A cleaning test on a velvet sofa found that baking soda outperformed washing-up liquid, providing a more comprehensive clean and neutralising odours. The washing-up liquid method was quicker but left no lasting fragrance.
Testing Two Popular Methods
Nicola Roy, a Spare Time writer, tested two widely shared sofa cleaning techniques on her velvet couch, which had replaced an uncomfortable leather model last year. The velvet fabric showed every crumb and spillage, and she had declined the retailer's professional cleaning service.
Both methods used inexpensive household staples: washing-up liquid and baking soda. The washing-up liquid approach involved mixing it with hot water, soaking a tea towel, wrapping it around a saucepan lid, and gliding it over the sofa. Roy noted that boiling water was too hot and recommended warm tap water instead.
The Baking Soda Advantage
The baking soda method involved sprinkling a generous amount over the entire sofa and leaving it for about an hour. After vacuuming with a soft brush attachment, Roy found this felt like a more thorough clean, as it absorbed unpleasant smells rather than just concealing them.
Although baking soda lacks the pleasant scent of washing-up liquid, Roy concluded it is likely more beneficial over time because it neutralises odours. She recommended the baking soda method for freshening up a sofa before winter.
