Fleas in Sofas and Upholstery

Sofas are warm, soft and sat on by pets and people, which makes them a favourite flea hideout.

The short answer

Fleas and their immature stages hide in seams, under cushions and along the frame of sofas. Vacuum with a crevice tool, remove and wash covers on a hot wash if the fabric allows, steam-clean where suitable, treat pets with a vet's guidance and consider professional treatment for heavy infestations. Check beneath the sofa and along the floor edges too.

Where to look

• Seams, piping and creases.
• Under and between cushions.
• The underside and dust cover.
• Floor beneath and behind the sofa.

Cleaning

1. Remove cushions and vacuum every surface.
2. Use a crevice tool along seams and frames.
3. Wash removable covers on a hot wash as safe.
4. Steam clean fabric where the manufacturer allows.
5. Empty the vacuum into a sealed bag outside.

Follow-up

• Keep pets off the sofa until treated.
• Repeat cleaning for several weeks.
• Call a professional for stubborn cases.

When to call a professional

If the problem is widespread, keeps returning or you are unsure what you are dealing with, a professional inspection will save time and avoid wasted effort.

Frequently asked questions

Can I spray the sofa myself?

Only products labelled for upholstery, and carefully.

Do I need to replace it?

Usually not.

Is leather safe from fleas?

Less hospitable, but nearby areas can still hold fleas.

How do I know they are gone?

No new bites or flea dirt after weeks.

This guide is part of IPest's complete resource on tick and flea control. For identification help, prevention and treatment options, see our full tick and flea control guide for Bangalore.