How To Clean Upholstery

Knowing how to clean upholstery is simple and can be done in a few steps without hiring a professional. Stains from food and drink, pet hair, and dirt are just a few solid reasons to clean your upholstery. Check the furniture manufacturer's label for proper care and cleaning, and follow the tips and methods below to make your furniture look nearly new.

Know the Code Before You Clean

If you can find a cleaning code tag on your upholstered piece (look underneath the furniture or the cushions), you're in luck. If there is no tag, you will need to do some testing in an inconspicuous area to see how the fabric reacts when treated. Be warned that you should never over-saturate the fabric with moisture. Too much water can cause mold and mildew to grow in the cushions which is nearly impossible to remove.

Code W

These fabrics can be cleaned with water-based cleaning solvents.

Code S

Use only a dry cleaning or water-free solvent to remove stains and soils. When using these chemicals, it's mandatory to have a well-ventilated room and no open flames like fireplaces or candles.

Code W-S

Clean this upholstery fabric with either water-based or solvent-based products.

Code X

When you see the "X" avoid any type of cleaning agent. These fabrics should only be cleaned by vacuuming or by a professional. Any type of home cleaning product can cause staining and shrinking.

How Often to Clean Upholstery

A deep upholstery cleaning will require three steps listed below. While you should vacuum your upholstery weekly, stain removal and general upholstery cleaning should be done quarterly or as needed.

What You Need

Supplies

• Dishwashing liquid
• Warm water
• Paper towels
• Dull knife
• Soft brush
• Dry cleaning solvent (optional)

Tools

• Vacuum
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Sponge or microfiber cloth
• Bowl
• Fan (optional)

How to Vacuum Your Upholstery

One of the best things you can do to improve the cleanliness of any type of upholstery is to vacuum it well weekly. While a lightweight portable hand-held vacuum works fine to gather potato chip crumbs, you need to use a vacuum with more suction to get at the yucky stuff.

1. Choose the Right Tools

   Choose a vacuum with a HEPA filter to capture as much dust and allergens like pet dander as possible.

   Tip

   To tackle bacteria, viruses, bedbugs, and dust mites, use a vacuum with UV light. A UV light kills the offenders, sucks them away, and traps them in a dual filtration system.

2. Vacuum the Sides

   It is important to go over every inch of the upholstery. Don't forget the lower sides and back of the piece even if it is placed up against a wall and never touched by humans because dust tends to cling everywhere.

3. Vacuum the Cushions

   Use the crevice tool to get deep between the cushions and the frame of the furniture. If your piece of furniture has removable cushions, remove them and vacuum both sides.

4. Vacuum the Bottom

   And, if you're feeling ambitious, with assistance, tilt the piece over and vacuum the bottom of the frame.

   Vacuum the bottom frame of your upholstered pieces once or twice a year to eliminate accumulated dust hanging from the frame. However, dust collects on the floor underneath furniture easily so sweep or vacuum the flooring underneath these pieces frequently.

How to Remove Stains

Before you can clean the overall upholstery, you should tackle any specific stains.

1. Blot Moisture and Remove Solid Debris

   If the stain is a fresh liquid, blot away as much moisture as possible with paper towels.

   For solids like mayonnaise or sticky cheese, use the edge of a dull knife or the edge of a credit card to lift away as much of the stain as possible. Never rub the area because that only pushes the stain deeper into the fabric fibers.

   For dried solids, use a soft-bristled brush to loosen the dried matter.

2. Prepare the Cleaning Solution

   If the fabric can be cleaned with a water-based upholstery cleaner, mix 1/4 cup dishwashing liquid and 1 cup of warm water in a small bowl. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to create some suds.

3. Rub Stain

   Dip a sponge into the suds and rub away the stain. Keep moving to a clean area of the sponge as the stain is transferred.

4. Rinse and Dry

   Finish by dipping the sponge or a microfiber cloth in clear water to blot away any cleaning solution. This "rinse" is very important because any detergent left in the fibers can attract more soil.

   Allow the area to air dry completely away from direct sunlight or heat.

   If the upholstery requires a dry cleaning solvent, follow the directions on the product label.

How to Clean Upholstery

If your furniture needs an overall cleaning after vacuuming, follow the same basic steps as for stain removal.

1. Prepare the Cleaning Solution

   For general cleaning, mix a less concentrated cleaning solution of dishwashing liquid and warm water. Mix only 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid per 1 gallon of warm water.

2. Wipe the Fabric

   Use a sponge or microfiber cloth dipped in the solution and wrung to just damp to wipe down every surface. Work in small sections at a time and avoid getting water on metal components like buttons, snaps, and frame legs. This can cause rust stains that are difficult to remove.

3. Rinse

   Follow up with a fresh sponge or cloth dipped in plain water. Finish by blotting with dry cloths to absorb moisture. Use a circulating fan to help speed drying but avoid direct heat like a hair dryer.