How to Clean Upholstery Yourself: A Comprehensive Guide

Upholstered furniture adds comfort, style, and warmth to our homes, but it also collects dirt, stains, and odors over time. While hiring professional upholstery cleaning services is an effective option, there are times when you might want to clean your upholstery yourself. Whether it’s a spot treatment or a complete cleaning, learning how to clean upholstery can help you maintain the beauty and longevity of your furniture. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps and provide valuable tips to ensure successful DIY upholstery cleaning.

Gather Your Supplies:

Before you start cleaning your upholstery, gather the necessary supplies:

1. Vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment: Use this to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris from your furniture.
2. Upholstery cleaner: You can find commercial upholstery cleaners at most home improvement stores or make your own with a mixture of water and mild detergent.
3. White microfiber cloths or sponges: These are gentle on upholstery and won’t leave lint or residue.
4. Soft-bristle brush or upholstery brush: Use this to agitate the cleaning solution and work it into the fabric.
5. Bucket: For mixing and holding your cleaning solution.
6. Rubbing alcohol: Useful for removing ink or stubborn stains.
7. Spray bottle: To apply the cleaning solution evenly.
8. White vinegar: In case you need a natural cleaning alternative.
9. Gloves: To protect your hands from chemicals.

Identify the Upholstery Fabric:

Different upholstery fabrics require different cleaning methods. Check the furniture’s care label to determine the appropriate cleaning instructions. Common upholstery fabrics include:

• W: Water-based cleaning: You can use a water-based upholstery cleaner on these fabrics.
• S: Solvent-based cleaning: These fabrics should be cleaned with a solvent-based cleaner.
• SW: Water-based or solvent-based cleaning: You have the option to use either type of cleaner on these fabrics.
• X: Professional cleaning only: These fabrics should not be cleaned with water or solvents; leave it to the professionals.

Test an Inconspicuous Area:

Before applying any cleaner to your upholstery, test it on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn’t damage or discolor the fabric. This step is crucial, especially for antique or delicate furniture.

Vacuum Thoroughly:

Begin by using the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris from the upholstery. Pay special attention to creases, seams, and folds where dirt tends to accumulate.

Prepare and Apply the Cleaning Solution:

Depending on your upholstery fabric and the type of stains you’re dealing with, prepare an appropriate cleaning solution. For most fabrics, you can mix a few drops of mild detergent with water. Alternatively, you can use a commercial upholstery cleaner following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Clean the Upholstery:

1. Spray the solution: Use a spray bottle to mist the cleaning solution evenly over the upholstery.
2. Work in sections: To prevent the upholstery from getting too wet, work in small sections at a time.
3. Scrub gently: Use a soft-bristle brush or upholstery brush to gently scrub the fabric. Be cautious not to scrub too vigorously, as it may damage delicate fabrics.
4. Blot, don’t rub: After scrubbing, use a clean white microfiber cloth or sponge to blot the area. Blotting helps lift away dirt and stains without spreading them.
5. Repeat if necessary: For stubborn stains, you may need to repeat the process several times.

Address Specific Stains:

Different types of stains require specific treatments:

• Ink stains: Dab rubbing alcohol on a clean cloth and gently blot the stain.
• Coffee or tea stains: Blot with a mixture of vinegar and water.
• Grease or oil stains: Sprinkle cornstarch on the stain, let it sit for 15 minutes, then brush it away and clean as usual.
• Wine stains: Blot with white wine or club soda, then clean with your upholstery cleaner.
• Pet stains: Blot up as much of the stain as possible, then clean with an enzyme-based pet stain remover.

Rinse and Dry:

After cleaning, rinse the upholstery by misting it with clean water or using a damp cloth to wipe away the cleaning solution residue. Make sure not to oversaturate the fabric. Then, allow the upholstery to air dry completely before using the furniture again. Avoid using heat or direct sunlight to speed up the drying process, as it may cause the fabric to fade or shrink.

Protect and Maintain:

To prevent future stains and extend the life of your upholstery, consider using fabric protectors designed for your specific fabric type. Additionally, vacuum your upholstery regularly to remove surface dust and debris, and address spills and stains promptly to prevent them from setting in.

Conclusion:

Learning how to clean upholstery yourself can be a cost-effective way to maintain the beauty and cleanliness of your furniture. By following these steps, identifying your fabric type, and using the appropriate cleaning methods and solutions, you can enjoy fresh, stain-free upholstery that adds comfort and style to your living space for years to come. Just remember to exercise caution, test in inconspicuous areas, and be gentle when scrubbing to avoid damaging your cherished furniture.

If you are In the Memphis, Tennessee area and need professional help… Check out our website: https://www.healthyhomesvc.com/upholstery-cleaning/