How to clean a HAY sofa

Cleaning a HAY sofa starts with knowing your upholstery. Use gentle, material-specific methods, act fast on spills, and avoid over-wetting to prevent rings or color changes. Below you will find safe, brand-aligned steps for fabric, velvet and leather HAY sofas, plus quick answers to common questions.

Start here: identify your upholstery and care code

Check your order details or fabric tag to confirm the material. Many HAY sofas use premium textiles like wool blends or velour, and select models come in leather. Before any treatment:

• Vacuum first to remove loose dust and grit.
• Always spot test products on an inconspicuous area.
• Use distilled water and a pH-neutral detergent where water is allowed.
• Avoid aggressive chemicals, bleach and solvent-heavy sprays.
• Do not oversaturate fabric. Let it air dry out of direct sunlight.

Not sure which products to use? Explore our cleaning essentials for upholstery.

Fabric HAY sofas: routine care and stain treatment

For popular models like Mags, Mags Soft and Quilton in fabric:

• Weekly upkeep: vacuum with an upholstery nozzle and soft brush. For creases, use a handheld steamer at a distance to relax fibers without soaking.
• Fresh spills: blot immediately with a white absorbent cloth. Work from the edge toward the center to reduce haloing.
• Spot cleaning: if the fabric permits water, use lukewarm distilled water with a small drop of pH-neutral detergent. Dab, do not rub. Rinse by blotting with clean distilled water to remove soap residue.
• To prevent water marks: treat the full panel lightly rather than a tiny spot only, then dry evenly. Avoid heat sources.
• General care: rotate cushions and flip loose pillows regularly to spread wear.
• Prevent soiling: protect high-contact areas with sofa throws you can refresh easily.

If a stain sets or color migration appears, stop and consider professional upholstery cleaning. Some wool-rich textiles are especially sensitive to friction and overly wet treatments.

If you own a HAY Mags sofa (fabric care details), check the fabric-specific guidance.

For model-specific notes, read the HAY Quilton sofa: upholstery and care notes.

Velour and velvet HAY sofas: preserve the pile

Velour looks luxurious but needs pile-conscious care. Shading and pressure marks are normal characteristics of velvet, caused by pile direction. You can reduce them with the right routine:

• Regular care: vacuum gently with a soft brush attachment in the direction of the nap. A soft clothes brush can also lift flattened areas.
• Steam to refresh: light steaming lifts the pile and minimizes seat marks. Keep the steamer moving and avoid condensation. After steaming, brush the pile in one direction.
• Minor stains: if water-safe, dab with distilled water and a touch of neutral detergent. Use minimal moisture. Blot to dry and brush again once fully dry.
• Pressure spots and streaks: lightly mist with distilled water or use gentle steam, then brush to realign fibers. Allow to dry naturally.
• Avoid: scrubbing, heavy pressure, ironing and strong solvents. Excess moisture can leave rings or crush the pile.

Work slowly and evenly across larger sections to prevent visible edges. When in doubt, engage a velvet-experienced professional cleaner.

Leather HAY sofas: aniline, semi-aniline and pigmented

Leather types react differently to water and cleaners. If you are unsure which you have, use the mildest method and test first.

• All leather: dust weekly and vacuum seams. Wipe with a slightly damp, soft cloth, then buff dry. Keep away from direct sun and radiators to prevent drying and fading.
• Aniline leather: most natural and porous. Avoid water-heavy cleaning. Blot spills quickly, do not rub. Use dedicated aniline cleaner and conditioner sparingly to maintain suppleness.
• Semi-aniline: light protective finish. Mild leather cleaner can be used following instructions. Wipe dry and condition occasionally.
• Pigmented leather: most sealed and stain resistant. Clean with a gentle leather cleaner, then wipe with a damp cloth and dry. Condition as recommended to prevent cracking.
• Grease stains: sprinkle nothing, and do not use water. Leave to absorb and consult a leather specialist if needed.

FAQs

How do you clean HAY sofas?

Identify the upholstery, vacuum regularly, and treat fresh spills by blotting. Use pH-neutral detergent in distilled water for water-safe fabrics, minimal moisture on velvet, and leather-specific products for leather. Always test first.

How to clean HAY outdoor furniture?

Brush off loose dirt, wash with lukewarm water and mild soap, rinse thoroughly, and air dry. Treat stains quickly and store cushions dry. Use breathable covers when not in use.

What is the best way to clean a fabric sofa?

Vacuum weekly, blot spills immediately, and use a small amount of pH-neutral detergent in distilled water if allowed by the care label. Rinse by blotting with clean water and dry evenly to avoid rings.

How do you clean a couch after a dog has been on it?

Vacuum hair with an upholstery tool and use a lint brush for stubborn fur. For odour, sprinkle baking soda for 15 minutes and vacuum, or use a fabric-safe enzyme spray if the care label permits. Wash removable covers per label. For easy upkeep, consider a removable cushion cover (Plica Cushion). Prefer fuss-free maintenance? Browse easy-to-clean textiles and accessories.

Need fabric-specific advice for your HAY Mags, Mags Soft, Quilton or Amanta? Contact Espoo. design store for tailored guidance or visit our Antwerp showroom for care tips and accessories.