Don’t be embarrassed if your sofa is looking a little worse for wear – upholstery cleaning is the key!
Upholstery cleaning doesn’t have to be difficult, and with the right tips and techniques, you can have your furniture looking good as new in no time at all!
In this comprehensive how-to guide, we will teach you everything you need to know about upholstery cleaning services.
We’ll discuss the different methods that can be used, as well as the best products and tools to use.
So whether you’re looking to clean a single piece of furniture or an entire upholstery set, we’ve got you covered!
What Is Upholstery Cleaning?
Upholstery cleaning, as the name implies, is the process of cleaning the fabric that upholsters your furniture.
However, the procedure is more time-consuming than it appears at first.
For one thing, upholstery is frequently constructed of delicate natural fabrics like cotton.
Most furniture does not allow you to simply remove the upholstery and wash it in the machine. It’s necessary to have special equipment and expertise when it comes to upholstery cleaning.
Fabric and upholstery are first examined for holes or other damage. After that, the cloth is vacuumed, treated, rinsed, and vacuum dried.
Hot-water extraction, often known as “steam cleaning,” is another technique.
However, this is all done with the aid of specialized gear—don’t attempt a DIY project with a bottle of shampoo and a usual vacuum cleaner. You’ll be sorry you attempted it.
The advantages of upholstery cleaning are comparable to those of carpet cleaning and other regular chores such as air duct cleaning: improved indoor air quality, removal of allergens, dirt, dust, grime, and more.
What was that? “How often should I reach out for upholstery cleaning services,” you ask.
The answer to this question is contingent on a few factors.
Do you have children? Do you have a dog or a cat? Do you work outside frequently, tracking in dirt and filth?
If you responded yes to any of those questions, your main living areas should be cleaned at least twice a year.
If it’s not, once a year or every 18 months should be enough.
Here’s a simple test to determine whether or not your sofa or chair needs cleaning: Take a clean white cloth, dampen it with a little water, and rub it hard against the arms and back of your sofa or chair.
It’s time to clean if dirt comes off the upholstery with the rag.
How Much Does Upholstery Cleaning Cost
Now, before you go on about heading to hire a professional, it’s best to have a decent understanding of the cost of upholstery cleaning services.
The average cost for professional upholstery cleaning is between $150 and $200 per home.
Some freelancers charge $10 to $20 or more per linear foot.
Many services, on the other hand, charge by the piece with reductions for extra pieces.
The size and type of furniture will have an impact on your costs. Check with a professional upholstery cleaning business on what’s included in their quotation.
Get several quotes, describe the piece you want to be treated and any tools or chemicals they use.
You don’t want to get a nasty surprise charge for accessories or unexpected chemical costs.
They could charge by the hour, by project, or even per section of a project.
Expect some quotes to include the following:
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- Time and resources/materials
- Equipment expenses
- Labor
- Transportation costs
How To Clean Silk Upholstery
The beautiful fabric of silk is a luxurious natural fibre that may be used to make exquisite upholstery.
It is crucial to maintain silk furnishings!
It’s critical to handle silk furniture with great care and attention to detail.
Begin by vacuuming the entire piece of furniture thoroughly to remove any loose dirt. Before you start, make sure the vacuum’s upholstery attachment is clean.
Silk upholstery may be cleaned using a soft cloth dampened with a solution of cold water and mild laundry detergent, such as Woolite. However, be cautious and test a small, inconspicuous region first because many sorts of dyed silk will discolour rapidly. Remove the cloth from the water and place it on a clean surface. Then, while gently squeezing the cloth, run your hands down its length to remove any excess water without wringing it out too much. To avoid water stains, use a hair dryer to dry the silk in a cool environment.
When it comes to cleaning delicate fabrics, you should always follow the instructions on the label. It’s usually best to turn to an expert for this job.
How To Clean Upholstery
Sofa cleaning can definitely be tricky. Here are some tips on how you can do so:
1. Vacuum the Couch
Remove any clothing that might prevent the sofa from being properly cleaned and vacuum the cushions using a hand vacuum or a brush attachment. Remove any pet hair, food crumbs, and dirt particles from the nooks and crannies of your couch. Remove the cushions if they aren’t connected, then vacuum both sides.
2. Clean the Wood or Metal Areas
Use a combination of warm water and liquid dish soap to clean the sofa’s feet and other non-textile surfaces.
3. Determine the Type of Fabric
Find the tag on the sofa and follow the directions for cleaning upholstery. The following are the codes seen on labels:
WS: Use a mild detergent with a steam vacuum or a dry-cleaning detergent.
S: Use a dry cleaner detergent only.
X: Use a vacuum only. No water.
W: You can use water to clean it.
4. Remove Stains
It’s crucial to understand how to clean a couch if you want to get rid of stains.
You may either buy a commercial cleaner or produce your own from natural ingredients in the kitchen. Homemade cleansers are less expensive and more ecologically friendly than those purchased through businesses.
Here’s how to clean a sofa, by fabric type:
For fabric upholstery: Mix 1/4 cup vinegar, 3/4 warm water, and 1 tablespoon of dish soap or Castile soap. Put in a spray bottle. Mist the soiled area. Scrub with a soft cloth until the stain lifts. Use a second cloth moistened with clean water to remove the soap. Dry with a towel.
- For leather upholstery. Mix 1/2 cup olive oil with 1/4 cup vinegar and put it into a spray bottle. Spray the cleaner on the surface of the couch and buff it with a soft cloth.
- For synthetic upholstery: Mix 1/2 cup of vinegar, 1 cup of warm water, and 1/2 tablespoon of liquid dish soap or Castile soap in a spray bottle. Mist the soiled area and scrub with a soft cloth until the stain is gone.
5. Let the Couch Dry
Sprinkle a few drops of water on the sofa surface to absorb any extra moisture. Allow the sofa to dry naturally. If it’s humid, you may want to use a box fan to speed up the drying process. Water can cause cushions and fabric to mildew.
Here’s another guide on 3 Easy Ways on How to Clean a Couch Like a Pro
How To Clean Velvet Upholstery
When under strain for lengthy periods of time, velvet has a propensity to compress—usually appearing as a crease or a white stain—as it has a greater pile (taller strands of fabric on its surface).
Steaming velvet fabric keeps it clean and prevents velvet compression by preventing the fibres from becoming compacted.
Simply steam the creases out with a steamer or your iron’s steam function, then gently brush in the opposite direction of the pile to release the wrinkles. Use the correct fabric care solution, and your garment will be softer and more resistant to wrinkles. When using a steamer, make sure it’s on low to prevent damaging the cloth.
How To Clean Vinyl Upholstery
Vinyl furniture must be cleaned on a regular basis to keep it clean.
Use only mild soap and warm water to softly clean your vinyl furniture on a regular basis.
Use cleaners like bleach and hydrogen peroxide for stains.
How To Clean Leather Upholstery
You can clean your leather furnishings with a 50/50 vinegar and water solution, which is quite simple.
A microfiber cloth can be used to clean the leather, moving in a circular motion to extract the dirt from natural fibres.
How To Clean Suede Upholstery
The greatest approach to eliminate stains from micro suede couches is with white vinegar or rubbing alcohol. Pour a tiny amount of either liquid on clean terry cloth. Keep in mind that too much liquid might make the stain worse, so be cautious not to saturate the cloth with too much liquid.
Here’s a simple video for you.
The Wrap-Up
Sofa cleaning can be a daunting task, but with the right knowledge and advice, it can be an easy job.
We have provided you with all the information you need to clean any type of upholstery fabric, from vinyl to suede.
We also advise on how to remove stains from your furniture and how to take care of different types of upholstery!
Reach out to us today and know more about our upholstery cleaning services!
Last Updated on March 15, 2024
