Upholstered furniture is a staple in most homes, providing comfort and style. However, upholstery can easily get stained and dirty over time, affecting its appearance and hygiene. Proper upholstery cleaning and maintenance is crucial to keep your furniture looking and feeling fresh. Here are the dos and don’ts of maintaining your upholstered furniture.
Dos:
Vacuum regularly
Regular vacuuming is the first step in keeping your upholstery clean. Vacuuming removes dust, dirt, and pet hair that can accumulate on the surface of the fabric. Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner to effectively clean the furniture. Vacuum the entire surface, paying extra attention to crevices and seams where dirt can accumulate. Vacuuming once a week is recommended for light use, and more frequently for heavy use.
Spot clean immediately
Spot cleaning is the process of removing stains and spills as soon as they occur. It’s important to act fast when a stain occurs, as it will be easier to remove and less likely to leave a permanent mark. For most upholstery fabrics, you can use a mild soap solution (dish soap or laundry detergent) and a clean, damp cloth to gently rub the stained area. Avoid using too much water, as this can cause the stain to spread or soak into the padding. Blot the area with a clean cloth to remove excess moisture.
Use fabric protectors
Applying fabric protectors to your upholstery can help to prevent stains and spills from setting in. There are many types of fabric protectors available, including sprays and liquids that can be applied directly to the fabric. These protectors form a barrier on the surface of the fabric, making it more resistant to stains and spills. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying fabric protectors, and to reapply them as necessary to maintain their effectiveness.
Rotate and fluff cushions
Regularly rotating and fluffing cushions helps to keep your upholstery looking fresh and prevent excessive wear and tear. Fluffing the cushions redistributes the fill and helps to prevent them from becoming flat and misshapen. Rotating the cushions helps to even out wear, so that one area doesn’t become excessively worn while others remain untouched.
Professional cleaning
While regular vacuuming and spot cleaning can keep your upholstery looking good, it’s important to have it professionally cleaned every few years. Professional upholstery cleaning uses specialized equipment and techniques to remove dirt, dust, and stains that regular vacuuming and spot cleaning can’t remove. A professional cleaner will also be able to assess the fabric type and determine the best cleaning method, such as steam cleaning, dry cleaning, or a combination of both.
Don’ts:
Avoid using harsh chemicals
Avoid using harsh chemicals, such as bleach or ammonia, on your upholstery. These chemicals can damage the fabric, causing discoloration, fading, or even shrinkage. Instead, use a mild soap solution, such as dish soap or laundry detergent, when spot cleaning.
Don’t rub the stain
When spot cleaning, avoid rubbing the stain, as this can cause it to spread or become embedded in the fabric. Instead, blot the stain gently with a clean, damp cloth to remove as much of the stain as possible.