DIY Upholstery Cleaning Tips: What You Can Do vs. What You Should Leave to the Pros
Upholstered furniture adds comfort and beauty to your home, but it also sees a lot of wear and tear. From spills and stains to pet hair and dirt, upholstery needs regular maintenance to stay fresh and inviting. While many people opt to clean their upholstered furniture themselves, there are certain tasks that require a professional touch. In this blog, we’ll explore DIY upholstery cleaning tips, as well as when you should call in the experts for the best results.
Why Upholstery Cleaning Is Important
Upholstered furniture often gets overlooked when it comes to regular cleaning. However, just like carpets, upholstery acts as a filter for dust, dirt, allergens, and bacteria. Over time, these particles can accumulate, causing not only unsightly stains but also potential health issues, especially for those with allergies or respiratory conditions.
Additionally, upholstery is an investment, and maintaining it ensures it lasts for years. Regular cleaning helps preserve the fabric’s integrity, preventing damage like fading, fraying, or permanent staining. Whether you have a sofa, chairs, or even an upholstered dining chair, proper care and cleaning are essential for maintaining both aesthetics and hygiene.
DIY Upholstery Cleaning Tips: What You Can Do
Before you dive into cleaning your upholstered furniture, it’s important to understand the fabric you’re working with. Different materials require different cleaning methods. Always check the manufacturer’s label for specific instructions or care recommendations. Here are some general DIY tips for upholstery cleaning:
1. Vacuum Regularly
The first step in any upholstery cleaning routine is vacuuming. Regular vacuuming prevents dirt, dust, and debris from settling deep into the fabric. Use a soft brush attachment to avoid damaging delicate fabrics. Focus on seams, crevices, and cushions, as these areas tend to trap dust and crumbs.
Vacuuming not only removes visible dirt but also helps keep allergens at bay, which is especially important for homes with pets or small children. Aim to vacuum your upholstered furniture at least once a week to keep it looking fresh.
2. Spot Clean Spills Immediately
Accidents happen, but how you handle spills can make a huge difference in preventing permanent stains. The key to successful spot cleaning is acting quickly. If you spill a liquid, immediately blot the area with a clean, dry cloth—never rub the stain, as this can push it deeper into the fabric.
For food or liquid spills, you can create a homemade cleaning solution by mixing mild dish soap with warm water. Dampen a clean cloth with the solution and gently blot the stained area. Avoid soaking the fabric, as excess moisture can damage the upholstery and lead to mold growth.
In cases of sticky substances like syrup or honey, it’s best to first scrape off as much as you can with a spoon or a butter knife before applying any cleaning solution.
3. Use a Fabric Cleaner
If your upholstery has light stains that are resistant to basic cleaning solutions, it may be time to use a specialized fabric cleaner. Choose a cleaner that is suitable for your specific type of upholstery fabric. Always test the cleaner on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration or damage.
For synthetic fabrics, try using a foam upholstery cleaner, which is easy to apply and helps lift dirt from the fibers. For natural fibers, such as cotton or linen, choose a cleaner designed for these materials. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for the best results.
When using fabric cleaners, it’s important to avoid oversaturating the fabric. If you use too much product, it could leave residue, making your upholstery feel sticky or attracting more dirt over time.
4. Baking Soda for Odors
Upholstered furniture can absorb odors over time, especially if you have pets or children. A simple solution to freshen up your furniture is baking soda. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the upholstery, especially in areas prone to odors like the cushions or under the seat. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then vacuum it up. Baking soda neutralizes odors and leaves your upholstery smelling fresh.
For tougher odors, such as those caused by pets or smoke, you can add a few drops of essential oil to the baking soda before applying it. Scents like lavender, eucalyptus, or citrus will not only freshen up your furniture but also leave it smelling delightful.
5. Use a Lint Roller
If your upholstery attracts pet hair or lint, a lint roller is a quick and easy way to clean it up. Run the roller over the fabric to pick up hair, dust, and other small particles. This method is particularly effective for upholstered furniture with textured or woven fabrics that tend to trap debris.
Additionally, you can use a damp cloth or sponge to remove lint from textured upholstery. Just ensure the cloth is not too wet, as excess moisture can cause damage.
6. Steam Cleaning (For Fabric Upholstery)
Steam cleaning is a great option for deep cleaning fabric upholstery. A steam cleaner uses hot water vapor to break down dirt and grime, killing bacteria and allergens in the process. However, steam cleaning should be done carefully to avoid soaking the fabric.
If you’re using a steam cleaner, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Work in small sections, and allow each area to dry completely before moving on. Avoid steam cleaning delicate fabrics like silk or velvet, as the heat and moisture can cause damage.
It’s also important to allow your furniture to dry thoroughly after steam cleaning. Damp fabric can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew if not properly dried.
When to Leave Upholstery Cleaning to the Pros
While DIY methods can work wonders for routine maintenance and small stains, some upholstery cleaning tasks are best left to professionals. Here’s when it’s time to call in the experts:
1. Deep Cleaning
Over time, dirt and grime can build up deep within the fibers of your upholstery, especially in high-traffic areas. While vacuuming and spot cleaning are effective for surface dirt, they can’t reach the deep-seated grime that causes fabrics to look dull and worn.
Professional upholstery cleaners use specialized equipment and cleaning agents that can penetrate deep into the fabric, removing dirt and stains that DIY methods can’t reach. They also have the knowledge and experience to identify and treat stains based on the type of fabric, ensuring optimal results.
Deep cleaning by a professional will not only refresh the fabric but also extend the life of your furniture.
2. Delicate or Valuable Fabrics
If you own delicate or expensive furniture, such as silk, velvet, or antique upholstery, it’s best to entrust the cleaning to a professional. These materials require special care to avoid damage during cleaning. A professional cleaning service will have the right tools and expertise to handle such fabrics without compromising their integrity.
Professional cleaners can also assess the condition of the fabric, ensuring that it isn’t weakened by improper cleaning methods. For fabrics like leather, a professional can also apply conditioners to prevent cracking or drying.
3. Pet Stains and Odors
If your pet has had an accident on the couch, it’s important to address it as soon as possible. While DIY methods like baking soda and fabric cleaners can help with surface-level stains, deep pet odors require more intensive treatments.
A professional cleaner will use pet-specific cleaning solutions and methods, such as enzymatic cleaners, that break down the bacteria and odor-causing elements in pet urine. This ensures that your upholstery is not only clean but also free from lingering smells.
4. Stubborn Stains
Some stains, like ink, wine, or grease, can be tough to remove with standard DIY cleaning methods. If you’ve tried to clean a tough stain with no success, a professional cleaner has access to specialized stain removers and techniques designed to tackle even the most challenging marks.
Moreover, professionals can apply protective treatments to your upholstery after cleaning to prevent future staining.
5. Mold or Mildew
If your upholstery has been exposed to excess moisture, mold and mildew can develop. This is a serious problem that requires immediate professional attention. Attempting to clean mold or mildew on your own can make the problem worse by spreading the spores or causing fabric damage.
Professional cleaners use equipment like dehumidifiers, advanced drying techniques, and mold-killing solutions to address mold and mildew safely and effectively. They can also ensure that the fabric is thoroughly dried to prevent future mold growth.
6. Furniture That Requires Repair
Sometimes, upholstery cleaning goes hand in hand with furniture repair. If your couch has frayed seams, loose stitching, or worn-out cushions, a professional cleaning service can also provide necessary repairs. This ensures that your furniture stays in top condition and continues to look great for years.
For more extensive repairs, such as reupholstering a chair or couch, professional services can restore your furniture to its former glory.
Why Choose Chase Carpet Care for Your Upholstery Cleaning?
While DIY upholstery cleaning is great for regular maintenance, when it comes to deep cleaning and special care, you need an expert. At Chase Carpet Care, we offer comprehensive upholstery cleaning services in the Denver metro area, including Denver, Aurora, Boulder, Littleton, and beyond.
Our team uses eco-friendly products and the latest techniques to restore your upholstery to its original beauty. Whether you need deep cleaning, stain removal, pet odor treatment, or repairs for damaged upholstery, we have the skills and equipment to do the job right.
With years of experience in the industry, we understand how important it is to treat your furniture with the care and attention it deserves. We take pride in offering top-notch upholstery cleaning that extends the life of your furniture and enhances the comfort of your home.
If you’re ready to give your upholstery the professional care it deserves, contact Chase Carpet Care today to schedule a consultation. We’ll ensure your furniture looks and feels fresh, clean, and inviting.
