Upholstered furniture like sofas and couches can make any space look much more comfortable and welcoming, but most people often overlook the fact that these items need to be cleaned to keep their quality and appearance. From dirt, dust, and debris settling into the fibers of your upholstery to accidental spills and messes, these can actually accelerate the breakdown of your upholstery unless addressed. Here’s what you need to know to clean your upholstery!
Regular Cleaning
The best way to keep your upholstery in the best possible condition is by incorporating it into your regular cleaning routine. While this may seem like a very complicated and time-consuming process, it actually isn’t. Regularly cleaning your upholstered furniture is as easy as running a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment over the entire surface. This simple yet effective cleaning task will prevent any dust and particles from building up in the fabric of your furniture.
Other ways that you can extend the lifespan of your upholstery is by rotating and flipping any cushions and pillows as this will ensure that the wear and tear is evenly distributed. It’s also best to keep your furniture away from direct sunlight, which can lead to color fading or discoloration, while also compromising the integrity of the fabric over time.
Stain Removal
You’ll inevitably encounter the occasional unwanted stain—like spilled drinks and pet messes—but the first thing that you should always remember is to act quickly. When you take immediate action to deal with a stain, you’ll actually have a much easier time lifting it by preventing it from absorbing too deeply into the fabric. When you find a fresh stain, hurry and get yourself a clean cloth or paper towel and use this to blot away as much residue as possible.
Then, find the right cleaning solution for the stain. Water-based stains can often be removed with a mixture of water and mild detergent, while oil-based stains can be dealt with with a mixture of dish soap and water. Dampen a clean cloth with your cleaning solution and gently work this into the stained area with blotting and dabbing motions. While this is a general solution for most upholstery, it’s still worth taking the time to consult the care label of your furniture.
When the stain has completely disappeared, use a dampened cloth to remove as much of the cleaning solution as you can before getting another clean cloth to absorb the residue. Finally, leave everything to dry completely.
Deep Cleaning
While sticking to a regular upholstery cleaning routine will take care of most of the dust and grime that may have settled on the surface, there may be times when you feel like giving your furniture a much deeper clean. In that case, you can definitely do this with a good steam cleaning session that’ll really take care of any contaminants that may have settled deeper into your upholstery.
You also have the option of leaving your sofa cleaning to the professionals by hiring a professional cleaning company to take care of everything. Professional cleaners are equipped with years of training and experience to leave your sofa feeling fresh and brand new in a way that you may not be able to achieve on your own. With customizable and affordable services, these companies will make cleaning feel completely effortless!