How to Clean Upholstery
Upholstery cleaning can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether your upholstery is composed of leather or fabric, there are many ways to keep your furniture in pristine condition without resorting to costly professional cleaning services.
The first step when attempting to clean your upholstery is to dust and/or vacuum the fabric in order to remove any loose dirt and debris. If you have fabric upholstery, you can spot-clean it with a mild cleaning solution and a soft cloth or brush. Be sure to test the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area first to make sure it won’t damage the fabric.
For leather upholstery, use a damp cloth and a leather cleaner specifically designed for the type of leather you have. Never use a detergent or any other chemicals as this may cause discolouration or damage to the leather. Once you’ve cleaned the surface, apply a quality leather conditioner to maintain its softness and suppleness.
It’s also important to note that many upholstered pieces come with removable covers that can be washed in a washing machine. Make sure to check the care label before doing this, however. It’s a good idea to have these pieces professionally dry-cleaned regularly in order to keep them looking their best.
Cost of Upholstery Cleaning
When it comes to cleaning upholstery, the cost can be a major factor in determining just how far you’re willing to go. Professional upholstery cleaning services tend to cost more than regular dry cleaning services, though the exact price can vary widely depending on the size of the piece and the material it’s upholstered in.
The cost to clean the upholstery of a single piece of furniture – such as a sofa or armchair – can range from £50–£200 depending on the company you use and the type of fabric the piece is upholstered in. Cleaning an entire suite can cost anywhere from £100 to £500, again depending on the size of the suite, the material it’s upholstered in, and the company you use.
It’s always a good idea to get several quotes before deciding on a particular upholstery cleaning service. Some companies may even offer discounts or special deals if you’re cleaning more than one piece of furniture at the same time.
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Different types of upholstery require different cleaning techniques. Natural fibres like wool, cotton, and linen can usually be machine washed in cold water on a gentle cycle. Synthetic fabrics should also be washed on a gentle cycle but should be air-dried instead of machine dried.
Leather upholstery should always be spot-cleaned with a leather cleaner rather than machine-washed. Keep an eye out for any cracks or wear and tear that might need to be repaired or patched up. Vacuum any excess dirt or dust and use a leather conditioner to help keep the leather supple and prevent cracking.
Velvet upholstery should be vacuumed regularly and spot-cleaned with a mild solution. It’s important to use caution when cleaning velvet as it can easily discolour or rip if not handled properly. If possible, it’s best to take the fabric to a professional cleaner to ensure the best results.
How To Care For & Clean Antique Upholstery
Cleaning and caring for antique upholstery can be quite a challenge. Because these pieces are often made of fragile fabrics, it’s important to use extra care when cleaning them.
The most important thing to remember when cleaning antique upholstery is to never use water or harsh cleaning solutions. Instead, vacuum the piece regularly using a soft brush attachment and use a dry cleaning brush to gently remove more stubborn dirt and grime.
For spots or stains, use a small amount of gentle detergents – such as baby shampoo – mixed with warm water, applied to a damp cloth, and tested on an inconspicuous area of the fabric first. Use very little pressure when cleaning and make sure the fabric dries completely afterwards.
Do Stain Protectors Work?
Stain protectors, also known as fabric shields, are a great way to protect your upholstery from spills and stains. These products are applied to the upholstered fabric either by spraying or wiping it on and can then be wiped away using a damp cloth.
Although stain protectors can be helpful in preventing minor spills and stains, they won’t always work in every situation. For example, if you spill something acidic, such as citrus juice or vinegar, the protector may not be able to keep the liquid from seeping into the fabric.
It’s also important to note that stain protectors may cause discolouration on some fabrics and materials, so it’s best to test them on an inconspicuous area of the fabric before applying them to the entire piece.
Overall, stain protectors can be a great way to keep your upholstery looking its best by helping to prevent minor spills and stains. However, they won’t always be able to stop liquids such as citrus juice from seeping in, so it’s important to still be vigilant in keeping your furniture clean.
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