How to Clean Upholstered Furniture

How often has your upholstery furniture collected dust? Or your kids and pets never let it remain neat? if yes then don’t worry I have a super easy step-by-step for all of you. Clean and tidy furniture does not make your space cold as it gives the impression that you are expecting company. But after some use, it becomes dirty or unpleasant to use, and you need to wash it right away to be fresh once more. If the furniture is well maintained and clean more often than not it will be used for many years.

Most of us relax on our couches and do office work. Eventually, the fiber becomes stained or gets some form of a blot on the surface. As far as the matter stands, that does not look good indeed. And sometimes we got bored of searching for the right method of cleaning it.You will be able to handle difficult and tough stains,blots and spots on upholstery after reading this tutorial.

How Often to Clean Upholstered Furniture

You need to clean your furniture after certain period of time.It depends on how much and in which way the furniture is used. As for cleaning, one should mention that furniture must be vacuumed at least once a week with the main goal of eliminating dust and similar contamination. However, if it has gathered deposits or has certain smells, it needs to be deep cleaned at least every half a year to a year. This is hygiene and cares to make your furniture look like it is and work to the expected period.

You do not need to worry because below are a few simple and direct ways how to clean the furniture and have stain-free furniture.

Step 1: Understand Your Upholstery Fabric

This prevents you from removing upholstery fabric in the wrong manner, so it is good to know what type of fabric you have. Learn from the care label if the fabric fiber type can be cleaned using a water base or steam cleaning or if it is appropriate to be cleaned using a solvent or any other way. Fabrics like cotton, polyester, or leather require different kinds of cleanings, and applying the wrong cleaning technique or using the wrong cleaning agent may result in fabric damage. 

If on the other hand, you can identify the fabric type and follow the required care then you get to keep your furniture in optimal condition without posing any harm.

Step 2: Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

Must-Have Tools and Cleaners

1. Vacuum Cleaner with Upholstery Attachment
2. Microfiber Cloths
3. Soft Brush
4. Stain Removers
5. Bucket or Spray Bottle

For a natural remedy, use water mixed with mild dish soap or baking soda and vinegar paste to gently fuzzy to clean stains. These home remedies are mild and efficient for most fabrics. If you have to go with non-custom cleaners, then it is encouraged to go with the fabric-type cleaners as they have the stain-removing capacity and are made especially for your fabric type.

Step 3: Preparing Furniture for Cleaning

Preparing furniture for cleaning is a crucial step. You need to vaccume or dirst the furniture first. Focus on crevices and seams using an upholstery attachment. Then, spot-test your preferred cleaner on a hidden area of the fabric that will not be noticeable; check for discoloration or damage, ensuring that your method of cleaning will not destroy your furniture.

Step 4: Spot Clean Stains

Effective techniques that can be employed to remove such common stains of food, ink, or grease include using mild soap and water for food; rubbing alcohol on ink; and baking soda paste on grease. First of all, gentle blotting and then application of the cleaner and gentle blotting once more should completely remove the stain without scrubbing, which will damage the fabric.

Step 5: Deep Cleaning the Upholstery

The next step is deep cleaning the upholstered furniture. You can use any of the following methods according to your furniture type and its fabric.

• Methods Based on Fabric Type

1. Steam Cleaning: You can clean your upholstered furniture by steam cleaning which is one of the best methods. It is suitable for every fabric will it may be polyester or microfiber.It removes dirt, stains, and spots making fabric clean and tidy.
2. Water-Based Cleaning: If you have fabrics such as cotton or linen then choose water-based cleaning. Wash in gentle soap and water so that the material does not become soaked.
3. Dry Cleaning (Solvent-Based): Solvent cleaning is most effective on fabrics such as silk or velvet and is done by dry cleaning. It is quite easy to attain a reasonable level of stain removal without at the same time causing water damage.
4. Foam Cleaning: For mixed or delicate fabrics foam cleaning is safer. It requires little water meaning it will not harm your delicate fabrics in case they are exposed to it.
5. Vacuum Cleaning with Upholstery Attachments: Upholstery attachments are suitable for all kinds of fabrics, and are best used with the vacuum cleaner. It gathers dust, crumbles, and any free-falling dirt from the crevices and surfaces.
6. Specialized Treatments for Leather and Faux Leather: Leather and artificial leather material demand specific sorts of cleaners to retain the feel and the shine. Apply the conditioners to make them soft, this will prevent them from cracking easily. 

Step 6: Drying and Finishing Touches

Proper Drying Techniques: Dry it out by keeping windows open and using fans as a source of ventilation. Refrain from any direct sunlight and heat, because this could possibly shrink or fade the material.

Fluff and Restore Texture: Once dry, fluff cushions and fabric to their original shape and texture. Use a soft brush for fabric or a clean cloth for leather to give your furniture a polished, fresh look.

How to Protect Upholstery from Stains and Spills

Follow the following maintenance tips to keep your upholstery from stains and spills.  Although you clean your upholstered furniture after a certain time it still needs care. Use fabric protectors and stain-resistant spray. You can also use washable covers which are more convenient and easy to wash. Also, try to keep your furniture neat and clean by yourself.

Maintenance Tips

Regular cleaning: Vacuum upholstered furniture a weekly basis so that dirt dust and other particles can be removed easily. This will help to avoid the accumulation and ensure your furniture looks as good as new. Blot any stains as soon they occur since if left for some time they become permanently imprinted on the carpet.

Protective Measures: You can protect them with slipcovers, throws or armrest covers especially in those areas that receive most traffic. There is always a risk of your furniture getting faded due to direct sunlight, therefore, avoid placing your furniture near a source of light. Moreover, flip cushions often so that they can maintain their shape and sides wear out in equal proportions.

.All furniture should be deep cleaned every 6-12 months, regardless of its usage. Apply fabric protectors to protect from stains and always check the manufacturer care guidelines for optimal results.

Conclusion

In conclusion, after reading this guide you will be able to clean your upholesterd furniture like a pro which gets dirty. You must clean it weekly,monthly or seasonly.You don’t need to sold out if your furniture get untidy just clean it properly and make it brand new again. No proffesional needed indeed, you can do it yourself easily. 

So, with these handy recommendations and guidelines, you are ready to become a professional furniture caretaker, who guarantees the continued pleasant and unsoiled look of furniture in your house.