How to Clean Upholstery
Let Click Cleaning guide you through the best practices when it comes to cleaning upholstery effectively. From upholstered furniture to curtains, here you will find all the tips required to revive your home back to its former glory.
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Upholstered furniture can effortlessly turn a house into a home and instantly provide comfortable surroundings to relax in. But soft furnishings and curtains are not cheap, which gives us the motivation to look after and care for them the best we can. However, accidents do happen, so below you can find a detailed guide on how to clean upholstery effectively.
TOP TIP: Cleaning will vary according to the stain and fabric - some may require professional cleaning.
THE POWER OF A VACUUM
If your furniture is looking tired and is in need of some TLC, you’ll be pleased to know that a vacuum can work wonders. Before beginning the cleaning process vacuum over the furniture and cushions, using the machine’s attachments to get into each nook and cranny, to remove all elusive dirt and dust.
TIP FOR PET OWNERS: Remove as many hairs as possible with the vacuum and use a pet hair removal brush for the remainder.
ACT QUICKLY
It is imperative that as soon as you see an unsightly fresh stain on your upholstery, to blot it with a clean white cloth. Blotting will prevent the stain from spreading and making a permanent mark on your prized furniture.
THE IMPORTANCE OF TAGS
When it comes to determining the cleaning product appropriate for your upholstery you will need to look at the care label ; this will, firstly, advise you of the type of material, which can vary from silk, cotton, wool and blends including synthetic fabrics. Lastly, it will advise you on the type of cleaning product to use through the use of symbols. These symbols can include:
• W: Water based detergents are required;
• S: Non-water based detergents are advised;
• WS: Either water or water free detergents can be used depending on the type of stain;
• X: Professional clean only.
TOP TIP: to protect the investment of antique or valuable upholstery we recommend that it is cleaned by a professional.
WHAT DO I DO IF THE TAG IS REMOVED?
The best piece of advice we can offer you is to test a small amount of the fabric using both a water based and non-water based detergent, to see how it reacts. However, if you would rather not take the risk of dealing with the stain at home, call a professional in or take the coverings into a dry cleaner; they should be able to determine the fabric, stain and appropriate care.
CLEANING METHODS
The type of stain determines which cleaning product to use as much as the fabric does. Here are a couple of cleaning products recommended according to the stain and fabric type:
• If the tag states ‘WS’ or ‘W’, and you are dealing with a food, wine, tea or coffee stain, we recommend using PROCHEM STAIN PRO. It also works well with water based ink stains and can neutralise acidic and oily marks.
• If the tag features the ‘S’ symbol and you are again dealing with a yellow or brown discolouring, such as caffeine, we recommend the PROCHEM COFFEE STAIN REMOVER B195. Please do pre-test fabrics in an inconspicuous area before using this product.
TOP TIP: When using a specialist product on your upholstery please follow the instructions closely.
If you are ever unsure of the appropriate products or care, call a professional and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You can learn from their skills and apply it to how you clean upholstery at home, which can be a more cost effective way of cleaning upholstery.
