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Tips on Cleaning and Caring for Upholstery
by Vincent Platania
Description: Tips for cleaning furniture upholstery.
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We invest a lot of money in our furniture. So knowing how to clean and
care for our upholstery is essential. Here are some general care
guidelines to consider before cleaning.
Caring for Upholstery
You can increase the life of upholstery by following a few simple
rules:
1. Vacuuming and light brushing on weekly basis helps to eliminate dirt
before it becomes embedded in the fibers, causing the fabric to abrade.
2. Turn and reverse loose cushion every week to allow even distribution
of wear and tear.
3. Clean spots and stains quickly.
4. If you have a large family, consider using nylon covers for your
upholstery. It is long lasting and you can remove most stains easily.
Cleaning Upholstery
Clean your upholstery with an effective cleaner. Choose one that is
safe on your fabric and does not contain harsh chemicals to avoid having
any sticky remains. Getting a cleaning solution that cleans, remove
stains and control odors is a good choice. It saves you time and money.
- Always vacuum or brush your upholstery first to remove dust and loose
hair.
- Apply the cleaner and brush firmly any stained areas.
- Wait for one minute or less then wipe away the cleaner with a damp
cloth or sponge.
- Keep your upholstery dry while cleaning it to avoid damage. Open a
window or use air condition and allow it to dry thoroughly.
Identify Stains
Before trying to remove a stain from your upholstered furniture, you
need to know the type of fabric you have. Most manufacturers put cleaning
codes on the furniture hangtag or label. These codes tell you the best
way to clean and remove stains. Here is a list of those codes:
- WS: fabric may be cleaned with water-based cleaning agents and foams,
as well as with mild, water-free dry cleaning solvents.
- W: use water-based cleaning agents or foams only.
- S: use only mild, water-free dry cleaning solvents.
- X: do not use foam or liquid agents on this fabric. You can vacuum or
brush lightly to remove soil and grime.
Removing Stains
You should inspect your upholstery for spots and stains and identify
your problem areas. Usually a good cleaner can clean and work on removing
the stains as well. But for the tough and sticky stains like grease,
crayon, gum, and ink, treat the stain first before cleaning. A great
option to use is a powerful solvent containing citrus, which breaks down
tough stains easily leaving a fresh smell.
- Always pre-treat stains first for color fastness in an inconspicuous
area.
- Spray directly on stain and let stand for 30 seconds.
- Scrub with a brush and let it sit for 2 to 4 minutes.
- Clean with a damp sponge or rinse with water. If stain persists,
repeat treatment and rewash.
To remove stains from non-washable upholstery, use an effective product
made especially for dry cleanable fabrics. It is an excellent
pre-treater with a lot of convenience and ease of use. Spray the soiled part
and blot immediately from outside to the center, to avoid the clean part
from leaving a mark.
Author Vincent Platania represents the Fuller Brush Company.
Fuller Brush has been in business since 1906, and offers safe,
environmentally friendly products for keeping your home and your body clean.
Visit http://www.fuller-brush-products.com
