How to clean a sofa of fleas at home? - briefly
To eliminate fleas from a couch, vacuum every surface, treat the upholstery with a diluted insecticidal spray, then steam‑clean and allow it to dry completely. Repeat the process after 48 hours to ensure any remaining eggs hatch and are destroyed.
How to clean a sofa of fleas at home? - in detail
Eliminate a flea infestation from a couch by following a systematic approach that combines mechanical removal, chemical treatment, and thorough cleaning.
First, isolate the furniture. Move the sofa away from pets and restrict foot traffic to prevent spreading. Vacuum every surface—fabric, cushions, seams, and the underside—using a brush‑roll attachment. Work slowly, overlapping strokes, and discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag outside the house.
Next, apply a flea‑killing agent. Choose a product labeled for indoor fabric use, such as a pyrethrin spray or an insect growth regulator (IGR) aerosol. Follow the manufacturer’s dosage instructions precisely. Spray the entire sofa, paying special attention to hidden crevices, stitching, and the back of the cushions. Allow the chemical to act for the recommended contact time, typically 10–15 minutes.
After the exposure period, repeat the vacuuming step to remove dead insects, eggs, and residual spray. Dispose of the vacuum contents as before. Then, clean the upholstery. If the fabric is washable, remove cushion covers and launder them in hot water (≥ 130 °F/54 °C). For non‑removable fabrics, spot‑clean with a mild detergent solution, blotting rather than rubbing to avoid pushing residues deeper. Rinse with a clean damp cloth and let the sofa air‑dry completely before use.
Finally, implement preventive measures. Treat household pets with a veterinarian‑approved flea control product. Wash pet bedding weekly in hot water. Place a flea trap (a dish of soapy water under a night‑light) near the sofa for several days to catch any remaining insects. Repeat the entire cleaning cycle after two weeks, as flea eggs may hatch during that interval.
By adhering to these steps—vacuum, targeted insecticide, thorough cleaning, and ongoing prevention—the sofa will be free of fleas and remain inhospitable to future infestations.