5 UPHOLSTERY CLEANING QUESTIONS ANSWERED

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It’s not enough to have a cleaning service come in once per month. It doesn’t take long for upholstered furnishings to look dingy again, especially if you don’t vacuum often. If you have an upholstery cleaning service, ask them about the different methods they use and which would be best for your furniture. You can also find out whether they use eco-friendly or non-toxic solutions, which are preferable for anyone with indoor pets or small children. Then when you schedule your next appointment, let them know what works best for your home so they can bring their own preferred equipment and solutions. If you opt to do some of the upholstery cleaning yourself instead of hiring someone, check out these helpful tips from the pros at Cleaning Insider.

What’s the best way to clean upholstered furniture?

Always use the proper cleaning technique for your specific upholstery. For example, don’t use a steam cleaner on an area rug unless the company says it’s okay. And never use a brush to clean your upholstery since it will ruin it. For most upholstery fabric types, you’ll want to use a vacuum cleaner first to remove as much dirt and debris as possible. You only want to do a light touch-up cleaning on delicate fabrics like velvet or silk. Instead, first vacuum and then gently blot away the remaining dirt with a clean, slightly damp cloth. For heavier fabrics, like corduroy or tweed, you’ll want to spot clean with a sponge or a slightly dampened cloth.

Which is the best upholstery cleaner?

For light stains and spots, most companies recommend a non-toxic product like a mixture of vinegar and water. For deep stains and odors, a hydrogen peroxide-based product is a better choice. Whatever you use, be sure it’s appropriate for upholstery fabric types. For really tough stains, like animal poop, blood, or wine, first blot away as much as possible with a clean, slightly damp cloth. Then use a product like a mix of hydrogen peroxide and warm water. For stubborn stains, like mildew or old pet stains, you may need a professional upholstery cleaner. They may suggest a dry foam cleaner that sprays out a dry, foamy cleaning solution.

What’s a dry foam cleaning solution?

Dry foam cleaners are often used for upholstery because they don’t leave behind a wet spot like a conventional cleaning solution does. They also don’t require any rinsing, which means you can get back to using your furniture faster. Dry foam cleaners are usually made from a mix of surfactants, enzymes, and cleaning agents that foam up when they come in contact with water. The foamy surface contains dirt and grime that you can wipe away with a soft cloth or paper towel.

Are dry foam or dry disc cleaners better?

Dry foam cleaners are really convenient, so they’re the best choice for any upholstery fabric type. Dry disc cleaners are better for synthetic fabrics like polyester, but they should never be used on silk. They can also leave behind a sticky residue on certain fabrics, so they aren’t always the best choice. But whichever you choose, always test on a small, inconspicuous area first just to make sure there’s no damage or discoloration.

How much does upholstery cleaning cost?

The average cost of upholstery cleaning is between $70 and $150 per sofa or chair. Keep in mind, though, that you may be charged more if you have more than one piece of upholstered furniture. Or if you have delicate fabrics like silk, velvet, or antique fabrics, expect to pay more for the specialized care they require. If you’re doing the cleaning yourself, the average cost is about $11 to $17 for a gallon of cleaning solution, along with the cost of any necessary equipment like a steam cleaning machine.

How do you remove mildew from upholstery?

First, test an inconspicuous area to make sure the cleaner isn’t going to damage the fabric. Then mix a solution of one cup of bleach and one gallon of water. Blot the upholstery with a clean, slightly damp cloth to remove most of the mildew. Then pour the bleach solution directly on the mildewed area and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before blotting with a clean cloth. If the mildew is in the actual fabric, you may need to replace the piece of furniture.

How can you remove odors from upholstery?

First, make sure you’ve cleaned the upholstery thoroughly. Odors can get trapped in fabrics and be really difficult to remove. If you’ve cleaned the upholstery and still smell something offensive, you may want to try an odor-eliminating spray. Don’t use it on delicate fabrics. You can also put a bowl of baking soda out in your living room to help neutralize odors.

Can you steam clean upholstery safely?

Yes, but only use a steam cleaner on upholstery fabrics that are designed for home cleaning. Some fabrics, like suede, are best cleaned by hand. And some are so delicate that they shouldn’t even be exposed to a steam cleaner or dry disc cleaning solution. Before cleaning with a steam cleaner, make sure you’ve removed any loose dirt or debris first. Always test a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure the fabric can handle the high heat. Avoid steam cleaning any velvet upholstery or antique fabrics.

Should you use stain-repelling treatment?

This is a chemical treatment that’s applied to fabrics before they’re made or while they’re being woven. It’s applied to fabrics like polyester and microfiber that can be easily stained. The treatment creates a barrier that repels liquid and stains, making it easier to clean. It’s a great choice for families who have young kids and pets, since it helps repel spills and stains that can be difficult to remove. It’s also a good choice for fabrics like microfiber that can easily be stained by cleaning solutions and don’t respond well to spot cleaning.

Conclusion

Upholstery cleaning is a task that many people avoid because they don’t know how to do it properly or they think it’s too expensive to hire a professional. We hope that this article has given you some helpful tips and information on how to clean your upholstery the right way. If you follow these instructions, you’ll be able to keep your upholstery looking new and fresh for years to come.