Effective And Helpful Tips For Cleaning Upholstery

One of the most common cleaning queries people have usually pertains to cleaning upholstery. The couch is undoubtedly the most popular piece of furniture in the house. It is also one of the biggest investments therefore; a little attention as well as prevention can help in keeping upholstered furniture beautiful and clean for years to come. Simply cleaning or wiping upholstery may not enough. One has to be extremely thorough while cleaning upholstery so that it doesn't smell bad nor have stains on it. Here are few helpful tips for cleaning upholstery effectively.

Use Spatula:

One should remove excessive dirt and prepare the area before using a cleaner. This can be done by making use of a plastic spatula and lightly scraping off any dust particles. A plastic spatula is gentle and soft and has no corrugated areas that can pull the fabric. So, it can be used safely.

Vacuum:

The upholstery should be vacuumed on a regular basis to prevent dirt particles and crumbs from causing any damage. This is the key to clean upholstery. One must use the crevice nozzle and upholstery attachments to give the upholstery a thorough vacuum while, covering all sides of the cushions, the frame cover and every nooks and crevices. Steam cleaners can also be used to remove stains or to carry out deodorizing and cleaning of upholstery.

Home-Made Cleaner And Stain Remover:

Before using any stain remover, one must test a small area first to check its effectiveness and then use it on the entire upholstery. Most stains can be removed easily with the right products. For cleaning upholstery using a home-made cleaner, one must mix warm water and dish washing liquid properly to ensure that there is sufficient foam. This foam must be applied over the upholstery using a sponge. Later, cold water should be used to rinse the surface and the furniture must be left to dry.

For stains and odor, one must make a paste with white vinegar, salt, and Borax and apply it on the stains in circular movements using a brush. Allow the paste to dry out before washing it off to obtain stain-free and odorless upholstery.

Hydrogen peroxide:

Hydrogen peroxide works like magic on food-based stains such as wine or grape juice. It easily removes the strain left by grease and oil with minimal effort. It can also get rid of coffee stains as well as mold or mildew. Similarly, ink stains are best removed by hair sprays or alcohol.

Baby Wipes:

Baby wipes are an extremely helpful non-abrasive cleansing tool for getting rid of stains from upholstery. They're soft and moist, and can deodorize and sanitize stains by delivering the correct amount of water and soap. Additionally, baby wipes are pretty gentle and can evaporate quickly.

Scotchgard:

One can spot treat any kind of existing stains with a Scotchgard Spot Remover or any other commercial spray upholstery cleaner. This spray is designed to be directly applied to upholstery stains. Moreover, it doesn't entail rinsing; one can simply wipe it off with a cloth.

Woolite:

Woolite manufactures foam based upholstery cleaner. This foam can be applied and allowed to sit for the specified amount of time mentioned on the package before wiping it off with a soft cloth. However, even after wiping if any cleaner deposit remains, dab the area with a soft cloth drenched in white vinegar to remove it.

OxiClean:

OxiClean is a well-known commercial cleaner used for cleaning upholstery and fabrics. One must dissolve OxiClean in warm water before using it because the powder form can be too strong and it can damage the fabric. After dissolving OxiClean, it can be applied to the upholstery with the help of a soft cloth and the manufacturer's instructions must be followed about the length of time it can be left on the furniture before washing it away.

Overall, the results will indisputably be positive if the above mentioned commercial products and homemade cleaning tips are used for cleaning upholstery. Understanding the correct and effective ways to clean upholstery is vital in order to keep the furniture beautiful and to extend its life. These effectual methods will also help to keep the upholstery bright and new.