A well-maintained sofa bed can last a decade or more, providing comfortable seating and sleeping for years. However, sofa beds face unique cleaning challenges—they accumulate the dirt and wear of regular sofa use plus the body oils, sweat, and bedding fibres associated with sleeping. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about keeping your sofa bed clean, fresh, and in excellent condition.
Key Takeaway
Regular light cleaning prevents the need for intensive deep cleaning later. Vacuum your sofa bed weekly, address spills immediately, and perform a thorough deep clean every 6-12 months to maintain appearance and hygiene.
Understanding Upholstery Cleaning Codes
Before cleaning any sofa bed, check the manufacturer's cleaning code, typically found on a tag under the cushions or on the frame. These codes indicate safe cleaning methods:
- W: Water-based cleaning agents are safe to use
- S: Use solvent-based (dry) cleaning products only; water can cause damage
- WS: Either water-based or solvent-based cleaners may be used
- X: Professional cleaning only; vacuum and brush only at home
Always test any cleaning product on a hidden area first and wait for it to dry completely before proceeding with larger areas.
Routine Cleaning for All Fabric Types
Weekly Maintenance
Regular vacuuming is the foundation of sofa bed care. Use an upholstery attachment with soft bristles to remove dust, crumbs, pet hair, and debris that accumulates in everyday use.
- Vacuum all seating surfaces, including between cushions and along seams
- Remove cushions and vacuum the base fabric underneath
- Use the crevice tool to reach into corners and along the frame
- If your sofa bed has a separate mattress, vacuum both sides monthly
💡 Vacuuming Tip
Set your vacuum to low suction when cleaning delicate fabrics like velvet or loosely woven textiles. High suction can damage fibres and pull threads loose over time.
Monthly Refresh
Once a month, give your sofa bed a more thorough freshening:
- Sprinkle baking soda liberally over fabric surfaces
- Leave for 15-20 minutes to absorb odours
- Vacuum thoroughly to remove all baking soda residue
- Flip and rotate removable cushions to ensure even wear
Cleaning Specific Fabric Types
Polyester and Polyester Blends
Polyester is one of the most common and durable sofa bed fabrics in Australia. It's relatively forgiving and can handle most cleaning approaches.
For general cleaning:
- Mix one teaspoon of dish soap in a litre of warm water
- Dip a clean cloth in the solution and wring out excess moisture
- Gently blot (don't rub) the fabric in sections
- Rinse with a cloth dampened with plain water
- Allow to air dry completely before use
Velvet Upholstery
Velvet requires more delicate handling to preserve its distinctive nap and sheen.
For routine care:
- Use a soft-bristled brush to gently lift the pile and remove surface dust
- Always brush in the direction of the nap
- Avoid water unless absolutely necessary—velvet can watermark easily
- For spills, blot immediately with a dry cloth; don't rub
- Consider professional cleaning for significant stains
⚠️ Velvet Warning
Never use a regular vacuum on velvet—the suction can crush the pile and create permanent marks. Use only soft brush attachments on the lowest setting, or better yet, a specialised velvet brush.
Leather and Faux Leather
Leather and leather-look materials require specific care to prevent drying, cracking, and premature aging.
Weekly care:
- Dust with a dry microfibre cloth
- Wipe down with a slightly damp cloth (water only)
- Dry immediately with a separate dry cloth
Monthly care:
- Apply a leather conditioner designed for furniture
- Work the conditioner into the leather with circular motions
- Buff to a soft shine with a clean cloth
- This prevents drying and cracking, particularly important in Australian climates with air conditioning
Tackling Common Stains
The key to stain removal is acting quickly. The longer a stain sits, the more difficult it becomes to remove.
Food and Drink Spills
Coffee and tea: Blot excess liquid immediately. Mix one tablespoon of white vinegar with one tablespoon of dish soap in two cups of warm water. Apply with a cloth, blotting from the outside edge of the stain inward. Rinse with plain water and blot dry.
Wine: Blot immediately—don't rub. Apply salt to absorb remaining liquid. Once dry, vacuum the salt and treat any remaining colour with a mixture of one part dish soap to two parts hydrogen peroxide (test first on hidden area).
Grease and oil: Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda on the stain and leave for 15-30 minutes to absorb the oil. Vacuum and repeat if necessary. For stubborn stains, apply a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent to a cloth and blot gently.
✅ DIY Fabric Cleaner
Mix one cup warm water, quarter cup white vinegar, and one tablespoon of dish soap in a spray bottle. This gentle all-purpose cleaner works on most fabric types (always test first). Spray lightly and blot with a clean cloth.
Body Oils and Sweat
Because sofa beds are used for sleeping, they often accumulate more body oils than regular sofas. These oils can cause yellowing over time, particularly on lighter fabrics.
- Use a mattress protector on the sleeping surface to prevent oil transfer
- Wash removable cushion covers regularly if possible
- For non-removable covers, apply a solution of dish soap and water, scrub gently with a soft brush, and extract moisture with towels
Cleaning the Mattress Component
If your sofa bed has a separate mattress (pull-out style), this component requires its own cleaning routine.
Regular Mattress Care
- Vacuum both sides of the mattress every time you use the bed function
- Allow the mattress to air out before returning it to the folded position
- Use a mattress protector to prevent stains and moisture damage
- Deodorise with baking soda treatment every few months
Deep Mattress Cleaning
Every 6-12 months, perform a thorough mattress clean:
- Remove all bedding and vacuum the entire surface
- Sprinkle baking soda liberally and let sit for several hours (or overnight if possible)
- Vacuum thoroughly to remove baking soda
- Spot treat any stains with appropriate cleaners
- Allow to dry completely before refolding
Mechanism Maintenance
The conversion mechanism also requires periodic attention to ensure smooth, reliable operation.
- Every 6 months, apply a silicone-based lubricant to moving metal parts
- Check all bolts and screws for tightness; retighten as needed
- Clear any debris from the mechanism area
- Listen for unusual sounds during operation that might indicate wear
🔧 Lubrication Tip
Use only silicone-based lubricants on sofa bed mechanisms. Avoid petroleum-based products like WD-40, which can attract dust and eventually gum up the mechanism. Food-grade silicone spray is ideal.
When to Call Professionals
Some situations warrant professional cleaning services:
- Upholstery marked with cleaning code "X"
- Severe or set-in stains that home methods can't remove
- Delicate fabrics like silk or antique upholstery
- After illness to sanitise sleeping surfaces
- Annual deep cleaning for heavily used sofa beds
Professional upholstery cleaning typically costs between $100-$300 in Australia, depending on the size of the sofa and the fabric type. For a quality sofa bed that you expect to last many years, this periodic investment is well worthwhile.
Quick Reference Cleaning Schedule
- Weekly: Vacuum all surfaces, fluff cushions
- Monthly: Baking soda deodorising, rotate cushions, condition leather
- Every 3 months: Deep vacuum including mattress, check mechanism
- Every 6 months: Lubricate mechanism, assess for professional cleaning needs
- Annually: Full deep clean or professional cleaning service
With consistent care, your sofa bed will remain a clean, comfortable, and inviting piece of furniture for many years. The investment of a few minutes each week pays dividends in longevity and hygiene.