Tips and tricks on cleaning upholstered furniture

In this article, we will share some trade secrets that you can replicate for effective upholstery cleaning. After learning all these cleaning secrets and tricks, dont keep calm. Be a good friend and share this post.

1. How to clean and brighten upholstery

1.1 Vacuum regularly

Regular vacuuming of upholstered furniture preserves its beauty. Dirt and dust quickly accumulate and settle on upholstered furniture, and over time, if they go uncleaned, they start to cause discoloration. Vacuum the entire surface of your upholstered furniture at least once a week. Remember to pay attention to the hidden corners and edges of the furniture.

1.2 Avoid scrubbing

Resist the pressure to quickly scrub a stained spot on your upholstered furniture with a sponge or brush. This is counterproductive because it not only damages the furniture but also pushes the stain further into the fibers. Instead, use a soft microfiber cloth to dab gently. Excessive friction on the affected area can cause the stain to spread and the fabric to pill.

1.3 Get Fabric protected

Upholstered furniture is made of fabric that can be protected with a furniture protector. This will repel stains and spills from sticking and penetrating the furniture and also make it easier to clean off those stains. Before applying a fabric protector, ensure you read and follow the stated instructions.

1.4 Clean spots immediately they occur

The best time to address stains is the moment they occur. This will prevent them from being absorbed into the fabric of your upholstered furniture. Remember to blot and dab gently with a microfiber cloth instead of scrubbing with a coarse sponge or brush.

1.5 Use water-based mixtures sparingly

Upholstered furniture should not be in constant contact with water. Use water-based mixtures sparingly to prevent mold from breeding within your furniture.

1.6 Steam clean occasionally

A steam cleaner effectively removes dirt, stains, and odors from upholstered furniture without damaging it or using harsh chemicals. If you need to deep clean and freshen your furniture, consider having a steam cleaning session.

2. What are upholstery codes?

Upholstered furniture mostly comes with a code that tells you the compatible cleaning product and method to use. Upholstery codes are symbols or letters that indicate the recommended cleaning method for upholstery fabric.

This is usually written on the label of your furniture, but in cases where the code is not stated, you might have to test a hidden patch before cleaning the entire patch. There are four standard upholstery codes, they include:

Code W

This code indicates that the fabric can be cleaned with water or water-based cleaner. However, this doesnt mean that it should be washed like a vehicle.  Use water sparingly and allow it to dry correctly.

Code S

Code S means solvent compatible. This means that the fabric should only be cleaned with solvent-based cleaners. Avoid using water on code S upholstery fabric.

Code W-S

If your upholstery fabric is labeled W-S, it can be cleaned with either a water-based or a solvent-based cleaner. Here, you have the flexibility of choosing between water and solvent for your upholstery fabric cleaning.

Code X

Code X fabrics are not compatible with liquid or solvent-based cleaning solutions. The only way to clean a Code X fabric without damage is by vacuuming or light brushing. Its best to outsource the cleaning of Code X upholstered furniture to a professional cleaning service.

3. Tricks for removing spots and stains from upholstered furniture

• Use water, vinegar, and a little dish soap to blot a coffee stain.
• Use hydrogen peroxide and water mixture to clean a blood stain.
• To clean greasy or oil stains, sprinkle the affected area with salt, and after some minutes, dab with a mild soap and water mixture.
• For general stains, a mixture of mild dish soap and water or vinegar will do the magic.
• For crayon stains, apply non-gel toothpaste to the affected area and clean with a microfiber cloth dabbed in water.

4. How to clean upholstery with baking soda

Yes, baking soda is an effective solution for getting rid of stains and freshening upholstered furniture. However, before applying baking soda, check the upholstery code. If its code X upholstery, baking soda will likely damage the piece.

5. Heres how to clean your upholstery with baking soda

• Vacuum the upholstery or clean thoroughly to remove any loose dirt or crumbs. This will allow the baking soda to penetrate effectively and prevent debris from penetrating.
• Sprinkle a good amount of baking soda on the affected spot or the entire upholstery you want to clean. Its best to focus on areas with stains and spills to avoid wetting the entire furniture.
• Allow the baking soda to stay on the upholstery for about 20 to 30 minutes. This duration will allow the dirt and stains to loosen from the fabric.
• First, clean thoroughly by vacuuming the baking soda out and gently scrub the furniture with a soft cloth or microfiber.
• Allow your furniture to air dry before returning it for regular usage.

6. Final words

It is almost impossible to avoid spillage on upholstered furniture, especially if you have children or pets around. However, the good news is that it can be easily cleaned using the proper technique and mixture.

At Daibau.ng, we have professional cleaning services scattered across Nigeria and are available to handle any type of cleaning you need. We are here to connect you to only the best professionals for any of your home maintenance or construction-related needs.