How to Clean a Performance Fabric Sofa in 5 Steps
Performance fabric is the living room's undisputed hero, somehow surviving your dog's zoomies and that one friend who can't be trusted with red wine.
But even the toughest sofa material needs a little love to maintain its main character energy. Here's your definitive resource for how to clean performance fabric sofa surfaces without accidentally stripping away the magic.
What are the 5 steps to clean my performance sofa?
Cleaning doesn’t have to be a weekend-long saga. Here’s how to keep your performance fabric couch in peak condition without breaking a sweat:
Gather your gear: You’ll need a vacuum with a brush attachment, a soft bristle brush, white microfibre cloths, mild dish soap, and a bucket of water.
Vacuum thoroughly: Remove loose crumbs and dust. Pay extra attention to the crevices—that’s where the "surprises" (and lost snacks) like to hide.
Prep your solution: Check the tag for the code–if it’s water-based (W), mix a drop of mild soap with lukewarm water; if it’s solvent-based (S), use a specialised upholstery cleaner following the manufacturer's instructions.
Blot, don't rub: Gently blot the stain, working from the outside in. Rubbing is the enemy; it just invites the mess to move in permanently.
Let it breathe: Air-dry the sofa in a well-ventilated room.
How do I keep my performance fabric looking great?
To keep your performance fabric as fresh as the day it arrived, stick to these simple house rules to preserve its brand-new glow:
| The habit | Why it matters | Our pro tip |
|---|---|---|
| Spot cleaning | Keeps spills from overstaying their welcome. | Blot immediately while liquid is beading. |
| No harsh chemicals | Preserve your sofa’s protective barrier. | Stick to the "less is more" when cleaning—a little mild soap and water go a long way. |
| Avoid direct heat | Prevents fibre damage and tragic meltdowns. | Keep your sofa at a respectful distance from heaters and floor vents. Skip the hairdryers and opt for natural breeze instead. |
| Avoid sunlight | Keeps your colours from pulling a vanishing act. | Use blinds to manage how much direct light hits the fabric. |
Is performance fabric really worth the hype?
In our opinion, absolutely. Performance fabric does half the work for you, purposefully designed to handle "real life"—kids, pets, and the occasional red wine mishap included.
With just a little TLC, your sofa will remain the stylish, remarkably clean heart of your home for years to come.
