Best Sofa Cleaners

Best Sofa Cleaner UK (2024)

Last updated: 09.01.2024 Reading time: 8 Min.

Are you tired of looking at your stained and dirty sofa?

A clean sofa isn't only visually appealing but also promotes a healthy environment for you and your loved ones.

But which sofa cleaner should you choose? 🤔

Don't worry; we've got you covered.

Keep reading to find out which sofa cleaners in the UK are worth your investment. 👀

Best sofa cleaners
Highly Rated By Customers

Rug Doctor Portable Spot Cleaner

The Rug Doctor Spot Cleaner is a portable machine that can be easily moved around.
  • Upholstery, carpets, and other soft surfaces
  • Power rotary scrubber for deep cleaning 
  • 41 x 28 x 40 cm (16 x 11 x 15.7")

 

Tell me more about the Rug Doctor Portable Spot Cleaner

The Rug Doctor Portable Spot Cleaner is the best sofa cleaner machine UK. 

Its convenient hand tool has been designed to remove stubborn stains from your fabric surfaces quickly.

The power rotary scrubber moves back and forth on your sofa, allowing the cleaning solution to penetrate deep into the fibres for a thorough cleaning. 

The powerful suction technology also shortens the overall drying time. 

The machine has a retractable handle and hose, so you can also vacuum specific areas and get to those hard-to-reach places.

This lightweight design makes it exceptionally portable so that you can move around your home more comfortably.

Reasons to buy

2-year guarantee

Dual-tank system

Lightweight & portable

Reasons to avoid

A little louder than other sofa cleaners

Budget-Friendly

Vax SpotWash Spot Cleaner

The Vax SpotWash Spot Cleaner is a compact, lightweight cleaning machine for sofas and rugs.
  • Upholstery, hardwood floors, and carpets
  • Powerful suction that removes dirt and stains
  • 35.8 x 24.1 x 38.3 cm (14 x 9.5 x 15 inches)

 

Tell me more about the Vax SpotWash Spot Cleaner

The Vax SpotWash Spot Cleaner combines powerful suction and deep-cleaning tools to remove even the toughest stains from your sofa or carpets.

Its slim and compact design and long hose make it easy to maneuver into tight spaces and hard-to-reach areas.

But it also comes with two different cleaning attachments, and you can use the cleaner on your hardwood floors as well. 

Conveniently, the Vax SpotWash Spot Cleaner has a self-cleaning function that effectively rinses the hose and removes dirt.

There's also a large opening in the dirty water tank, so it can be emptied easily and rinsed out. 

The Vax SpotWash Spot Cleaner can be packed together and stored in small cupboards. 

Reasons to buy

2-year guarantee

Compact design allows for easy manoeuvring

Self-cleaning function 

Reasons to avoid

Requires a power source 

Best Guarantee

Bissell SpotClean Pro

With its portable design and handy attachments, the BISSELL SpotClean Pro is a versatile cleaning machine.
  • Carpets, upholstery & car interiors 
  • Removes tough stains 
  • Portable 

Tell me more about the BISSELL SpotClean Pro Cleaner

The BISSELL SpotClean Pro is a compact and lightweight machine that's easy to move around and is suitable for carpet cleaning and upholstery cleaning. 

The SpotClean Pro has a 2.9-litre water tank that's easy to fill. 

To clean your sofa, move the wide brush handle back and forth over the fabric, allowing the cleaner's strong suction to remove stains and stubborn dirt effectively.

With a 5-metre power cord, this cleaner can be transported to access more hard-to-reach spots, like car interiors and staircases. 

Unfortunately, the cleaning machine is quite loud - comparable to that of a commercial-grade cleaner.

The BISSELL SpotClean Pro comes with a 3-year guarantee that you can sign up for on their official website.

Reasons to buy

Suitable for a range of fabric types

Portable & easy to store 

3-year manufacturers guarantee

Reasons to avoid

Quite noisy 

Value For Money

Rug Doctor Oxy Power Fabric Cleaning Solution

The Rug Doctor Oxy Power Fabric Cleaner is a cleaning solution designed to remove tough stains.
  • Oxygen-boosted formula
  • Suitable for upholstery & carpets 
  • Removes stubborn stains & odours 

Tell me more about the Rug Doctor Oxy Power Fabric Cleaner

The Rug Doctor Oxy Power Fabric Cleaner, with its oxygen-enriched formula, removes stubborn stains and unpleasant odours from your sofa. 

It's available as a concentrate, meaning you can use less product to clean even the most stubborn stains.

The solution contains active ingredients that penetrate deep into the fabric to dissolve dirt particles, making them easier to remove. 

The Rug Doctor Oxy Power Fabric Cleaner can be used on a variety of fabrics, including delicate materials like wool and coloured fabrics.

While this cleaning solution has been specifically designed to be used with Rug Doctor cleaning machines, it can also be used with other cleaners. 

Reasons to buy

Can use on delicate fabrics 

Doesn't leave a sticky residue 

Suitable for many cleaning machines 

Reasons to avoid

Not ideal for those who want a chemical-free solution

Made For Leather

Leather Honey Leather Cleaning Solution

The Leather Honey cleaning solution has been designed to clean your leather sofas without damaging or discolouring them.
  • Suitable for all types of leather
  • pH-balanced formula
  • Restores natural oils 

 

Tell me more about the Leather Honey Leather Cleaning Solution

To clean and restore your leather sofa, you need a special leather cleaner for sofas that can remove stains without damaging the natural shine. 

The Leather Honey leather cleaner is a gentle, non-toxic solution that cleans and restores your sofa without harsh chemicals or solvents.

With its pH-balanced formula, this cleaner can gently remove dirt, grime, and stains from your leather surfaces.

To clean your sofa, apply the solution to a soft cloth and gently rub it onto the leather surface in a circular motion.

Allow the cleaning solution to penetrate the surface for a few minutes to remove dirt and stains before wiping it off with a clean cloth.

It's suitable for all types of leather, including suede, nubuck and aniline leather.

Reasons to buy

Non-toxic 

Prevents drying & cracking 

Removes dirt & stains 

Reasons to avoid

Leaves behind a chemical smell 

How to choose the right cleaner - understanding your sofa material

Choosing the right sofa cleaner is the key to giving your sofa or sofa bed that fresh-from-the-showroom look.

But it all starts with understanding your sofa material. 🛋️

Different sofa materials
Knowing your sofa's material is crucial for choosing the right cleaning method.

Whether your sofa is made of leather, suede, microfibre or linen, each material has its own individual care requirements.

Let’s look at some common sofa materials and understand the best cleaning techniques.

Fabric sofas

The exact material of fabric sofas can vary greatly, and each type of fabric - from cotton to linen to wool - has unique properties. 🧶

Fabric sofas are very comfortable and come in different colours and patterns to match your décor.

However, they need regular maintenance to keep them looking and feeling their best.

One thing to be aware of with fabric sofas is that they can get dirty and stained easily. 🦠

fabric sofa option 1

fabric sofa option 2

It's important to remove stains as soon as possible to prevent them from setting and becoming more difficult to remove.

Leather sofas

Leather is a luxurious and durable material often used for premium sofas.

Unfortunately, it’s also a porous material that can easily absorb spills, oils, and dirt.

But if you care for your sofa properly, you can make it resistant to stains and spots.

Different types of leather require different cleaning methods. 🧼

Therefore, checking the manufacturer's instructions before using any cleaning products is essential.

leather sofa
Leather sofas have a premium feel.

You should use a pH-balanced leather cleaner specifically formulated for the type of leather used on your sofa.

In addition to regular cleaning, the leather must also be maintained to preserve its natural oils.

The Leather Honey Sofa Cleaner is suitable for a range of leather sofa types and can help the leather regain its natural shine.

BUY LEATHER HONEY CLEANER£ 14.99

Microfibre or velvet sofas

Microfibre and velvet are popular sofa materials because of their soft and plush texture. ☁️

These materials consist of synthetic fibres woven into durable, stain-resistant fabrics.

To maintain your sofa's appearance, vacuum it regularly using a soft brush attachment to eliminate dust and dirt.

If spills or stains occur, clean them up immediately to prevent them from setting.

dreams velvet sofa

velvet sofa argos

If a standard liquid cleaner isn't strong enough to remove the stains, opt for a deep velvet sofa cleaner like the Vax SpotWash Spot Cleaner. 💪

This powerful sofa cleaning machine features a multi-row brush bar and strong suction power to remove even the toughest stains.

BUY VAX SPOTWASH CLEANER£ 122

How to deep clean your fabric sofa

If you have a fabric sofa that has accumulated dirt, grime and stains over time, you'll be wanting to give it a deep clean.

With the right tools and techniques, you can restore the look and freshness of your sofa so that it looks new again. 🧺

Let's dive into the steps of deep-cleaning your fabric sofa.

1. Check the manufacturer's label

The manufacturer’s label provides important information about the type of fabric, cleaning codes, and the recommended cleaning method. 🧾

There are four cleaning codes:

  • W: Water-based cleaning agents are safe to use.
  • S: Only solvent-based cleaning agents are safe to use.
  • SW: Either water-based or solvent-based cleaning agents are safe to use.
  • X: Only vacuuming or light brushing is recommended. No water- or solvent-based cleaning agents should be used.

This will help you decide what cleaning methods to use for your fabric sofa.

2. Vacuum your sofa

Over time, dirt, dust and other debris can accumulate on your sofa, especially in frequently used areas. ⏳

Vacuuming helps to remove this dirt and prevent it from embedding into the fabric.

In addition to removing dirt and debris, vacuuming also helps to remove allergens, such as pet dander, that can get trapped in the fabric.

vacuuming a sofa
You can use a sofa vacuum cleaner or a handheld vacuum.

When vacuuming your sofa, use an upholstery attachment to avoid damaging the fabric.

Start vacuuming at the top of the sofa and work your way down.

This will prevent dirt and debris from falling onto areas that have already been cleaned.

3. Treat the stains

Before using a cleaning solution, test it on fabric that's hidden.

This way, you can ensure the solution doesn't damage or discolour the fabric. 🎨

When you treat the stain, gently blot it with a clean white cloth.

Then apply the cleaning solution to the stain according to the instructions on the bottle.

Leave the solution on for a few minutes before blotting the stain again with the white cloth to remove the cleaning solution and the stain.

4. Use a water-based cleaning machine

Cleaning machines are an effective way of removing dirt, bacteria and allergens from your fabric sofa. ♨️

First, fill the fabric sofa cleaner with water according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Some sofa fabric cleaners require a cleaning solution, and others don't.

woman with allergies
A steam cleaner for sofas can kill dust mites and bacteria.

Typically, water cleaners holding around 1 to 2 litres of water are sufficient.

The BISSELL SpotClean Pro, for example, has a 2.5-litre tank that can be easily removed at the touch of a button.

BUY BISSELL SPOTCLEAN PRO£ 179

Once you have filled the steam cleaner, you can clean the sofa with the appropriate attachment.

Work in sections, starting with the top of the sofa and then move down.

Move the attachment in a back-and-forth motion to ensure thorough cleaning. 🔄

When finished, use the cleaner's suction function to remove the dirty water and excess moisture from the sofa.

5. Air dry your sofa

To ensure proper air circulation, ensure the room is well-ventilated. 💨

Ventilating the room
Ensure proper room ventilation when air drying your sofa.

Open doors and windows, and turn on fans or air conditioning if necessary.

While putting your sofa in direct sunlight to dry faster may be tempting, it is best to avoid doing so.

Direct sunlight can cause the fabric to fade or change colour, which is not something you want to happen.

Be patient, as the drying process may take several hours or even overnight, depending on the moisture and humidity in the air. 🕰️

It’s important to wait until the sofa is completely dry before using it again to avoid any moisture-related damage.

How to clean a leather sofa

Cleaning a leather sofa requires a different approach than cleaning a fabric sofa.

Before you start cleaning, it's important to check the manufacturer's label to see if there are any special cleaning instructions or restrictions. 📄

  • To begin cleaning your leather sofa, use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove dust, debris and dirt from the surface. This will prevent scratches on the leather.
  • Next, apply a small amount of leather cleaner to a clean, soft cloth and gently rub it over the leather in a circular motion. 🧽 Avoid using too much solution, as this can soak in and damage the leather.
  • After you have applied the cleaning solution, remove the excess from the leather with a clean, damp cloth.

Leather sofas shouldn't be cleaned with water as this can cause the leather to shrink, warp or crack. 💦

Once the leather is clean, treat it with a leather conditioner to restore its natural oils and prevent it from drying out and cracking.

This will also protect the surface from future damage.

It's important that you don't use abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals on the leather, as these can damage the surface.

A leather sofa cleaner like Leather Honey will clean your sofa and restore your leather's natural oils.

BUY LEATHER HONEY CLEANER£ 14.99

How often should you clean your sofa?

Keeping your sofa clean is essential to maintain its appearance and ensure it lasts as long as possible.

As a general rule of thumb, you should clean your sofa thoroughly every 10 to 12 months.

Use a steam cleaner or hire a professional cleaning service to do this.

However, if you have pets, children or someone in your household with allergies, you may need to clean your sofa more often. 🐶

In these cases, it's advisable to vacuum the sofa weekly to remove dust, pet hair, and other dirt.

vacuum cleaner
Those with pets should vacuum their sofa weekly.

You should also clean stains or spills immediately to prevent them from setting in.

Should you get your sofa cleaned professionally?

Whether or not you should have your sofa professionally cleaned depends on various factors, such as the condition of the sofa and the amount of cleaning required. 🧑‍🔬

Professional sofa cleaning can be beneficial for heavily soiled or stained sofas.

Professional cleaning companies have access to specialised equipment and cleaning solutions that effectively remove dirt, stains, and allergens from your sofa without damaging it.

However, professional cleaning services can be expensive.

Cost of professional sofa cleaning services in the UK

The cost of professional sofa cleaning in the UK varies depending on the type of service you require.

Man sitting on coins
The price for professional sofa cleaning in the UK varies based on fabric type and service level.

Professional sofa cleaning in the UK can cost anything from £40 to £300 per sofa. 💷

It's always best to ask for a detailed breakdown of the services and the related costs before hiring a professional cleaning service for your sofa.

Should you invest in a sofa cleaner?

Investing in a sofa cleaner machine can help extend the life of your furniture and keep your living area hygienic. 🛋️

There are many options for different budgets and cleaning needs.

If you need a quick solution, you can buy sofa cleaner sprays or sofa upholstery cleaners.

However, it's worth investing in a cleaning machine for regular and thorough cleaning.

Let’s take another look at some of our favourite sofa cleaners.👇🏻

The best sofa cleaners in the UK:

Frequently asked questions

  • Can you use carpet cleaners on a sofa?


    Carpet cleaners often have an attachment for upholstery that can clean your sofa without causing damage to the fabric. 

    It can easily reach all the crevices and folds of your sofa. 

    You can use the same cleaning solution, but it's important to read the manufacturer's instructions and test it on a small sofa area first. 📑

    This will help ensure the cleaning solution won't cause discolouration or damage to your sofa.

  • How can you make a sofa cleaner at home?


    If you prefer natural and homemade solutions, there are several ways to make your own sofa cleaning solution. 🥣

    One common method is to mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. 

    This solution can be used on most types of fabric and can help remove stains and odours. 

    You can make a homemade cleaner for leather sofas by mixing equal parts of olive oil and vinegar. 

    However, homemade solutions may not be as effective as commercial cleaners and may not be suitable for all types of upholstery. 

  • How long does sofa cleaning take?


    When cleaning a sofa, the duration may vary depending on the cleaning method. 🧼

    Professional sofa cleaning takes between 1 and 4 hours, with steam cleaning taking the longest.

    If you want to clean your sofa yourself, the duration will depend on the cleaning method you choose and the size of your sofa. 

    For example, cleaning with a hand-held steam cleaner can take 15 to 30 minutes. ⏰

    Thorough cleaning with a cleaning solution and cloth can take up to an hour.

  • Can a sofa steam cleaner be used to clean a mattress?


    A sofa steam cleaner can be used to clean a mattress if it has a suitable attachment. 

    The high temperature and pressure of the steam can help kill bacteria and dust mites and remove dirt and stains from the mattress. 🌡️

    It can also be an effective way of removing bed bugs from your mattress. 

    However, it's always a good idea to check the manufacturer's instructions before using a sofa steam cleaner on a mattress. 

    Ensure you give the mattress enough time to fully dry before using it again.

    Check out our article on the best mattress cleaners for more advice. 

  • How to clean sofa at home without vacuum cleaner


    If you don't have a vacuum cleaner, you can use a soft-bristled brush or a damp, clean cloth to freshen your sofa. 

    Gently wipe away any dust or dirt, and pay particular attention to the corners where dust may build up. 

    Make sure not to brush or wipe too hard, as this could damage the fabric. 

  • How to clean a sofa bed


    You can clean your sofa bed by first vacuuming the sofa area and using a suitable sofa cleaner or steamer. 

    If your sofa bed has an integrated mattress, follow our guide on how to clean a mattress

    Any stains or spills should be treated immediately by blotting the area and using a suitable stain remover. 

    We also recommend using a mattress protector with your sofa bed to prevent any unexpected accidents and bacteria build up over time. 

  • How to remove pet stains from your sofa


    You can treat pet messes and soiling naturally by using a vinegar solution on the affected area, followed by a sprinkle of baking soda.

    Leave it for a few days before wiping it off.

    Alternatively, remove urine stains by blotting, then apply a mix of warm water and a small amount of detergent and wipe it gently with a damp cloth. 

    For more stubborn pet stains or other set-in stains like red wine, we recommend using a suitable stain remover and following the provided instructions. 

Aeman avatar

Aeman

Content Writer

A huge fan of naps! Being a sleepyhead with a busy life is tough, so I decided to write about it. 

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