DIY Upholstery Cleaning Guide

When it comes to cleaning your upholstery, it can be a bit daunting for some people. However, if you want your furniture to look and feel clean, then it is a must.

In this article, we are going to share with you a quick 7 step guide to keep your furniture in good condition.

1. Don’t let upholstery be exposed to the sun

This might sound a bit odd, but if certain lounges are left in the sun, they can partially fade or fully fade and that doesn’t look good. When some parts of your couch look new while others look faded, your couch might look patchy or dirty. Keep in mind this is not reversable.

2. Use the best method and right cleaning tools

Before you clean, grab a soft bristle brush and slowly and gently agitate any dust and dirt on your upholstery. You do not have to do the whole lot, instead, concentrate on the armrests and cushions of your couch/sofa. Professional carpet cleaners can advise you on the best methods for your specific furniture and fabric types.

3. Do not scrub the fabric

This will lead to damage long term and can deteriorate your fabric. By doing it gently and blotting with a towel, you can avoid all of this.

4. Read your fabric’s labels carefully

Before you do any other cleaning, you should read the care label. This is because some fabrics can ONLY be dry cleaned while others can only be steam cleaned. If you can’t use water on your upholstery, you could try some vinegar.

5. Vacuum fabric once a week

It might be hard to do but vacuuming once a week with the right cleaning tool/extension can work wonders. By constantly getting rid of dust will stop it from building up and becoming compacted. Try and do both sides of any cushions you have and do a thorough job on your other upholstery. You can get the best results when you brush and then follow up with vacuuming.

6. Remove your pet’s hair

If you love having your pets sit on your couch, then getting their hair off is paramount to keeping it clean. One way you can do this is to wear rubber gloves. It creates static that helps pull off pet hair from your couch. This then makes it easier to vacuum it off. You can also make up a solution of water and fabric softener. Simply spray it on and wipe off the hair with a cloth. For removing pet hair, you can get specific tools to do so.

7. Do not let stains dry on your fabric

Try and remove any stains as soon as they happen. You will be able to remove them far easier if you tend to them quickly. When it comes to this, you are best to do the whole cushion/armrest and not just do a spot clean. This is because that can make the look of your upholstery seem faded/patchy or dirty when it is not.

After you have cleaned it, try and dry very quickly with linen or cotton that is heavy-duty, and you do this to avoid browning. You could invest in buying a professional fabric stain-resistant treatment for the best results.

FAQS

Is stain & fabric protection included in upholstery cleaning services?

No, they are not however some upholstery cleaning companies can put a Scotchgard solution if you request it for an additional fee.

How long will it take for my furniture to dry?

This will depend on the cleaning method but as a general rule, companies suggest anywhere between six to 12 hours to get properly dry.

Conclusion

So that is a guide to cleaning the upholstery in your home. Everyone has their little hints and tips for the best results. Some people like to do it themselves while others prefer getting a professional in. Either way, it is imperative to keep your upholstery looking great. If your upholstery is damaged then you can check out our tutorial on how to reupholster a chair.