How do I waterproof and dustproof my sofa?

Lourice Marquez
by Lourice Marquez

Hi! Im an avid hometalk subscriber and i love diys i have a sofa which is prone to dirt and spill can you help me waterproof it or what is best to use to achieve the same. Thanks more power.


  11 answers
  • Pat Pat on Feb 03, 2020

    Not sure but have you considered washable slipcover?


    If you want, you can get a good upholstery cleaner and when clean, scotch guard it. That should help.

  • To help with liquid spills, you can try a spray on Scotchguard. Dustproof? Not unless you cover it in plastic slipcovers. Just vacuum it often and if you wish, cover with throws that can easily be washed.

  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Feb 03, 2020

    washable slip covers is your best bet or cover it with blankets,sheets or quilts


  • Gathered In The Kitchen Gathered In The Kitchen on Feb 03, 2020

    I would try using Scotch Guard https://amzn.to/36RegBL ...but it will depend on what type of material your couch is made of in order for this to work. good luck!

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Feb 04, 2020

    To keep the spills off either a slipcover or water proofing (Scotch Guard) after thoroughly cleaning your sofa. For the dust, just vacuum often.

    You might want to consider stopping the spills by not letting anyone eat or drink on the sofa. They are making a lot of work for you & prevention can help. Be sure no shoes are allowed on the couch either. Best to you.

  • Most couches have the option of Scotchguard when you buy them, but it wears off in time. What we do with our couch is right before the holidays, my husband will rent one of those steam cleaners from Walmart or the local grocery store and clean it with the upholstery nozzle with soap and water and will spray stain lifter on problem spots. Our couch is like new and stays that way until he deep cleans it the next year. You could look into getting it Scotch Guard again after a deep cleaning.

  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Feb 05, 2020

    I haven’t seen plastic slip overs for 30 years and that’s the only waterproof solution.

    If you want to line a fabric slipcover with a high quality shower curtain you could Velcro or sew snaps to the back side.

    I am guessing this is for pets?

  • Sharon Sharon on Feb 05, 2020

    I use the upholstery tool of my Hoover SteamVac with Surge Plus on all my clients fabric upholstery to keep it fresh, get rid of dust mites and stains.

  • Deb K Deb K on Feb 08, 2020

    Hi Lourice, I think you can put a nice coat of scotch guard on it, that allows the spills to sit on top, you need to just dab the liquids off it, it will repel dust as well. You can grab it anywhere and at home improvement stores/online. You could cover it but why do that? Enjoy the fabric!

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Feb 10, 2020

    Hi there,

    Steam clean the suite and then "Scotchguard" it, not cheap but so worth it......

  • Gathered In The Kitchen Gathered In The Kitchen on Feb 24, 2020

    Depending on the type of fabric your sofa is made of, you could try this scotch guard product to help eliminate water spots! https://amzn.to/32mUDAI