Introduction
Keeping my upholstered furniture looking its best is important to me. Over time, my sofas and chairs can start to look dull, dirty and worn. I used to think the only way to revive them was to call in professional cleaners at great expense. However, with a few simple cleaning solutions and techniques, I’ve found I can refresh my upholstery myself for a fraction of the cost.
In this article, I’ll share my tips for DIY upholstery cleaning to help you revive your furniture too. You’ll be amazed at the difference a thorough clean can make.
Assess the Fabric
Before cleaning, it’s important to check the fabric type of your upholstery. This will determine the best cleaning method to use. Here are some common upholstery fabrics and how to identify them:
Cotton
- Feels breathable and lightweight
- Often has visible weave
- Safe to clean with water-based cleaners
Microfiber
- Very soft and smooth texture
- Attracts pet hair and dirt
- Can be gently washed with mild detergent
Leather
- Distinctive leather smell
- Smooth or grained texture
- Clean with specialized leather cleaners
Velvet
- Distinctively soft, plush feel
- Sensitive to water and scrubbing
- Use dry cleaning methods
Checking furniture tags, speaking to manufacturers or doing a small fabric test can help identify fabric types if you’re unsure.
Vacuum Thoroughly
The first step is to use your vacuum cleaner to remove loose dirt and debris from the upholstery. Make sure to get into all crevices and folds in the fabric.
Vacuum both sides of cushions, under cushions and along the base and back of sofas and chairs. This prevents dirt buildup and helps freshen upholstery.
Spot Clean Stains
Once vacuumed, it’s time to tackle any visible stains on the upholstery. Spot cleaning helps remove stains without saturating the whole fabric.
Make sure you check the fabric care instructions first. Then simply:
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Choose a cleaning solution suitable for the fabric – mild soap and water works for many materials.
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Dab the stain gently with a clean, damp sponge or lint-free cloth. Avoid vigorous rubbing.
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Rinse with clean water and pat dry.
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Allow to fully dry before replacing cushions or using the furniture.
For tougher oil-based stains, a small amount of isopropyl alcohol can help lift the stain before rinsing. Test on an inconspicuous area first.
Deep Clean with Upholstery Shampoo
For a deeper, revitalizing clean, use an upholstery shampoo formulated for home use. Here is the simple process:
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Vacuum the upholstery thoroughly first.
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Mix a small amount of upholstery shampoo with warm water in a bucket.
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Working in sections, use a sponge or soft brush to gently apply the solution to fabric.
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Rinse the section thoroughly with clean water to remove shampoo.
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Use absorbent white towels to soak up excess moisture.
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Allow the furniture to dry completely before use, preferably overnight.
Be very gentle when cleaning velvet, leather or delicate upholstery. Check product instructions.
Consider Professional Steam Cleaning
For upholstery that’s quite dirty or stained, professional steam cleaning may be needed to refresh it. The extreme heat helps sanitize and lift deep stains without harsh chemicals.
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Hire a reputable, insured cleaner familiar with furniture fabrics.
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Remove cushions and clear room for them to work.
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Expect drying time of 6-12 hours before replacing furniture.
Though more expensive than DIY, professional cleaning is very effective for revitalizing upholstery.
Protect and Maintain Your Furniture
Once your upholstered items are freshly cleaned, keep them looking their best with these maintenance tips:
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Use furniture throw covers or blankets to protect from pets, kids and daily wear.
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Vacuum cushions weekly to prevent dirt buildup.
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Spot clean spills immediately to prevent stains.
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Have fabrics professionally cleaned every 2-3 years for a deep refresh.
With some simple DIY cleaning techniques, a little care goes a long way in extending the life of cherished upholstery! The results will make all your effort worthwhile.
