Cleaning upholstered furniture is important to maintaining its appearance and extending its lifespan. The furniture experts at Gardner White are here to help you maintain your furniture to extend its life for many years. Here are the steps to clean upholstery furniture:
Last Updated: October 20, 2023
Materials Needed
- Vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment
- Mild upholstery cleaner or fabric-specific cleaner
- Clean white cloths or microfiber towels
- Bucket of warm water
- Soft-bristle brush or upholstery brush
- Fabric protector spray
Upholstered Furniture Cleaning Steps
Time needed: 30 minutes
Steps to cleaning upholstered furniture:
- Vacuum the furniture
Use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris from the upholstery. Pay special attention to crevices, seams, and corners.
- Check the label
Look for a care label on your upholstery furniture. This label often provides important information about cleaning methods. Follow any specific instructions provided.
- Test an inconspicuous area
Prior to applying any cleaning solution, test it on a small, inconspicuous area. This will ensure it doesn’t cause any damage or discoloration. Wait for the test spot to dry; if there is no damage present, then proceed.
- Prepare the cleaning solution
Mix a small amount of mild upholstery cleaner or a fabric-specific cleaner with warm water in a bucket according to the product’s instructions. Be cautious not to make the solution too concentrated, as it may leave a residue.
- Spot clean
Dip a clean white cloth or microfiber towel into the cleaning solution and gently blot the stained or soiled area. Avoid scrubbing vigorously, as this can damage the fabric. Work from the outside of the stain inward to prevent spreading.
Blot the area with a clean, dry cloth to absorb excess moisture and cleaning solution. Repeat the process if necessary until the stain or dirt is gone. Be patient; it may take a few attempts. If the entire upholstery piece needs cleaning, use the same method to clean the entire surface, working in small sections at a time. - Rinse
After cleaning, dampen a clean cloth with plain water and blot the cleaned areas to remove any leftover cleaning solution.
- Dry
Allow the upholstery to air dry naturally. Avoid using heat sources like hair dryers, as they can damage the fabric.
- Brush the fabric
Once the upholstery is dry, use a soft-bristle brush or an upholstery brush to fluff and restore the fabric’s texture gently.
- Use a fabric protector
To help prevent future stains, consider applying a fabric protector spray designed for upholstery. Follow the product’s instructions for application.
Conclusion
Remember that different upholstery fabrics may require different cleaning methods, so always check the care label and use appropriate cleaning products. If you’re unsure how to clean a specific type of upholstery or have a valuable or delicate piece of furniture, it’s a good idea to consult a professional upholstery cleaner.
Need More Help?
You can contact one of Gardner White’s experts at (248) 481-2208, chat with one online, or visit one of our local Michigan stores.
