A Guide to Cleaning Furniture Upholstery

Maintaining cleanliness in your home is essential for creating a healthy living environment. While you may focus on regular dusting and vacuuming, it is crucial not to overlook the cleanliness of your furniture upholstery. Upholstery acts as a magnet for dust, dirt, pet hair, and even allergens. Therefore, keeping your upholstery clean contributes to reducing allergies and respiratory issues that can arise from a buildup of dust and pollutants. 

 

Regularly cleaning your furniture upholstery also offers cost-saving benefits in the long run. By maintaining clean upholstery, you can extend the lifespan of your furniture, avoiding the need for frequent replacements. This not only saves you money but also helps reduce waste and the environmental impact of furniture production.

Upholstery Long Lasting: 

When attempting upholstery cleaning, it is important to understand suitable cleaning methods for different types of upholstery. Not all fabrics are the same, and using the wrong cleaning agents or techniques can lead to damage or discoloration. It is essential to choose the right cleaning solutions and tools to ensure effective cleaning without compromising the integrity of your upholstery.

Soft brushes, lint-free cloths, and vacuums with upholstery attachments are indispensable tools for maintaining clean upholstery. Soft brushes allow you to gently remove surface dirt and debris, while lint-free cloths help in spot cleaning and wiping down surfaces. Vacuum cleaners with upholstery attachments help in thorough cleaning, reaching deep into crevices and removing embedded dirt.

It is important to avoid using tools that may damage or discolor your upholstery. Rough brushes, abrasive scrubbers, or cleaning solutions containing bleach or harsh chemicals should be avoided. These can cause irreversible damage and compromise the appearance and texture of your upholstery.

5 Way you can clean your Furniture Upholstery 

Know the Cleaning Method:

Check the manufacturer's label for a cleaning code to determine the best cleaning method. The method includes W (water-based solvents), S (dry cleaning solvents), W-S (both water and solvent-based), and X (only vacuuming or professional cleaning).

Vacuuming:

Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to remove dust, allergens, and debris from the upholstery.Pay attention to all areas, including sides, cushions, and the bottom of the furniture.

Stain Removal:

Blot liquid stains with paper towels and lift solid debris with a dull knife or credit card edge. Prepare a cleaning solution based on the upholstery type (water-based or dry-cleaning solvent). Rub the stain with a sponge and the cleaning solution, then rinse and allow the area to air dry.

Overall Cleaning:

Mix a cleaning solution of dishwashing liquid and warm water for general upholstery cleaning.Wipe down the fabric with a damp sponge or microfiber cloth, working in small sections. Avoid getting water on metal components to prevent rust stains. Finish by rinsing with plain water and blotting to absorb moisture.

Outdoor 3 Seater Sofa Set

Frequency of Cleaning:

Vacuum the couch weekly to remove surface debris. Perform stain removal and general upholstery cleaning quarterly or as needed. Follow the specific care instructions based on the cleaning code found on the furniture.

How to Clean Upholstery

Step 1: Vacuum Well

Before attempting any cleaning, start by vacuuming the upholstery thoroughly. Use the upholstery attachment and crevice tool of your vacuum cleaner to remove loose dust and soil. Begin at the top of the furniture and work your way down slowly, ensuring you clean the back, sides, and under the cushions. Don't forget to remove any pet hair or debris using a fabric shaver and lint brush.

Outdoor 2 Seater Sofa Set

Step 2: Mix a Stain Remover

If you prefer using a commercial cleaner, such as a pet stain remover, follow the label's directions carefully. Alternatively, you can create your own stain remover by combining ¼ cup of dishwashing liquid with 1 cup of warm water in a medium bowl. Use a whisk or handheld electric mixer to create suds, which can effectively remove stains. This homemade stain remover can also be used for spot-cleaning non-machinable picnic blankets.

Step 3: Prepare Rinse

Fill a second bowl or small bucket with warm water to use for rinsing your upholstery.

Step 4: Treat the Stains

Using only the suds from the stain remover mixture, gently scrub the stains with a sponge or soft-bristled brush. Rinse the sponge in clear water as the soil transfers. Wring the rinsed sponge until it's no longer dripping, gather more suds, and then apply them to any remaining stains or heavily soiled areas.

Step 5: Mix an Overall Upholstery Cleaner

For overall cleaning, add 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid per gallon of water in a bucket. Set out a second bucket filled with clean water for rinsing.

Outdoor Sun Lounge

Step 6: Start at the Top

Dip a sponge in your cleaning solution and wring it until just damp (not dripping). Begin at the top of the upholstered piece and wipe down all surfaces. Rinse the sponge in the cleaning solution frequently as you work. Ensure you wring the sponge well to avoid overly wetting the furniture's padding.

Step 7: Rinse the Upholstery

Once the piece is clean, use a microfiber cloth dampened with clean water to wipe away any soapy residue. This is important as leaving traces of cleaner on the surface can attract soil more quickly.

Step 8: Air-Dry

Finally, allow the upholstery to air-dry away from direct heat or sunlight. It is crucial not to use the furniture until it is completely dry. If you want to speed up the drying process, you can set up a circulating fan in the room.

The materials needed for cleaning include a vacuum, cleaning brush, upholstery cleaner or gentle laundry detergent, microfiber cloth, and steam cleaner. The page outlines a step-by-step process for cleaning upholstered furniture, including the removal of covers and cushions for machine washing, vacuuming, choosing the right cleaner based on the upholstery code, and air-drying the furniture.

Additionally, the article provides guidance on stain removal, recommending different materials and methods based on whether the stain is oil-based or water-based. It stresses the importance of acting quickly to blot up stains and following the manufacturer's instructions.

Teak Furniture Care and Maintenance

The page concludes with tips on caring for upholstered furniture, such as preventing stains by pre-treating and being cautious about what is consumed on the furniture. It advises checking manufacturer instructions and spot testing any cleaning method to avoid potential damage. Overall, the content aims to guide readers in effectively cleaning, maintaining, and caring for their upholstered furniture.