Cleaning a Sofa

Ask any two pros and you can expect differing opinions.

Me, I do dry foam shampoo, working it in with what I have always called a Gong Brush.  Not aggressive on the working in part, just to make sure the shampoo gets into the fabric, a bit more on oily areas.  After I get the furniture and its cushions cleaned I either use a wet/dry or HWE on vacuum only.  Lean cushions against each other forming teepees placed on the furniture with butcher paper or wax paper underneath.  Point the airmovers at the fabric, check every 5-10 minutes for dry areas and those requiring more direct air movement.  Continue with any carpet or rug cleaning you have in the home, checking at somewhat regular intervals and you will probably find the furniture is dry enough to remove the fans.  Leave the cushions up and instruct the customer to leave that way for 3 hours, 5 in colder wetter weather.

As the furniture is drying it will get lighter in color since it got darker in the wetting process.  Respect the customer's home by using canvas tarps whenever you are cleaning furniture.

Have fun experimenting on your own.  Look for furniture belonging to family and friends that is intact but has seen better days and offer to do it for free.  You need practice and you need to learn to identify potential problems.  I for one stay away from RED on any fabric flabor.  There are different solvents for cotton.  Learn how to identify fibers and make it a habit.  You can trust the tags on furniture somewhat but if it was labeled wrong and things go awry, you and not the furniture manufacturer takes the hit.

Two cents. 

Vinegar & Water or Lemon Juice & Water..You use 4cups of water to 2Tbsps of either product use a spray bottle spray the area use a scruggie the type you use for dishes rub it in really good then spray the area again leave on at least 1hr then wipe off to get the smell out of the product your using to clean use Febreeze it smells really Great...Good Luck