to use a soft nozzle, since the main brushes contain sharp parts that can tear the upholstery;
- If the washing vacuum cleaner is equipped with a power regulator, then it is better to clean the sofa at the minimum level of this parameter.
How to clean a sofa with a washing vacuum cleaner
The principle of cleaning a sofa with a washing vacuum cleaner is quite simple:
- dilute the selected product and pour it into the device’s container;
- treat the entire surface of the upholstery with gentle movements in one direction;
- Fill the container with clean water and rinse the material.
Why is this method of cleaning a sofa considered the most effective? It's very simple: under water pressure, the cleaning agent hits the upholstery, breaking down all the dirt. After this, the device sucks the dirty stains back, leaving no traces or streaks behind. In addition, the method allows you to remove even old greasy stains and gives the upholstery a more attractive look.
Types of structures
A washing vacuum cleaner used to clean an apartment can have a different design. At the same time, various structural modifications have their advantages and disadvantages.
The most common design solutions are:
- both water tanks are located in two tiers, one above the other. With this arrangement, the household appliance has compact dimensions and takes up little space when stored. However, this design is not entirely convenient to use, because in order to pour dirty water from the corresponding tank located in the lower tier, you must first remove the upper one with clean water;
- "Matryoshka" arrangement of tanks. In this case, one water container is placed in another. It is also a compact model, and replacing clean water or draining dirty water is faster and without additional effort;
- water tanks have the form of removable cassettes inserted into the body of the vacuum cleaner. Equipment of this model takes up little space, and the cassettes are quite easy to remove and put in place;
- The device has an additional recovery tank designed to purify dirty water for reuse.
You need to choose the best washing vacuum cleaner of the required design based on your physical capabilities and the availability of free storage space.
Cleaning products
When choosing a product for cleaning a sofa with a washing vacuum cleaner, it is better to give preference to special products. As a rule, it is designed for specific materials and will not harm the furniture.
Modern products are concentrated, so large amounts added to the container may leave streaks on the sofa. To prevent this from happening, it is better to reduce the amount of detergent, even if the manufacturer declares a different amount. No matter how much product you use (even a teaspoon), it will still work.
If you doubt whether you should trust your sofa to a vacuum cleaner, you can always contact a dry cleaner. There they will offer you their services for cleaning upholstered furniture using professional equipment and safe products.
Sofas, chairs, armchairs in an apartment, office and home get dirty no less often than carpets or floors.
The nature of the contamination can be different:
- spilled liquids, sauces, coffee, wine;
- greasy backrests and armrests;
- dust on the surface of the upholstery and inside;
- pet hair.
If you do not clean it for a long time, the upholstery will lose its attractive appearance. Dust mites, one of the main allergens, will begin to multiply in upholstered furniture. Cleaning upholstered furniture with a washing vacuum cleaner will eliminate all of the listed contaminants.
Terms of use
In the absence of proper equipment, people often resort to using old-fashioned methods to clean upholstered furniture. They use damp rags, sponges and special cleaning compounds. However, such methods will not be effective, since they will only remove dirt from the surface without penetrating into the fibers of the upholstery.
To use a furniture cleaning vacuum cleaner, you need to follow simple steps:
- choosing a detergent - you should choose a high-quality and effective detergent designed specifically for cleaning upholstered furniture. Vanish for furniture helps well in this matter. The composition is diluted with liquid and poured into a water container;
- Using a special spray nozzle, first clean the most contaminated areas of the furniture. It is better to test the product on the back of the sofa to check the fabric for a chemical reaction;
- A leather or suede sofa must be cleaned using the special brush attachment included in the kit. It will help to carefully collect all the accumulated dirt;
- if there are pets in the house, it is worth additionally treating the furniture with a turbo brush;
- The final step is to use a polishing attachment, which is applied to smooth upholstery. This attachment should not be used on printed fabric or material with patterns.
In addition to the above steps, you can connect a beater brush, which only works with stationary vacuum cleaners. This nozzle deeply cleans the fibers of the upholstery material, and the sofa looks like new.
Cleaning products for upholstered furniture
What type of vacuum cleaner should be used for cleaning upholstered furniture?
Not just any device is suitable for cleaning upholstery. A vacuum cleaner for upholstered furniture and carpets must have the following characteristics:
- Have special attachments:
- With thread remover. It will allow you to clean the surfaces of wool and hair and at the same time lift the pile, causing the fabric to take on its original appearance.
- For orthopedic mattresses. It creates a powerful air flow that can eliminate dust, mites, and particles of dead skin even from deep within.
- For delicate surfaces. The nozzle is equipped with a brush that will protect chairs and leather sofas from scratches.
- Slotted. Indispensable for cleaning hard-to-reach places: folds and joints.
- Have enough power needed for effective deep cleaning at home.
- Work in wet cleaning mode. The function will allow you to get rid of stubborn stains, unpleasant odors, and remove mites that are dangerous for people with diseases of the respiratory system.
The Thomas company offers a range of vacuum cleaners for cleaning upholstered furniture. Among them are models for both dry and wet cleaning. The first ones will help to carry out superficial cleaning of the upholstery. The second is deep cleaning of upholstered furniture with a vacuum cleaner.
Methods of cleansing
Having a washing vacuum cleaner and choosing the right cleaning composition, you can easily deal with furniture contamination yourself. Let's look at the two most popular options.
Dry cleaning is the easiest way to quickly tidy up the surface of furniture, however, this is only a preparatory stage for deeper wet cleaning.
Dry vacuuming will help collect dust and lint from the surface; for this, use a thin attachment; brushes are not needed. Some vacuum cleaners come with special pet hair collection kits.
Thomas vacuum cleaner for upholstered furniture - a solution that will replace dry cleaning
The most effective way to clean the upholstery of sofas, armchairs, and chairs is to use the capabilities of Thomas washing vacuum cleaners (they are suitable for upholstered furniture in the same way as for low- and high-pile carpets).
A device with a wet cleaning function provides for the presence of two reservoirs in its design: the first is for clean water, the second is for dirty water. For effective cleaning, the German manufacturer recommends diluting ProTex detergent in the first tank.
Many of those who are planning to buy a vacuum cleaner for cleaning upholstered furniture are wondering whether wet cleaning will lead to dampness or rotting of the inner padding of sofas and armchairs. Thomas, with German meticulousness, has thought of everything: the design of the nozzle is such that only the surface of the upholstery is cleaned. Water does not have time to get inside, since there is a simultaneous supply of clean water and immediately it is sucked in with dust, dirt, and allergens dissolved in it. You will be surprised how after the first such cleaning the appearance of upholstered furniture and the air in the room changes.
Important! ProTex detergent concentrate is a product developed by. With it you will clean the upholstery in 10-20 minutes. The special formula makes it economical, effective and harmless to others.
If you need to remove a “stubborn” stain, use the following instructions: dilute the concentrate in clean water at the rate of 20 ml per 1 liter of water, treat the upholstery fabric with this solution, rub the stain with a nozzle and after 10 minutes, vacuum the upholstery in a normal wet mode.
Now you will always have a ready answer to the question of how to clean upholstered furniture with a washing vacuum cleaner.
Characteristics in the rating
| 1 | Thomas Bravo 20 | Maximum functions from a famous brand |
| 2 | FIRST AUSTRIA 5546-3 | The optimum ratio of price and quality |
| 3 | Zelmer ZVC762ZK | Most popular model |
| 4 | ARNICA Karayel | Best price |
| 5 | KARCHER VC 3 | Quiet operation and light weight |
| 1 | Polti Unico MCV85 | Best build quality |
| 2 | Becker VAP-3 | The most reliable and durable |
| 3 | KRAUSEN ZIP | The optimal combination of low cost and functionality |
| 4 | MIE Ecologico Maxi | Maximum suction power, dry cleaning option |
| 5 | Vax 7151 | Affordable price |
Thanks to modern home appliances, you can forget about the need to go to the dry cleaner. Functional vacuum cleaners for dry and wet cleaning with special attachments will help clean upholstered furniture or carpet from any dirt. The best models are equipped with additional options for supplying steam and spraying detergent. Cleaning involves not only collecting pet hair, small debris and dust, but also removing various stains. There are even vacuum cleaners with special dry cleaning attachments that provide especially deep cleaning of upholstered furniture and carpets. And in order not to get confused in the variety of models offered, check out the rating of the best vacuum cleaners for cleaning furniture and carpets.
Top 1. Karcher Puzzi 10/1
The Puzzi line of washing vacuum cleaners consists of two models for professional use in cleaning and dry cleaning of car interiors. Judging by the number of requests (more than 4.5 thousand/month), reviews and reviews, both are very interesting to potential buyers.
Among the popular cleaning services is the provision of a vacuum cleaner for rent. Guess which model is offered more often than others? That's right - Karcher Puzzi 10/1. This is a professional device for dry cleaning on soft surfaces - carpets, rugs, furniture, car showrooms. To start cleaning, just pour the cleaning chemical solution into the appropriate tank, use a vacuum cleaner to spray it around the work area and press one button to start sucking up the dirty liquid. According to reviews, the procedure helps to get rid of even complex stains with minimal time - it will take no more than 20 minutes to clean the sofa.
