A sleeper sofa leads a double life. During the day, it’s a place for conversations, books set down in a hurry, and sometimes a cup of coffee placed a little too close to the edge. At night, it unfolds and becomes a true place of rest. To ensure it retains its shape, fabric, and comfort for years to come, cleaning should be simple, regular, and gentle on the fibers.
The Right Habit, Every Day
Most marks and stains set in because dust accumulates. Gently vacuuming with a fabric attachment is often enough to preserve the fabric’s appearance. Think of this as a chance to start fresh, focusing on high-contact areas such as the armrests, the edge of the seat, and the folds in the backrest. For models with cushions, gently patting them to restore their shape also helps maintain a clean silhouette, day after day.
When your sofa has built-in storage, such as the FOLIA, CLOUD, or their variations, take the opportunity to let the space breathe once a week. Open it up, air it out for a few minutes, then close it again—it’s simple, and it helps create a healthier environment, especially if the sleeping area is used regularly.
Clean your sofa according to its material
Not all fabrics respond well to the same care methods. At Kipli, we mainly deal with three categories.
For cotton sofas, such as certain models of FOLIA, the idea is to clean specific areas gently without saturating the fabric. A slightly damp microfiber cloth, along with a little Marseille soap, can be used to refresh a spot without damaging the fabric. Then rinse the cloth, gently wipe the area to remove the soap, and let it air dry.
The same concept works very well with fabrics that combine recycled polyester, organic cotton, and linen—which are used in several versions of the FOLIA collection and in the CLOUD line. This blend is designed for everyday use, provided you avoid overly harsh “miracle” products. Cleaning methods that rely too heavily on chemicals often end up damaging the fabric more than the stain itself.
On linen sofa beds, such as the PALM or OLIA, the linen requires gentle care—and it will reward you for it. The cover is removable and designed to be dry-cleaned, which is often the safest option when you want to preserve the fabric’s texture and natural drape. And if a spot does get stained, the ability to replace a single cushion cover—rather than the entire sofa—changes the way you live with your home: you repair, you extend its life, and you avoid waste.
If a stain occurs: act quickly, be gentle
A stain is best treated within the first few minutes. The key is to blot, rather than rub. A clean, light-colored cloth, held firmly and pressed lightly, absorbs the excess without spreading it. Then, depending on the fabric, a little lukewarm water and a pinch of Marseille soap are often enough. Work from the outside toward the center, using small, gentle strokes, and always test on an inconspicuous area if you’re unsure.
What we're looking for isn't immediate results, but a clean finish—no halos, no "broken" fibers. Patience is often the best stain remover.
Don't forget the parts you can't see: the mattress, the latex, the mechanism
On the FOLIA and CLOUD models, the seat and sleeping surface are made of 100% natural latex supported by springs. This core doesn’t need to be “washed,” but it does benefit from being able to breathe. If you often sleep on your sofa bed, leave it open for a few minutes in the morning to allow the natural moisture from the night to escape. It’s a small ritual, but it makes a big difference in how fresh it feels and in its lifespan.
On the PALM and OLIA models, the sleeping surface consists of a genuine natural latex mattress with a removable cover designed for dry cleaning. Here again, the best way to care for the mattress is to treat the material with respect: avoid getting the core wet, air it out instead, and have the cover professionally cleaned when necessary.
As for the mechanism, it stays in good working order when kept clean. Dust that accumulates in the folds or near moving parts eventually makes the mechanism less smooth. Gently vacuuming around the joints—without applying too much pressure—helps ensure that it opens easily and quietly.
Caring for wood without saturating it
Solid wood components—such as the beech wood on the FOLIA and CLOUD models, or the oak base on certain versions—require very little maintenance. A soft, dry or slightly damp cloth is all you need to remove dust. The key is to clean without letting water sit on the surface. Wood is built to last, as long as you respect its natural character and material properties.
An interior that stays calm, because it's easy to maintain
A sleeper sofa is an essential part of everyday life. The simpler you keep your routine, the longer it will stay looking its best. Regular vacuuming, spot cleaning with Marseille soap when needed, dry cleaning for linen, and letting the sleeping area air out a bit—and you’ll preserve that precious feeling: that of a living room that’s full of life, without wearing out too quickly.
At Kipli, we love this idea: doing things just right, without overdoing it, by focusing on simple actions and a lasting relationship with materials.