DIY Tips on How To Clean Upholstery for Busy Homeowners Upholstery Cleaning Tips

Keeping your upholstery clean is important if you want a specific part of your home to last longer, and look inviting to you, your family, and guests. You don’t want furniture that looks stained or smells. While you might be focused on other things and don’t have time to deal with it, upholstery cleaning is still important. There are plenty of things you should know like how many times you need to clean, how to handle different fabrics, the steps you need to take in cleaning, regular maintenance, and what mistakes to avoid.

We know how to handle upholstery cleaning in Vancouver, and below are some tips that will help you handle most upholstery troubles in no time.

How Often You Should Do Upholstery Cleaning

Regular Vacuuming

It helps to vacuum the furniture weekly to remove dust and dirt. Plenty of things can get trapped in the fabric so taking care of it sooner will help you avoid bigger problems later on.

Deep Cleaning Schedule

Even if you vacuum regularly, there is still a good chance that dust, dirt, dander, pollen, and more can seep in. It’s a good idea to schedule a deep cleaning every 6-12 months with qualified professionals. They’ll be able to find and take care of problems before they get out of hand with highly effective upholstery vacuums and cleaning machines. 

Immediate Stain Treatment

Dealing with stains and spills on the fabric ASAP is critical. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to eliminate those problematic spots. However, it’s important to know the fabric you are dealing with as different types require different solution

How to Handle Different Types of Fabrics

Natural Fabrics

When handling cotton, linen, or wool, mix ¼ cup of vinegar, ¾ warm water, and a single tapered spoon of either dish or castile soap. Then put it in a spray bottle and mist the soiled area. After that, clean it with a soft cloth until the stain lets up, and then use another cloth moistened with clean water to remove the soap and dry it with a towel.

Synthetic Fabrics

With nylon, polyester, and acrylic, you should mix half a cup of vinegar, 1 cup of warm water, and half a tablespoon of liquid dish or castile soap. After putting it in a spray bottle, mist the affected area and clean it with a cloth until the stain is removed.

Special Fabrics

With leather, you should use half a cup of olive oil and ¼ cup of vinegar. Then put it into a spray bottle, spritz the affected spots, and clean them with a soft cloth. For velvet, mix 1 cup of water and a drop of dish soap. Then soak it with a soft cloth, apply it to the affected spots, and blot it until the stains are gone.

How to Clean Upholstery: Step-by-Step Guide

Pre-Cleaning Preparation

Before you begin, it’s a good idea to vacuum the upholstery first to prevent spreading dirt and other crud into the fabric. You should also spot-test a small, inconspicuous area of the furniture with a dab of your upholstery cleaner and blot it with a small cloth to make sure it won’t damage anything.

Cleaning Process

Before doing a proper upholstery cleaning, it is good to first thoroughly vacuum the upholstery for dirt and any other grime. Go from top to bottom, over and under, so you don’t miss any spots. Then use the proper cleaning solution for the specific fabric you want to clean, and spray it from the top and bottom or wherever the stains are.

Post-Cleaning Care

After the spray down, dampen a cloth with clean water, and do a thorough wipe-down of the furniture. Make sure to let the upholstery dry afterward.

Regular Maintenance Routines

Weekly Maintenance

It’s a good idea to regularly vacuum the upholstery at least once a week along with fluffing the cushions to ensure dirt and dust aren’t piling up. 

Monthly and Quarterly Checks

Besides thorough vacuuming, it’s a good idea to do a closer inspection of the furniture every so often to see if you notice any new stains or smells.

Protecting Upholstery

You can also use spray-on fabricant protectants every few months, or slip-on furniture covers for extra protection. You can also avoid stains by not eating or drinking near the upholstery.

Common DIY Mistakes to Avoid

Using Too Much Water

Don’t use too much water, either spraying or wiping down, as it can cause the furniture to get soaked with excessive moisture and could lead to mildew or mold.

Not Spot Testing

Always do a spot check first with your cleaning solutions to ensure it’s okay to use the upholstery. You want to avoid any unnecessary damage to the furniture.

Rubbing Stains

Make sure to blot stains rather than rub them, as that can lead to more wear and tear. 

Ignoring Care Labels

Lastly, make sure to follow the instructions on how to care for your upholstery from the manufacturers. Locate the attached tag and follow the letter code and guidelines listed.

FAQs