In our everyday life, upholstered furniture adds beauty and comfort to our living room. Over time, however, dust mites, pet dander, muddy paw prints, and set in stains can damper its allure. As the fabrics immerse daily dirt and spillage, knowing how to clean upholstery becomes vital to maintain our furniture in pristine condition.
Understanding the Basics of How to Clean Upholstery
Checking the Cleaning Code
Before starting the cleaning process, check the cleaning code of your upholstered furniture. This will give you an idea of what cleaning agents to use. Water based cleaners are suitable for “W” coded upholstery fabric, while solvent based cleaners are for “S” coded fabrics.
Gathering Cleaning Supplies
Prepare your cleaning solution. For water based upholstered furniture, use a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap. For those with a solvent-based cleaning code, opt for a dry cleaning solvent. Always remember to test your cleaning agent on an inconspicuous part of the couch fabric before application.
Other materials you’ll need include a clean microfiber cloth or towel, a paper towel, a crevice tool, a soft bristled brush, an upholstery cleaner tool, a few drops of cleaning solution, and an upholstery attachment.
The Exact Steps on How to Clean Upholstery
Vacuum the Furniture
Start with vacuuming the entire sofa to remove loose dirt, pet hair, and dust mites from the upholstered furniture. Use the upholstery attachment and a crevice tool to clean crevices and hard-to-reach areas.
Cleaning the Upholstery
Dampen the microfiber cloth with your cleaning solution and gently wipe the entire fabric couch to clean upholstery. For tougher stains, use a soft bristled brush for effective stain removal. Ensuring the upholstery fabric is not overly wet helps prevent excess moisture which can cause mold and mildew growth.
Rinsing and Drying
After wiping, use another clean cloth or microfiber towel dipped in warm water to remove the soapy residue. Avoid soaking the upholstery. To speed up the drying process, avoid direct heat. Instead, let your furniture air dry in a well-ventilated room.
Advanced Tips: How to Clean Set in Stains
Baking Soda Solution
For persistent stains or muddy paw prints, create a baking soda solution. Apply it on the stain and let it sit for about 20 minutes before wiping it off with a clean cloth. After it’s clean, remember to air dry.
Using Baby Wipes
Baby wipes can be an excellent cleaning upholstery tool. It effectively removes stains while keeping the fabric couch moist enough for easy dirt removal. After wiping, let it air dry.
Alcohol and Vinegar
To clean microfiber couches, use a mixture of equal parts of white vinegar and rubbing alcohol. Always test the solution first for colorfastness.
When to Call a Professional Cleaner
Deep clean your upholstered furniture at least once a year. Hiring a professional cleaner might be necessary for a thorough clean, especially for your leather couches or fabrics with a tight weave. Professionals can also remove tough, set in stains and secure the longevity of your furniture.
In conclusion, knowing how to clean upholstered furniture can help extend its life span. Always remember to use suitable cleaning solutions, dry the upholstery properly, and hire professional help for deep cleaning and complex fabric upholstery. Keep your living room stunning with a clean, fresh-smelling, and dirt-free upholstered furniture.