Your sofa is one of the most used pieces of furniture in your home, and over time, it accumulates dust, food crumbs, body oils, pet fur, and stains. While professional cleaning is recommended at least twice a year, sometimes you may want to give your couch a deep clean yourself — and that’s where Rug Doctor comes in.

If you’re wondering how to clean your sofa with Rug Doctor, this step-by-step guide is tailored for Kenyan households using locally available products and easy methods.

🛠 What Is a Rug Doctor?

Rug Doctor is a powerful carpet and upholstery cleaning machine available for hire or purchase. It deep cleans soft furnishings by spraying a cleaning solution into the fabric and extracting it along with embedded dirt.

In Kenya, Rug Doctor machines can be rented from professional cleaning companies, hardware stores, or even some supermarkets and laundromats.

✅ Why Use Rug Doctor for Sofa Cleaning?

Here’s why it’s a great option for deep cleaning:

• Deep cleans dirt embedded in cushions and fabric

• Removes allergens like dust mites and pollen

• Gets rid of pet fur and urine odors

• Improves the smell and look of your sofa

• Ideal for fabric and some microfiber sofas

💡 Note: Rug Doctor is not ideal for leather or suede sofas. For those, use specialized leather cleaners instead.

🧽 What You’ll Need

Before you start cleaning your couch with Rug Doctor, make sure you have the following:

Equipment:

• Rug Doctor machine with Upholstery Hand Tool Attachment

• Extension cord (if needed)

Cleaning Solutions:

• Rug Doctor Upholstery Cleaner (if available locally)

• OR a locally available upholstery shampoo like:

  • Jik Upholstery & Carpet Cleaner

  • Dynapharm Upholstery Cleaner

  • Harpic or Mr. Sheen Fabric Cleaner Spray

  • Or a DIY mix of liquid detergent + white vinegar + warm water

Accessories:

• Clean microfiber cloths or towels

• Spray bottle (optional)

• Soft brush (for pre-treatment)

🪑 How to Clean Your Sofa with Rug Doctor – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Vacuum the Sofa Thoroughly

Start by vacuuming the entire couch to remove loose dust, crumbs, pet hair, and debris. Pay close attention to:

• Crevices between cushions

• Under the seat pads

• Armrests and backrests

You can also beat the cushions outside to remove dust if needed.

Step 2: Spot Treat Stains

Pre-treat visible stains before using the Rug Doctor. Spray a fabric-safe stain remover or a mix of warm water and dish soap onto the stained areas and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. Gently scrub with a soft brush or cloth.

⚠️ Test any cleaning solution on a hidden area first to avoid color fading.

Step 3: Prepare the Rug Doctor Machine

1. Attach the Upholstery Hand Tool securely to the hose.

2. Fill the clean water tank with warm water.

3. Add the recommended amount of cleaning solution:

   • If using Rug Doctor branded solution: Follow label instructions.

   • If using DIY solution: Mix 1 part white vinegar, 2 parts water, and a few drops of dish soap.

4. Plug in the machine and ensure it’s on a flat, safe surface.

Step 4: Start Cleaning Your Sofa

Now the real cleaning begins:

• Press the spray trigger on the hand tool to release cleaning solution into the fabric.

• Move slowly across the sofa in overlapping lines to ensure even coverage.

• Use the suction feature to extract the water and dirt immediately after spraying.

• Work section by section — seat, backrest, arms, and cushions.

Take your time. Rushing may leave excess water or miss deep dirt.

Step 5: Repeat If Necessary

For heavily soiled areas or large sofas, you may need to go over some spots twice. Make sure the fabric isn’t over-saturated to avoid mold or slow drying.

Step 6: Let the Sofa Dry Completely

After cleaning:

• Open windows or use a fan to speed up drying

• Place the sofa in a well-ventilated area

• Avoid sitting on it until it’s fully dry (6–12 hours)

💡 Tip: Use a dry towel to blot excess moisture right after cleaning.

💰 Cost of Rug Doctor Sofa Cleaning in Kenya

Here’s a rough estimate if you rent a Rug Doctor in Nairobi or other towns:

If you’re not confident doing it yourself, you can always hire experts like Kejani Cleaning Services to professionally clean your sofa using Rug Doctor or industrial-grade machines.

⚠️ When Not to Use Rug Doctor on a Sofa

Avoid using Rug Doctor if:

• Your sofa is genuine leather or suede

• It has delicate embroidery or non-removable covers

• It’s labeled “dry clean only” or has an “X” cleaning code

👌 Tips to Maintain Sofa Cleanliness After Using Rug Doctor

• Vacuum weekly to keep dust from building up

• Avoid eating or drinking on the couch

• Use washable covers or throws

• Clean spills immediately

• Book professional deep cleaning every 6–12 months

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to clean your sofa with Rug Doctor gives you the power to maintain hygiene, remove stains, and keep your furniture fresh between professional visits. It’s a great option if you want to DIY, especially in busy homes with kids or pets.

If you’d prefer a stress-free experience, let Kejani Cleaning Services handle it for you — we use Rug Doctor and other commercial-grade machines for superior results.

📞 Ready to Book a Sofa Cleaning?

👉 Visit kejanicleaning.co.ke
📱 Call or WhatsApp: +254 115 887 085