How to clean a sofa with a steam cleaner

Great choice. You're interested in cleaning your sofa with a steam cleaner! It's a highly effective and sustainable way to clean. In this article, you'll learn step by step how to deep clean your sofa with a steam cleaner, so your furniture looks just like it did the day you bought it. Shall we get started?

Tip: browse our range of steam cleaners for sofas.

Why use a steam cleaner on your sofa?

A steam cleaner is a powerful device designed specifically to clean and disinfect. The steam is hotter than 100°C, so dirt, residue and bacteria are removed in no time. Dirt, dust mites and bacteria are removed effectively without harsh chemicals. It's not only effective, it also saves you money and it's much better for the environment.

Steam cleaner for your sofa: all the benefits

• Deep clean: easily removes dirt with just steam.
• Remove bacteria and allergens: the heat of the steam kills bacteria and dust mites. You can't see them with the naked eye, but they're definitely there. Just like in your bed.
• Eco-friendly: no chemical cleaning products, safe for the environment, children and pets.

View our full range of steam cleaners for sofas.

How do you clean a sofa with a steam cleaner?

Good preparation is key to cleaning your (fabric) sofa successfully with a steam cleaner. Follow the right steps and you'll avoid damaging your sofa and get the best results. If you're dealing with really stubborn stains, you'll also need a stain remover. 

Step 1: hoover thoroughly

Before you start steam cleaning, give your sofa a thorough hoover. This removes loose dirt and dust, so the steam cleaner can get deeper into the fibres.

Step 2: test the steam cleaner on a small area

It's always wise to test the steam cleaner on a hidden part of your sofa first. That way, you can check the fabric can handle the heat and moisture of the steam. Every sofa is different, so each one reacts differently to hot steam. Always read the manufacturer's instructions carefully too.

Step 3: choose the right steam cleaner for your sofa

Make sure you use a steam cleaner that's suitable for upholstery. All Techweise steam cleaners are. The upholstery attachment comes as standard with every model, so there's nothing extra to order. Place a white cloth over it. This spreads the steam evenly and stops the fabric getting too wet. So you're not steaming directly onto the sofa, but gradually drawing the bacteria out. No chemicals needed.

Step-by-step guide to cleaning your sofa with a steam cleaner

Below, you'll find a detailed step-by-step guide to cleaning your sofa effectively with a steam cleaner.

Step 1: fill the steam cleaner with distilled water

Fill your steam cleaner with distilled water to prevent limescale and extend the life of the appliance. You can easily buy it at any supermarket. Don't have any in? Tap water will do, but don't use it too often.

Step 2: start steam cleaning the sofa

Fit the white upholstery attachment to the brush, work from top to bottom and keep the steam cleaner moving. This stops the fabric getting too wet and gives you an even clean. Use long, overlapping strokes for the best results. Always keep a dry towel to hand to catch dirt and moisture.

Step 3: let your sofa dry

After steam cleaning, let your sofa dry completely before you use it again. Depending on the ventilation and humidity in the room, this can take a few hours.

Common problems and solutions when using a steam cleaner

Problem 1: water rings on the sofa

If you see water rings on your sofa, you've probably held the steam cleaner in one spot for too long. You can fix this by lightly steam cleaning the sofa, then quickly rubbing it dry with a clean cloth.

Problem 2: you still have stubborn stains

For stubborn stains, you may need to use a stain remover before you start steam cleaning. A stain cleaner and a steam cleaner are two very different machines. A steam cleaner isn't designed for removing stains alone. For that, you'll really need a stain cleaner. Use your steam cleaner mainly for disinfecting and killing dust mites. The downside of a stain cleaner, on the other hand, is that you can only use it for stains.

Care tips for a clean sofa

Regular care extends the life of your sofa and keeps it clean. So you can enjoy the sofa you look after so carefully every day for years to come!

1. Vacuum weekly

Vacuuming your sofa every week stops dirt from building up in the fabric. This makes steam cleaning more effective later on.

2. Steam clean regularly

Depending on how much you use your sofa, it's a good idea to steam clean it every 2 to 4 months for a thorough deep clean.

3. Tackle stains straight away

Treat stains as quickly as possible. The sooner you tackle a stain, the better your chance of removing it completely.

Frequently asked questions

1. How often should I clean my sofa with a steam cleaner?

We recommend giving your sofa a thorough steam clean every 2 to 4 months, depending on how heavily it's used.

2. Is a steam cleaner safe for all types of fabric?

Most fabrics are safe to clean with a steam cleaner, but it's always wise to test a small, hidden area first to check the fabric can handle the heat and moisture.

3. Can a steam cleaner remove all stains?

A sofa steam cleaner is effective at killing bacteria and dust mites, but for stubborn stains you may need to use a stain remover before you start steam cleaning.

4. How long does my sofa take to dry after steam cleaning?

Drying time after using a sofa steam cleaner varies, but it usually takes a few hours. Make sure your sofa is completely dry before you use it again.

5. Can I use a steam cleaner on a leather sofa?

No, a steam cleaner usually isn't suitable for leather sofas, as the moisture and heat can damage the leather. There are special cleaning methods that work better for leather sofas.

6. Why should I use distilled water in my steam cleaner?

Distilled water helps prevent limescale building up in your steam cleaner. This extends the life of the appliance and makes steam cleaning more effective.

7. What should I do if water rings appear on my sofa after steam cleaning?

If water rings appear, you've probably steamed one spot for too long. Try removing the ring by lightly steam cleaning the area again and rubbing it dry straight away with a clean cloth.

8. What's the difference between a steam cleaner and a standard vacuum cleaner for cleaning my sofa?

A standard vacuum cleaner only removes surface dirt and dust, while a sofa steam cleaner penetrates deep into the fibres to remove dirt and bacteria. A steam cleaner gives a much more thorough clean, especially for stubborn odours, bacteria and dust mites.

A steam cleaner is an essential tool for cleaning your sofa

A steam cleaner is an essential tool for giving your sofa a deep clean. Most of the dirt can't be seen with the naked eye, such as bacteria and dust mites. The hot steam kills this dirt without any chemical cleaning products. Use the right techniques and clean it regularly, and your sofa will stay clean and fresh. Looking for a steam cleaner for your sofa? Take a look at our range of steam cleaners for sofas.