Working on an upholstery project can be fun and make a big difference in a room. However, like all things, common household wear and tear can leave your furniture looking dirty and dull. Rather than paying someone else to professionally clean your upholstery, consider tackling the job yourself!
Cleaning upholstery is part of regular household cleaning and maintenance. Before you begin cleaning your couches and chairs, be sure to perform these pre-cleaning steps to create an overall easier experience.
- First, pull the furniture away from the walls and vacuum and dust the area. If the furniture has been against a wall, clean the wall with a damp cloth or sponge.
- Remove the cushions on the furniture, then vacuum the cracks and crevices. Polish wood parts or dust and wipe down any metal parts.
- You will be using water to clean your upholstery. Check for the tag on your couch or chair and make sure you know what kind of material you’re working with, as well as any cleaning suggestions the manufacturer may have made. Any delicate fabric such as silk or silk blend fabric should be handled by a professional. Other materials requiring special cleaning include wool, linen, rayon and Haitian cotton. These fabrics shrink and can be discolored by water usage.
Now that your pre-cleaning is out of the way, time to clean your upholstery!
- Begin Cleaning – After you’ve checked to make sure the upholstery responds well with water, choose a mild fabric or upholstery cleaner. A great basic and inexpensive cleaner is half a teaspoon of detergent or liquid soap to a quart of water.
- Target Stains – Mist obvious stains with water. Spray a little of the cleaner directly on the spot. Gently pat the cleaner into the spots with a pushing motion. Try to avoid rubbing too hard.
- Extract Cleaner – Take a damp, clean cloth and wipe off as much cleaner and dirt as possible. Use a dry towel to dry and extract as much water as possible.
- Drying – Furniture should dry completely within 24 hours. It’s best to clean on a warm day with the windows open and a breeze circulating. If that is not possible, consider any of the following to speed up the process: Use a hair dryer and go over seamed or corded areas; turn up the heat by 2-3 degrees. Keep off of the furniture for 24 hours to avoid collecting dirt.
Your upholstery will last longer and keep your room looking fresh if you follow this simple upholstery cleaning process!
