Upholstered furniture is both comfortable and luxurious. First introduced in the 17th century, it grew in popularity throughout the 18th century. Today, it’s available in virtually any style, from contemporary to traditional. With so much versatility, it’s no surprise that it’s difficult to find a home that doesn’t have at least one piece of upholstered furniture.
This home décor staple can serve as a focal point to any room. But it can take a real beating with day-to-day use. And when it looks shabby and dingy, upholstery detracts from the appearance of your home. However, if you know how to clean upholstery, you can keep it looking fresh and vibrant. Read on for the best upholstery cleaning tips and how to clean upholstery without a machine!
When cleaning upholstered furniture, begin by removing all surface debris using a vacuum with the upholstery attachment. Vacuum weekly, or up to three times a week if you have pets or young children in your home.
Begin at the top of the piece, moving the vacuum cleaner left to right, working your way down. Don’t forget the back! For fabrics with a napped texture, such as corduroy, be sure to work in the same direction as the covering. Remove the cushions and vacuum beneath them as well. For hard-to-reach spots, use the crevice attachment or a can of compressed air.
To stay on top of upholstery cleaning and save yourself time, consider hiring a knowledgeable company for a weekly cleaning service or monthly house cleaning service.
If you clean upholstery immediately after a spill, you have a better chance of avoiding a stain. For fresh spills, use a dry paper towel to blot up as much liquid as possible. Next, dampen a clean cloth with fresh water and gently press it into the stain, rubbing lightly to remove the stain. Move from the outside of the spoiled spot towards the inside, so as not to spread the stain.
Despite your best intentions, sometimes a spill occurs that you don’t notice right away. For these mishaps, mix a small amount of baking soda and water to create a paste. Gently apply it on the stain with a clean damp cloth and rub in a circular motion to pick up the remainder of the dirt and debris. Alternatively, use club soda to lift stubborn stains. Pour a small amount on the soiled area and use a damp, clean cloth to wipe it dry.
As with all other upholstered furniture, your first step should be to vacuum your leather furniture to remove surface dust and dirt. After inspecting your sofa or chair for problem areas, create a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. Dip the corner of a soft, clean cloth into the solution and blot it gently on the problem area or areas, then dry them with a dry rag.
Once you’ve removed all stains and marks to your satisfaction, apply a small amount of commercial or homemade leather conditioner to a lint-free cloth. Rub it gently into the furniture using a circular motion, and then allow it to dry for at least an hour. Buff it with a fresh cloth.
To understand how to clean couch upholstery or how to clean upholstery of any type, it is useful to know how to decipher cleaning labels. Here’s a quick guide:
Like so many working moms, Monika Schindler found it especially difficult to stay on top of cleaning. She wanted to spend her valuable weekend time with her family, not tidying her home. Realizing that other working moms felt the same way, she decided it was time to create a company that provided a solution and Housekeeping Maid Easy was born. Monika’s mission is to change people’s lives by freeing up their time so they spend less of it cleaning and more of it doing enjoyable activities with the people they love.
Our professional cleaners are fully committed to creating a custom plan that suits your needs, whether you want a one-time deep cleaning, monthly cleaning services, or weekly cleaning service.
Read our numerous five-star reviews to find out why clients love Housekeeping Maid Easy:
“The Housekeeping Maid Easy team is a professional AND PERSONAL business created that way by the owner, and exemplified by every team member, from the office staff to the cleaning specialists!” a recent customer said. “They do a wonderful deep cleaning at my home on short notice.”