Effective Sofa Cleaning With Pan Lid: Easy Steps

A saucepan lid, a cloth, and a laundry detergent pod are all you need to clean your sofa, according to a viral TikTok video. The video, which has been viewed over 80 million times, demonstrates a simple method for refreshing upholstery. However, some viewers are concerned that the detergent pod will leave a residue on the couch. While this hack may not be suitable for all fabrics, it can be a quick and low-cost solution for cleaning your sofa.

Choose the right-sized pan lid

The size of the pan lid you choose for cleaning your sofa is important. The width of the lid depends on the area you want to cover. Camilla Pelly, the Brand Manager at Purdy & Figg, recommends choosing a lid that is small enough to be easily gripped while cleaning. If you are cleaning a large area, such as a sofa or carpet, you may want to use a larger lid. This will help you cover more surface area with each pass and speed up the cleaning process.

However, it's important to make sure that the lid is not too big, as you need to be able to grip it comfortably. The lid should be small enough that you can easily manoeuvre it while cleaning. If the lid is too large, it may be cumbersome and difficult to control.

Additionally, the size of the lid will also depend on the size of your cloth. You need to ensure that the cloth covers the entire lid, so if you have a smaller cloth, you may need to choose a smaller lid. You can use multiple cloths if needed to ensure full coverage.

When choosing the right-sized pan lid for cleaning your sofa, consider the area you want to cover, your comfort and ease of manoeuvring, and the size of your cloth.

Prepare the cloth

The cloth is an essential component of this sofa-cleaning method, so it's important to prepare it correctly.

First, you'll need to choose the right type of cloth. A microfiber cloth is generally recommended for this purpose. Make sure you have a clean cloth that's free of any dirt or debris.

Next, you'll want to dampen the cloth. You can do this by soaking it in a solution of hot water and a cleaning agent, such as laundry detergent or a dishwasher tablet. Wring out the excess liquid so that the cloth is damp but not dripping wet.

Now it's time to attach the cloth to the pan lid. Place the lid in the centre of the cloth and wrap the cloth around it, ensuring that the lid is completely covered. You can secure the cloth by tying the corners together or using a hair tie.

Once your cloth is in place, you may want to apply a few sprays of a multi-surface cleaner directly onto the cloth. This will help to lift any dirt and neutralise odours.

And that's it! Your cloth is now ready to be used for cleaning your sofa. Remember to work in a circular motion and apply a bit of pressure as you scrub the sofa to ensure you're getting a deep clean.

Add detergent

The next step is to add detergent to your bowl of hot water. You can use a laundry detergent pod, or a washing machine tablet, or simply some washing detergent. If you are using a pod or tablet, make sure it is fully dissolved in the water before proceeding to the next step. You can do this by giving the water a good stir, or by swishing the water around in the bowl.

It is important to note that laundry detergent is not suitable for all sofa fabrics. Linen sofas, in particular, should not be cleaned with laundry detergent as it can damage the delicate fabric. It is always a good idea to check your sofa's care guidelines before proceeding with any cleaning method.

Scrub the sofa

Scrubbing the sofa is the most important step in this cleaning process. It is also the most labour-intensive part of the process, as it requires you to put in some elbow grease.

To begin scrubbing your sofa, you will need to have already prepared your cleaning equipment. This includes a saucepan lid, a cloth, and a cleaning solution. The lid should be wrapped in the cloth, and the opposite corners of the cloth should be tied together to keep it in place. The cloth-covered lid should then be dipped into the cleaning solution.

When scrubbing the sofa, apply pressure and move the lid up and down across the cushions, arms, sides, and back of the sofa. You may need to go over some areas a few times to remove all the dirt and stains. This process will leave the sofa a little damp, so it is recommended to set up a fan to help it dry completely.

This cleaning hack has received mixed reviews online, with some people praising its effectiveness and others expressing concerns about the potential for soap residue and fabric damage. It is important to test this method on a small area of your sofa before committing to cleaning the entire piece of furniture.

Overall, scrubbing your sofa with a pan lid, cloth, and cleaning solution can be an effective way to remove dirt and stains, but it may require some adjustments to find the best technique for your specific sofa.

Rinse and dry

Rinsing and drying your sofa is an important step in the cleaning process, as it helps to remove any residue and ensures your sofa is clean and fresh. Here are some detailed instructions on how to effectively rinse and dry your sofa using a pan lid:

Rinsing:

• After scrubbing your sofa with the detergent solution, it's important to rinse the fabric to remove any soap residue.
• Fill a clean bowl with clean water.
• Dip the cloth-covered pan lid into the clean water, making sure it's thoroughly soaked.
• Wring out the excess water from the cloth.
• Repeat the scrubbing process on your sofa, using the same circular motions as before.
• Pay close attention to areas that may have excess detergent, such as crevices or heavily soiled areas.
• If needed, use a damp microfiber cloth to go over the sofa and remove any remaining residue.

Drying:

• Once you've finished rinsing, it's important to dry your sofa thoroughly.
• Use a dry microfiber cloth to absorb any remaining moisture on the sofa.
• You can also use a hairdryer or fan to speed up the drying process. Ensure it's on a low setting to avoid damaging the fabric.
• If possible, open windows or use air conditioning to promote air circulation and speed up drying.
• Avoid sitting on the sofa until it's completely dry to prevent moisture buildup.
• If your sofa has removable cushion covers, consider removing them and allowing them to air-dry separately.
• Ensure the sofa is completely dry before using it again.

By following these steps for rinsing and drying, you can ensure that your sofa is not only clean but also free from detergent residue, preventing any potential discomfort or irritation when using your sofa.

Frequently asked questions