Upholstery cleaning might appear as an easy affair, but it is not. An upholstery cover can be made from different materials that require special care. Some fabrics take no water, and some must be dry cleaned.
Then there are practical considerations: how much space you have at home or in the office for storing furniture when you are not using it. This post will help you catch all those curveballs so your upholstered furnishings stay clean and fresh!
What is Upholstery?
So, first things first. Upholstery is any type of material that has been affixed to a frame or base for the primary use of sitting furniture.
The most common types are leather and polyester fabrics, but there are many others, including linen, wool, silk brocade, plush velvet, cotton twill…you get the idea!
Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaning is the most widely used method for upholstery cleaning. Most of us have seen commercial steam cleaners used at restaurants or stores that need to clean large areas quickly and efficiently, but you can have one, too! This type of machine, on the other hand, ejects water at an extremely high pressure along with heat, so dirt particles are easily washed out when wiped away.
The hot water will also kill germs and foul odors, which is ideal for cleaning furniture in your home or office used by family, employees, or customers. Steam cleaners are helpful because almost any type of upholstery, including leather, can be cleaned without the risk of getting the fibers damaged since they operate at low pressure.
There is even a miniature, hand-held steam cleaner for spot cleaning or deodorizing inside the car.
Steps for Steam Cleaning:
- Vacuum Upholstery to pick up loose dirt and debris
- Mix Hot water with an all-purpose cleaner (like vinegar) in a spray bottle
- Spray the upholstery with cleaner and let it sit for a minute or two
- Wipe away the dirt using a soft, damp cloth
- Rinse and repeat as necessary
Tips for Steam Cleaning:
- Check to ensure you’re cleaning your upholstery material according to its care tag. Most modern steam cleaners have sensors built into them that will not allow you to use them on materials that are susceptible to being damaged by hot water or steam.
Dry Cleaning
Very rarely, there exist types of upholstery material that should only be dry cleaned, such as wool and silk. Such fabrics are best cleaned through the vacuuming process initially, as it would pick up any dirt particles that the dry cleaning solvent can dislodge.
Dry Cleaning Steps:
- Vacuum Upholstery to pick up loose dirt and debris.
- Fill a bucket with dry-cleaning solution. This can be found at the majority of supermarkets or hardware stores.
- Submerge the fabric in the bucket for about 20 minutes; then take it out and let it air dry.
- Repeat if required and again let dry thoroughly before using.
Dry Cleaning Tips:
- Always check to make sure you are cleaning your upholstery material according to its care tag. Some types of upholstery can only be dry cleaned, while with others, solvents are a terrible idea.
Cleaning Upholstery by Hand
This is the most work you will ever do to clean your upholstered furnishings, but it’s also one of the best methods if you’re looking to remove some concrete stains in an area. It works best on materials that can handle being wet, such as leather and cotton; water could damage other types of fabric.
Cleaning Upholstery by Hand Steps:
- Mix a gentle soap solution in a pail of hot water.
- Clean using a soft sponge or cloth, making long wipes with it against the nap on fabric that has one, and with it on smooth material such as leather to remove dirt.
- Repeat the same step over and again till the stains are entirely removed.
Cleaning Upholstery by Hand Tips:
- Never use harsh chemicals on your upholstery material. Please take note not to let it get filthy, because even if it’s not the messiest part, some soaps may strip the color or damage the fibers over time and make the furniture look old and faded.
Protect Upholstered Furniture
Once you have cleaned your upholstered furnishings with one of these methods, be sure to protect them from future stains and dirt by using a waterproof, stain-resistant furniture protector. This will also help prevent the fabric from fading or becoming brittle over time, which can happen if it’s overexposed to sunlight.
Be sure to vacuum your upholstered furniture regularly and spot-clean any stains as they happen. This will help prevent the dirt from settling deep down into the fibers where it can’t be reached with a simple cleaning solution or damp cloth.
For comprehensive home maintenance, consider scheduling professional house cleaning services periodically to ensure a thorough and deep clean throughout your living space.
