How to Clean a Sofa Bed: Simple Tips to Spruce It Up
Sofa beds - or sleeper sofas - have their work cut out for them, serving as your comfy couch by day and a snooze zone by night. With all that hard work, it’s no surprise they occasionally need a good tidy-up. Whether you’ve got a trusty old rig or a fresh mattress built into your frame, knowing how to clean your sofa bed regularly is a skill worth having in your back pocket.
Lucky for you, you’ve come to the home of comfort. And Koala knows more than a thing or two about keeping your sleeper sofa in tip-top shape.
From everyday messes to accidental spills and the occasional coffee catastrophe, this guide covers essential cleaning methods that’ll help you do more than just fluff cushions.
We’ll show you how to tackle stubborn stains, when you need a deeper clean, and the best ways to care for every part of your setup. Learn how to remove dirt, reduce dust buildup, and keep your sleeper fresh for all your lounging and loafing needs.
Couch Cleaning: The Basics
As the Transformers of the furniture world, sleeper sofas work hard, keeping you comfy during the day and offering a sleep spot by night.
And as a constant source of relief, the one thing they ask in return is a little bit of love and upkeep. Whether it’s a well-loved classic or a brand new sofa, here’s how to stay on top of the couch cleaning process:
✅ Vacuum it. Regularly. Make weekly vacuuming a habit. Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove dust, dirt, debris, and pet hair. Vacuuming dust also helps cut down on bacteria and allergens.
✅ Clean as you go. Spilled something? The faster you treat tough stains, the easier they are to remove. For tough spots, try a little baking soda and a mild solution. Occasionally, bring in a steam cleaner to refresh the fabric and give it that “just like new” feel.
✅Protect it. Just like you’d use a mattress protector on your bed, cover your sleeper when it’s in use. This helps cut down on sweat, oils, and accidental messes, making long-term upkeep and thorough cleaning that much easier.
Top Tips for Sofa Bed Maintenance
You’ve got the basics on how to clean sleeper sofas. Now, onto the serious stuff.
Whether your sleeper sofa has all kinds of mechanics or is simple and soft, these lovely 2-in-1 hunks of furniture need a few key things to keep operating smoothly in your living space.
✅ As fun as it sounds, avoid jumping on the sofa bed. The mattress, cushions, and springs aren’t made for jumping and can be damaged easily. Save the flips for the trampoline park.
✅ Fur and claws? Not ideal. Pet stains, scratches, and excess hair buildup don’t mix well with upholstery. When possible, keep pets off the fabric—or at least lay down a protective cover.
✅ Don’t be tempted to sit on the arms of the sofa, even if they have those fancy cushioned ones.
✅ If your sleeper sofa has mechanical parts and something breaks, leave it to professional cleaners or a furniture expert. DIY repairs might make things worse (or void a warranty).
✅ Let your sleeper sofa breathe. Avoid placing it too close to fireplaces, AC units, or windows with direct sunlight, and steer clear of damp areas to prevent mold growth. If you’ve used a cleaning solution and a damp cloth for spot cleaning, make sure to air dry the area completely before putting cushions or fabrics back in place.
✅ Got a spill? Act fast. For most stains, dab with a damp cloth, warm water, and a mild cleaner. For tough stains, mix baking soda with cold water to lift out residue. In some cases, a bit of rubbing alcohol on a cloth may help. For a thorough clean, a steam cleaner can freshen things up without damaging the fabric — just make sure to test a small area first.
✅ Pilling is common with lots of sleeper sofa fabrics. An automatic pilling remover can help remove fluffy spots without serious damage.
A Quick Q+A on Sofa Bed Love
Still trying to figure out how to take care of your sleeper sofa? That’s okay. We won’t judge. Instead, these common questions will give you a crash course on looking after your new favorite piece of furniture.
Can you leave sheets on a sofa bed?
Yes, but it’s not ideal. Folding the mattress up can stretch the sheets and wear them out faster. If you’re tight on space (and who isn’t?), the Stunner Sofa Bed includes built-in storage to stash your bedding between uses, helping you keep your sofa bed clean and uncluttered.
What sheets go on a sofa bed?
That depends on the size of the mattress on your sleeper sofa. Some quick measurements should guide you towards the right sheet size. Koala’s sleeper sofas match our sheets, so it’s easy to pick a double or queen to suit.
How do you even do it?
Mastering how to put sheets on a sofa bed is easier than folding them. With the right size, a fitted sheet should slide over the edges and stay put throughout the night, just like a mattress.
What’s the best sofa bed fabric?
You want something soft but strong. Go for easy-care options that support regular cleaning — Koala’s 88% polyester, 12% nylon soft-touch fabric is designed to resist spills, debris, and everyday wear. It's also made for use with gentle detergents and won't be damaged by responsible steam cleaning.
Pro tip: Avoid harsh chemicals, which can damage upholstery and impact air quality. Instead, stick to mild solutions that fight bacteria and mess without wrecking the material.
Koala’s Sofa Beds: Autobots, Assemble
Although these transformable sofas do a lot, we don’t want you spending thousands replacing them every few years.
That’s why we design our stuff to last longer and feel comfier. Our sofa beds are made without heavy hydraulics or clunky mechanics. This means you don’t need a toolkit to maintain them, and it also makes them easier when it comes to general upkeep and knowing how to clean a sofa bed without stress.
Everything from the durable fabric to the sit-to-sleep simplicity was made with the everyday American in mind. With three Koala sleeper sofas, there’s something out there for every bum. Check them out:
💤 Byron Sofa Bed. A luxury 3- or 3.5-seater with deep, plush seating and a queen-size bed that unfolds in seconds. The Byron features a cloud-like 15 cm Kloudcell® mattress, breathable platform base, four hidden storage compartments, and washable, water-resistant covers in seven custom colors. Built with FSC® certified timber and recycled fabrics, assembly is tool-free and designed for small spaces
💤 Koala Sofa Bed. Made with exclusive fabric for easy cleaning and durability, the Koala Sofa Bed is comfy as sin, with a mixture of layers built into the seat cushions for your pleasure.
Our amazing sofa beds are covered with a five-year warranty for your peace of mind. Crafted with durable fabric that’s easy to maintain, they’re designed to handle real life. With regular care, like quick weekly vacuuming to remove dust and keep things fresh, you'll enjoy lasting comfort.
You can also try them at home for 120 nights to get an authentic experience. If you don’t love your new sofa bed within that time, return it for a refund of the purchase price.
Say Thanks to Your Sofa Bed
Learning how to keep your sofa bed clean is one of those adult skills we never thought we’d need — but here we are. Between managing dirt, caring for the mattress, and knowing how to remove dirt with some good old-fashioned regular cleaning, you’re officially in the club.
With your newfound knowledge and a crash course on why sleeper sofas are such a smart choice, shop Koala’s range today and try one for yourself.