How to Clean Office Sofas (and Keep Them Looking New)

Hello, sofa—everyone’s favourite spot. It’s the quick lunch perch, a quiet corner for thinking, and the place we all collapse for a tea break (biscuits optional). With that much love, office sofas collect… well, everything.

From daily traffic to the occasional “oops,” soft seating in workplaces takes far more abuse than anything at home. The good news? With a simple routine and a few smart tricks, you can keep those sofas clean, fresh, and professional.

Why office sofas get grimy faster

Office upholstery faces different pressures than home furniture:

• Heavy traffic: Shoes, outdoor dirt, dust, pollen, paper and clothing fibres—all hitch a ride.

• Spills & crumbs: Coffee, tea, ink, lunch mishaps. Crumbs get pressed into fabric and trapped in seams.

• Body oils: Natural oils from skin and hair create dull patches that attract more dirt.

• Events: After busy days or office parties, dirt buildup spikes.

Look after them regularly and your sofas will last longer, smell better, and reflect well on your space.

Step one: check the care label

Before you clean anything, find the fabric care label (usually under a cushion). Follow it closely to avoid shrinking, colour bleed, or damage. When in doubt, test any product on a hidden area first.

Your simple sofa-cleaning kit

• Vacuum with upholstery and crevice attachments

• Clean, white microfibre cloths (colours can transfer)

• Soft-bristled toothbrush (for gentle agitation)

• Mild dish soap

• A fabric-safe upholstery cleaner that matches the care code

• Clean, lukewarm water

The routine: daily, weekly, and quarterly

Daily (60 seconds)

• Plump and rotate cushions to distribute wear and keep the sofa looking sharp.

• Quick visual check: spot-blot any fresh marks (see “Spills” below).

Weekly (5–10 minutes)

• Vacuum thoroughly: seat, back, arms, sides.

• Remove cushions and vacuum both sides.

• Use the crevice tool to clear seams where crumbs and grit hide.

Deep clean every 3–6 months

• For fabrics that allow it, use a fabric-safe upholstery shampoo.

• Always patch-test first.

• Work in small sections with minimal moisture; gently agitate with a soft brush or cloth.

• Do not over-wet. Excess moisture can cause mildew and water rings.

• Dry completely before use—open windows or use fans to speed things up.

Some fabrics require solvent-based cleaners (often coded “S”). These can have strong fumes and need careful handling—this is a good time to bring in a professional.

Spills & stains: quick wins that actually work

Rule #1: Blot, don’t rub. Rubbing drives stains deeper and roughs up fibres.

Keep the area slightly damp with clean water if you need time to prepare supplies—this slows setting.

Coffee & tea

• Blot up as much liquid as possible.
• Mix 1 part mild dish soap to 10 parts warm water.
• Dampen (don’t soak) a white cloth and blot the stain.
• Rinse by blotting with a cloth dipped in clean water.
• Blot dry with a fresh cloth.

Ink (tough one)

• Lightly dab with isopropyl alcohol or a solvent-based stain remover (check the label!).

• Place a clean cloth over the spot to absorb lifted ink and repeat as needed.

• Don’t scrub—spreading makes it worse, and some inks may still shadow on light fabrics.

Grease & food oils

• Cover with baking soda and let sit 15–20 minutes to absorb.
• Vacuum away the powder.
• Follow with the mild dish-soap solution above; blot and dry.

“Mystery” stains

• Mix equal parts white vinegar and water.

• Lightly mist (don’t soak), blot vigorously, then allow to air dry.

• Vinegar odour fades as it dries; a light baking-soda dusting after drying can neutralize residual smell (vacuum it off).

When to call the pros

• The fabric code specifies solvent only or you’re unsure how to proceed

• Large areas, set-in stains, or recurring odours

• End-of-lease or pre-inspection deep cleans

• You want faster drying and uniform results across multiple sofas

At JES Building Services, we can include upholstery and soft-furniture care as part of your office maintenance plan—scheduled, documented, and done with minimal disruption.

Quick care etiquette (that actually helps)

• Feet off cushions (we see you!); if people do put feet up, provide throws or sofa protectors.

• Side tables and easy-reach bins reduce spills and crumbs.

• Keep a small “spill kit” nearby: white cloths, mild soap, alcohol wipes, baking soda.

• Add chair/sofa rotation to your cleaning checklist so wear stays even.

The payoff

A simple, consistent routine makes sofas last longer, reduces replacements, and keeps your space welcoming for staff and visitors. Clean seating says “we care.”

Make your office sofas irresistable

Keep your office clean – with regular, professional office cleaning from JES Building Services.  Call 604-259-0633 today, and find out how we’ll help get your office clean.