How To Clean Upholstery
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Upholstery padding and fabric make furniture much more comfortable to sit on, but they can also make it more difficult to clean these pieces than finished wood or metal. However, spilling your drink on your sofa isn’t the end of the world. You can call in a professional cleaning service, or you can learn how to clean upholstery yourself. Here, we’ve gathered some helpful tips for keeping your upholstered furniture clean.
Vacuum Regularly
You can renew your furniture surprisingly well with nothing more than a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment. In addition to regular weekly vacuuming, this should always be the first step of a deep clean to prevent working surface dirt any deeper into the fabric.
Here are some tips and tricks for vacuuming upholstery.
- Start at the top and work your way down to avoid having to go over the same area more than once.
- Don’t forget the back and sides—dust clings there, too.
- Whenever possible, travel with the nap of the fabric.
- Remove any cushions to vacuum them and the areas underneath where they sit.
- For ground-in grime along seams, use a stiff toothbrush or can of compressed air (like you’d use to clean a computer keyboard) to blow debris loose, then vacuum.
Spot Treat Immediately
The faster you treat a stain, the less chance it will leave a permanent mark. As soon as the spill happens, blot it with a clean cloth or paper towel. For solids or thick liquids, scrape up as much debris as possible with the edge of a knife before blotting. Never rub or scrub, as this could spread the stain around or push it deeper into the fabric or padding underneath.
Baby wipes are excellent tools for spot treatment, particularly on leather, cotton, and polyester upholstery. Always test first on an area of fabric that you can’t easily see, of course, but once you’re satisfied that they won’t damage the fabric, keep a pack of baby wipes on hand for spills. They work great on carpets, too.
Match Your Cleaner to Your Fabric
If you want to learn how to clean upholstery, arm yourself with a little professional knowledge. Most upholstery fabric should have a tag that will give you a clue as to which cleaning products to use.
A W means you should use water-based cleaners on this fabric. Baby wipes are one option, and another is a few drops of liquid dish detergent dissolved in a bucket of lukewarm water. You can make the solution a little more concentrated for spot-cleaning, but no stronger than a 1:4 ratio of soap to water. Adding more soap typically won’t help with cleaning and may just leave a residue.
An S means you should only use solvent-based cleaners, otherwise known as dry-cleaning chemicals. You can take the fabric to a professional, of course, but you can also purchase these solvents in home dry-cleaning kits. Always pay attention to safety guidelines for these substances, including proper ventilation and protection for your skin.
A W-S means that you can use either water-based or solvent-based cleaners.
Pet owners may want to use commercially-available enzymatic cleaners that are specially designed to break down urine or other biologically-based stains. Leather furniture may also benefit from a specialty cleanser and conditioner. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions and spot-test the cleaner before using it on a visible area of the upholstery.
Quick Tip
- An X means that you should not use any type of cleaning agent. You can vacuum the surface or take it to a professional cleaner, but attempts to use cleaning products will shrink or stain the fabric.
Use a Steamer
If you have a fabric steamer, you can use it with care to loosen dirt and stubborn stains on many types of upholstery fabric. Start on a low heat setting and spot-test first to make sure the fabric doesn’t react badly to the heat. Note that steam should not be used on any silk or silk-containing fabrics, as well as fabrics marked “S” on the tag.
Steam any stains or wrinkles, and then use a small amount of cleanser if necessary. Always allow any steamed fabric to dry fully before replacing cushions or using the furniture again.
Clean Gently
“Deep clean” isn’t synonymous with “hard scrubbing.” In fact, you want to be as gentle as possible with your upholstery. Elbow grease is unlikely to remove stubborn, set-in stains and may only serve to damage the fabric. Whatever type of solvent or cleaner you’re using, apply it sparingly and give it a moment to sink in, and then blot it away.
Quick Tip
- Minimize the amount of water you use, even on water-safe fabrics. Letting too much moisture get into any kind of home furnishing that isn’t built for it is a bad idea.
If you want to clean an entire sofa, dissolve a tablespoon of dishwashing detergent in a gallon of water, dip a clean microfiber cloth in the mixture, and wring it out until it’s only damp. Then clean the surface of the fabric gently, working in small sections and wiping in one direction.
Follow this up with a cloth dampened in clean water, and then let the sofa air dry completely before using it again. You can use a fan to speed up the drying process, but never use heated air from a hairdryer or space heater. If you’re using a special upholstery shampoo or dry cleaning solvent, be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging for best results.
When To Call the Pros
There are some stains that will be difficult, if not impossible, to remove on your own. If you’ve tried two or three times to no avail, it may be time to call in a professional cleaning company to help you out. The Cleaning Authority is a professional service that includes upholstery and furniture vacuuming, which will give you a jump start on any deep clean of your couches or other upholstered furniture. Read our full review of The Cleaning Authority for more information on the company’s services.
Our Conclusion
You can extend the lifespan of your furniture and keep it looking its best with regular cleaning, including vacuuming, steaming, and spot treating. Deep cleaning your upholstered furniture occasionally is a great idea, but remember to choose the right cleaning agent and use a gentle touch.
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FAQ About Cleaning Upholstery
What’s the best way to clean fabric upholstery?
Start cleaning your upholstery with a gentle vacuuming to remove surface dirt and dust. Then gently blot stains with either water-based or solvent-based cleaners, depending on the fabric. Don’t scrub the fabric or soak it with water or cleaner, as this may cause damage.
What is the best homemade upholstery cleaner?
To create a homemade upholstery cleaner, mix a tablespoon of dishwashing detergent in a gallon of water. Check that the fabric can handle water-based cleaners (there will be a “W” or “W-S” on the tag) and spot-test the mixture on an area that’s not easily visible first.
Can I use Dawn dish soap to clean my fabric couch?
You can use Dawn or any mild dish detergent to clean a fabric couch if the tag is marked with a “W” or “W-S.” This means you can use water-based cleaners on the fabric. We recommend using dye-free dish soap and mixing only a few drops up to a tablespoon of soap into a gallon of water.