We’ve all done it… spilt something on the sofa and jumped into clean-up mode without thinking twice. Maybe you grabbed whatever cleaner was nearby or scrubbed the stain like crazy, hoping it would disappear. But the truth is, some of these quick fixes can actually do more harm than good. Simple sofa cleaning mistakes like using too much water or the wrong product can ruin your upholstery over time. In this article, we’re going to chat about the common things people do wrong when cleaning their couch, and what you should do instead to keep it looking fresh and damage-free.
1. Using the Wrong Cleaner
First things first, not all sofas are created equal. Some can handle water; others need dry cleaning. So, grabbing any cleaner you find at home and spraying it on your sofa? Yeah, that’s one of the biggest DIY sofa cleaning mistakes out there.
Here’s what you should do instead:
- Always check the care label on your sofa. It usually tells you if water- or solvent-based cleaners are okay.
- Do a spot test before going all in.
- And please don’t use bleach or harsh chemicals unless it specifically says it’s safe!
A lot of wrong ways to clean a couch start with this one mistake, and the damage can show up instantly.
2. Soaking the Sofa
When we see a stain, our first instinct is to grab a wet cloth and scrub away. But if you’re using too much water, you might actually be doing more harm than good.
Why? Because too much moisture can:
- Soak into the cushion and lead to mould or mildew
- Leave ugly water stains
- Ruin the shape of the fabric
It’s one of those damaging sofa cleaning techniques that feels helpful in the moment but causes trouble later.
3. Scrubbing Like There’s No Tomorrow
Let’s talk about the urge to scrub. We get it, it feels like you’re tackling the stain. But all that pressure? It just pushes the stain deeper and frays the fabric.
Instead:
- Blot gently with a clean cloth
- Use an upholstery-safe cleaner and let it sit for a few minutes
- Avoid rough brushes unless the fabric can handle it
Scrubbing too hard is a classic sofa stain removal mistake that many people only realise after they’ve made it.
4. Skipping the Vacuum
A lot of people forget this part, but vacuuming your sofa regularly is one of the easiest ways to keep it clean and fresh.
Why it matters:
- Dirt and crumbs can grind into the fabric over time.
- Dust makes stains stick more.
- Pet hair, food bits, and fluff collect fast, especially in the corners.
Not vacuuming regularly is one of the most overlooked common couch cleaning mistakes. A quick weekly vacuum can save you from deeper issues later.
5. Using Too Much Heat
Think hot water or steam is the fix for everything? Not when it comes to sofas.
Using high heat is a risky move because:
- It can shrink the fabric
- It can warp synthetic materials
- It might even melt certain fibres
So if you’re reaching for a steam cleaner or blasting the spot with a hair dryer.. maybe pause for a second. It’s one of those sneaky upholstery cleaning mistakes people don’t talk about enough.
6. Ignoring the Cleaning Codes
Most sofas have a little tag with a cleaning code: W, S, WS, or X. If you’re not following that, you’re basically guessing, and guessing wrong could cost you.
- W = water-based cleaners
- S = solvent only
- WS = either is fine
- X = vacuum only (don’t use any cleaner!)
This tiny label helps you avoid these upholstery cleaning mistakes in the first place.
7. Avoiding the Pros
Sure, DIY works for regular touch-ups. But sometimes your sofa needs a deep clean that only the pros can do properly. Skipping professional cleaning completely is one of the biggest upholstery cleaning mistakes you can make long-term.
A good rule of thumb?
- Get a professional clean once a year (more often if you have pets or kids)
- Look for cleaners who specialise in upholstery
- Don’t wait until stains have fully set
8. Using Random Household Products
Last one: don’t treat your sofa like a kitchen bench. Baking soda and vinegar don’t fix everything. In fact, mixing up homemade cleaners without knowing your fabric is another big sofa cleaning mistake.
Stay away from:
- Bleach
- Dish soap (it can leave residue)
- Abrasive powders
They might seem harmless, but they often do more damage than good.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your couch clean doesn’t have to be complicated, but avoiding the usual sofa cleaning mistakes makes all the difference. From picking the right products to knowing when to call in the pros, a little care goes a long way in protecting your upholstery. If you’re unsure or worried about causing damage, it’s best to leave it to the experts. At Squeaky Clean Sofa, we know exactly how to treat your sofa right. Give us a call at 0482077285 and let us help you avoid those costly cleaning errors. Your sofa deserves the best, and we’re here to deliver it.
FAQs
Ques 1: Can leaving cushions in the sun cause sofa cleaning mistakes?
Ans: Yes, direct sunlight can fade fabric colours, an easy-to-overlook but common sofa cleaning mistake people make.
Ques 2: Do scented sprays lead to upholstery cleaning errors?
Ans: Some scented sprays contain oils that stain fabric, leading to unexpected upholstery cleaning errors you’ll want to avoid.
Ques 3: Is allowing pets on the couch a mistake?
Ans: Letting pets sit on untreated fabric is one of those common couch cleaning mistakes that invites stains and odours.
Ques 4: How not to clean a sofa after a wine spill?
Ans: Don’t pour white wine on it, that’s actually how not to clean a sofa, despite what the internet says!
Ques 5: Is using baby wipes on the sofa also a cleaning mistake?
Ans: Yes, baby wipes can leave residue and discolour fabric. A sneaky DIY sofa cleaning mistake many don’t realise.
Ques 6: What upholstery cleaning mistakes should you avoid during allergy season?
Ans: Absolutely. Using dusty cloths or old vacuums can trigger allergies. It’s smart to avoid these upholstery cleaning mistakes.
Ques 7: Can using coloured cloths be one of the wrong ways to clean a couch?
Ans: Yes, coloured cloths can bleed dye onto fabric.
Ques 8: Is using vinegar on leather a damaging sofa cleaning technique?
Ans: Definitely. Vinegar dries out leather quickly, making it one of the worst damaging sofa cleaning techniques you can try.
Ques 9: Is scrubbing food stains sideways one of the sofa stain removal mistakes?
Ans: Yes, scrubbing sideways spreads the stain, a classic sofa stain removal mistake to avoid at all costs.
