Upholstery cleaning is also one of those things that you’re not prepared to do, when the upholstery of your favorite sofa or chair has gotten dirty or stained over time. You might think upholstery cleaning is an expert service, but with the right equipment, tools and knowledge you can do it yourself. With a little care, your upholstered furniture will stay looking and functioning great, saving you time and money. In this article, we’ll share some of the tricks that work well for a home upholstery cleaning.
Understanding Upholstery Fabrics
The first thing you need to know when cleaning your furniture is the type of fabric you’re using. Different fabrics require different cleaning processes and some cleaning products can damage some upholstery fabrics. Popular upholstery fabrics are cotton, linen, polyester, velvet, microfiber, and leather. These each have cleaning guidelines, so check your furniture tag for a fabric code under the cushions or on the base.
Typical upholstery cleaning codes include:
W: Washable with water-based cleaning solutions.
S: Needs a solvent cleaner (no water)
WS: Washable with water or solvent solutions.
X: Cleaning done by an expert, vacuuming is the only non-destructive DIY.
With these codes in mind, you will be able to select the right method of cleaning and won’t ruin your furniture.
Basic Supplies for Upholstery Cleaning
For you to begin cleaning upholstery you will need a couple of basic things that you can find in almost every home. Here’s a list of suggested reading:
Upholstery vacuum with upholstery attachments: Vacuum cleaner will eliminate dust, dirt and dirt on the fabric surface.
Gentle brush: Useful for rinsing stains away and freshening the fibers.
Microfiber cloths: These are very handy to rub and blot cleaning products on.
Bottle: Use it to apply liquid cleaners on a regular basis.
Dish soap or mild detergent: This can work as a mild cleanser for many types of cloth.
White vinegar: Natural stain and odour eliminator.
Baking soda: A great deodorant and stain remover for smells.
These things are available so cleaning will be a breeze and will yield you better results.
Table 1: Upholstery Cleaning Codes and Guidelines
| Code | Meaning | Cleaning Method |
|---|---|---|
| W | Washable with water-based cleaning solutions | Use water-based cleaners and blot dry. |
| S | Needs a solvent cleaner (no water) | Use solvent-based cleaners, avoid water entirely. |
| WS | Washable with water or solvent solutions | Can use either water-based or solvent cleaners. |
| X | Cleaning done by an expert | Vacuum only; no liquids or DIY cleaning methods. |
Table 2: Common Stain Removal Techniques
| Stain Type | Cleaning Solution | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Water-based (soda, coffee) | Dab with cloth dipped in soapy water, scrub gently in circular motion | Avoid oversaturating the fabric. |
| Oily stains (grease, food) | Apply baking soda for 10–15 mins, vacuum; follow with a solvent cleaner if needed | Baking soda helps absorb oil before applying a solvent cleaner. |
| Ink or dye stains | Use rubbing alcohol or vinegar on a cloth to dab gently | Avoid rubbing as it may spread the ink. |
| Pet stains and odors | Apply white vinegar and water mixture, then wipe with a damp cloth | Vinegar neutralizes odors as well as cleans stains. |
Related Comparison: Upholstery vs Carpet Cleaning
| Aspect | Upholstery Cleaning | Carpet Cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| Tools Required | Upholstery vacuum, microfiber cloth, gentle brush | Carpet vacuum, steam cleaner, stain remover |
| Fabric Sensitivity | Requires understanding fabric codes (W, S, WS, X) | Less variation, but still material-dependent |
| Cleaning Agents | Dish soap, white vinegar, baking soda | Carpet shampoos, steam-safe solutions |
| Drying Time | Faster due to smaller surface area; needs thorough ventilation | Slower due to thicker material and large area |
| Professional Need | Necessary for “X” code or stubborn stains | Necessary for deeply embedded dirt or large area cleaning |
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Upholstery
Step 1: Vacuum the Surface
Start by sweeping the sofa with a vacuum and remove all dust, pet hair, etc. Vacuum thoroughly using the brush or upholstery attachment focusing on the crevices and edges. This is necessary as dirt doesn’t get embedded in the fabric once you begin cleaning with liquids. : Vacuuming, too, will lift the fibres, and it will also wash better.
Step 2: Use a Small Spot To Test.
Make sure to try any cleaning product first on a hidden area of the upholstery. Rub on a little of your cleaning agent (for example, mild dish soap in water or a solution of vinegar) and rub with a clean towel. Give it a few minutes to see if the fabric turns yellow or poorly. You can clean the whole piece, if there is no negative response.
Step 3: Address Stains Promptly
If there are areas that are stained, do so quickly. Some methods for stain types:
Water-based stains (soda or coffee): Dab the spot with a cloth dipped in a little soapy water and scrub circularly. Avoid oversaturating the fabric.
Oily stains (greases or food): Apply baking soda and let sit for 10-15 minutes to remove the oil, vacuum. Do this again with a solvent cleaner if the fabric allows.
Stains caused by ink or dye: Wet a cloth with rubbing alcohol or vinegar and rub the stain. Do not rub as this would spread the ink.
Stains and odours from pets: Combine white vinegar and water, put on the stain and wipe off with a damp towel. This not only gets rid of the stain but also eliminates odour.
It is to be mentioned that if you have some tough stains, you may have to clean it a few times. Do not scrub too hard, as this can break the fabric.
4: Wipe Down with a Cleaning Cloth.
On the upholstery surface in general, you can make a gentle cleaner using water and mild detergent. Pour a little dish soap in a spray bottle with a cup of warm water and lightly spray the cloth. Next, scrub in a circular motion with a sponge.
If you have fabrics that tolerate vinegar, prepare white vinegar and water equal in ratio and spray on the upholstery the same way. Vinegar works wonders to wash off odours and mild stains. Rinse with a wet cloth after that to prevent a vinegar odour.
Step 5: Rinse and Blot
When you’re done, you have to wash it clean of soap scum. Blot the cleaned area using a microfiber cloth with plain water to wipe away any residual detergent or vinegar. Be sure not to moisten the fabric too much, as it can mold and mildew. Blotting is useful because it blots away the dirt and doesn’t make the cloth too moist.
Step 6: Dry Thoroughly
Wait for the upholstery to dry thoroughly and re-use it. Open the windows, or use ceiling fans, or a hairdryer on a low setting to accelerate drying. Don’t heat directly because some upholstery fabrics will burn. Consider placing the furniture in a room that gets plenty of ventilation if you can. Drying it correctly will ensure that any remaining moisture doesn’t end up leaving a foul odour or mold.
How to Clean Leather Upholstery
There is a trick with leather. Here’s a primer on leather cleaning:
Dust and Vacuum: Start with dusting and vacuuming to get away from the surface debris.
Apply a Leather Cleaner: Rub a leather-friendly cleaner onto the leather with a soft cloth. Don’t wash with water-based cleaners, which dry leather out.
Smooth and Polish: Remove dirt and wipe the leather clean with a clean cloth. Use a leather conditioner afterwards to make it soft and avoid cracking.
Be sure to check the care instructions from the manufacturer on any leather furniture you own to be sure you’re using the right products and practices.
Natural Solutions for Upholstery Cleaning
But if you’re looking for natural solutions, here are a few that can do wonders on upholstery:
Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda all over the fabric, allow to sit for 20-30 minutes and vacuum it up. Baking soda works great at absorbing smells and mild stains.
White Vinegar and Baking Soda: For very difficult stains, mix up some vinegar and baking soda. : Rub the paste over the stain, let it sit for a few minutes and then wipe with a clean cloth.
Essential Oils: You can clean the fabric with a couple drops of essential oil (lavender, tea tree).
Such natural products are especially helpful for a family with children or pets who have little or no time for chemicals, but want a great cleaning experience.
Tips on How To Avoid Upholstery Stains in the Future.
After you’ve spent time cleaning your sofa, there are some steps you can take to make it look good for longer:
Apply Fabric Protectors: Spraying a fabric protector will provide protection against staining and spills so you can clean the area later.
Change Your Cushions: By changing your cushions every few months, you are ensuring they wear evenly and are not flattened or stained in any one area.
Vacuum Every Week: By vacuuming every week, dust, dirt, and allergens don’t get sucked into the cloth.
Wash Up After Spills: Pick up any spill quickly so stain doesn’t adhere. Blot, don’t rub, rubbing is going to spread the stain.
When to Call a Professional
You can certainly keep upholstery hygienic at home, but there are occasions when you will need professionals. If your couch has recalcitrant and set-in stains or has an “X” cleaning code, consider calling in a professional cleaner. They’re outfitted with the tools and expertise to work with tough fabrics and restore furniture to brand new without ruining it.
Great tips! I’ve been struggling with a persistent coffee stain on my microfiber couch. Has anyone tried the vinegar and baking soda combo? Does it really work without damaging the fabric?
Yes, the vinegar and baking soda combination can work wonders on coffee stains. Make a paste, apply it to the stain, and let it sit for about 15 minutes before blotting gently with a damp cloth. Just avoid over-saturating the microfiber!
I love the idea of using natural solutions like baking soda and essential oils. Are there specific oils that work better for deodorizing upholstery, especially after pet accidents?
Essential oils like lavender and tea tree are great options for deodorizing upholstery. Lavender has a calming scent, while tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties, which can help with odors caused by bacteria.
Thanks for the detailed guide! I have a leather recliner that’s starting to crack. Would a leather conditioner really help, or is it too late to fix?
Using a leather conditioner can definitely help reduce cracking by restoring moisture to the leather. Start with a small amount and apply it evenly. If the cracks are deep, you may want to consult a professional to prevent further damage.