How to Clean Your Upholstery

You’ve just bought a brand-new set for your living room, and everybody loves it. A beautiful piece of furniture will add definition to any home and lighten up the place, but it also needs to be cleaned and taken care of properly, otherwise you will have a grungy, scruffy piece of furniture squatting in the middle of your living room before you know it.

You just have to remember two basic rules for cleaning upholstery. Since loose dirt and stains are the most common factors for soiling your furniture, learning how to deal with them will save you a lot of time and money later in the future. When it comes to loose dirt, you can just vacuum or brush them away. You have to do this as quickly as possible, though, before the dirt gets embedded in the fabric. As for cleaning up stains and spills, you can use a dry cloth to soak up and wipe away the liquid.

But the best way to learn about proper cleaning of upholstery, however, is to first learn the cleaning codes. There are individual cleaning methods recommended for each type of fabric, so you have to know what they are. Look for the cleaning codes on one of the tags attached on your furniture, as they will tell you how to properly clean your upholstery. If you can’t find the code, try cleaning a little spot in an inconspicuous area of the furniture to test for compatibility. There are four cleaning codes that are currently used by upholstery manufacturers. I have included them here for your additional information, with the relevant explanation of each.

W – Vacuuming and light dusting are recommended. Use only water-based cleaning agents or foam from mild detergents or non-solvent upholstery shampoo. Use a circular motion to clean the area with a soft brush or cloth

S – You can also vacuum or dust lightly. Use water-free cleaning solvents or dry-cleaning solutions for spot cleaning. Avoid products with carbon tetrachloride. Use a soft cloth and clean the upholstery in a well-ventilated area. Getting the services of a professional cleaner is also recommended.

WS – This is quite easy, since you can use any of the recommended methods above. Make sure to work in a well-ventilated area if you’re using solvents or dry-cleaning products. Avoid products with carbon tetrachloride.

X – You must only clean your furniture by vacuuming or light dusting. Avoid using liquid cleaning agents of any kind. Using water-based cleaners or solvents may cause shrinking and damage the upholstery.

Use the arm rest and headrest covers for your furniture if you have them. They can prevent body oils and other dirt from staining your furniture. Flip over any removable cushions you have once a month to even out any wear and tear. It would be nice if you could give your furniture a thorough cleaning at least every two to three months, to keep them looking fresh and clean.

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