Keeping Your Couch Clean with your Kids

Let's face it, moms – sometimes keeping a pristine couch feels like an impossible dream, especially with little ones around. Between juice spills, muddy footprints, and the general chaos that comes with kids, our beloved sofas can quickly transform into battlegrounds. This post is here to equip you with some realistic cleaning tips and tricks, all battle-tested by a mom of 3 who's seen it all (think glitter explosions and mystery crayon art!). We'll learn how to tackle stains, befriend magic cleaning products, and even harness the power of sunshine to keep our sofas comfy, clean, and ready for all the cuddles, movie nights, and maybe even the occasional spilled beverage that comes with the joys of parenthood.

Here are some of the best cleaning tips and tricks I've learned to keep my What A Room sofa looking (and smelling!) fresh:

Handheld vacuums are your best friends!

When there’s a spill, we immediately grab our handheld vacuum and clean up the crumbs & mess as best as we can! We love using this to clean the underneath the cushions where all the random crumbs, snacks, and toys are at haha! 

Tackle the stains right away:

This tip is gold! Act fast for spills. Grab a clean, absorbent white microfiber cloth and blot the spill immediately. Remember, blotting is your friend, not rubbing! Work from the outside of the stain towards the middle to contain it. The faster you tackle the mess, the easier it will be to remove the stain completely. If it’s more stubborn stains, I use a stain brush to help get the stains out and a spot cleaner spray! 

Know Your Fabric's Superpower (Cleaning Code):

The second link gives a golden tip - check the cleaning code on your sofa's tag! This will be your guide to choosing the right cleaning method. If you can't find the tag or are in a pinch, a mild dish soap solution (a few drops in warm water) can often tackle everyday spills on W (water-based cleaning code) fabrics. Just remember to test it in a hidden spot first! Blot the stain with the solution, then with clean water to rinse, and let it air dry completely.

Embrace the Power of Prevention:

Sometimes, the best defense is a good offense. Consider investing in throw blankets or washable slipcovers for your sofa. Love how my Daphne sofa from What A Room can be washed in our washing machine! These can be easily tossed in the wash to catch crumbs, spills, and other kid-related messes. Having a designated "eating zone" away from the sofa can also help minimize spills. We have a kids size chair and ottoman where the kiddos can sit and eat their snacks, making it easier to clean up messes!

The Upholstery Roller's Sticky Situation:

Here's a bonus tip! Lint rollers are great for more than just clothes. Use a lint roller to pick up crumbs, pet hair, and other loose debris from your sofa's fabric. This is a quick and easy way to keep your sofa looking fresh between cleanings.

Got Couch Pilling? Get a Fabric Shaver!

This handy gadget is so helpful when there’s couch pilling on our sofa! It will easily remove the couch pilling, lint, and instantly cleans up the sofa to look brand new! 

Sunshine Power:

Whenever possible, open the curtains and let some sunshine bathe your sofa. Sunlight can help kill bacteria and freshen up the fabric naturally. Just be mindful of direct sunlight for extended periods, as it can fade some fabrics.

My must-have cleaning products:

• Microfiber Cloths
• Handheld & Portable Vacuums
• Fabric Shaver & lint Remover (for couch pilling)
• Stain Brush
• Spot Remover Cleaning Spray
• Lint Rollers

Remember, moms, a little planning and these handy tricks can go a long way in keeping your sofa looking its best. Don't be afraid to experiment and find what works for you and your family. After all, a clean and comfortable sofa makes movie nights and cuddle sessions all the more enjoyable. Now, go forth and conquer those stains! You've got this, mama!