How to clean upholstery for a good as new finish

How to clean upholstery for a good as new finish

How to clean your upholstery is often something that you don’t think about until that unfortunate accident happens and all of a sudden you’re googling how to get pasta sauce out of your sofa. Your upholstery can see lots of wear and tear over time and especially if you have children or pets who are often a mess waiting to happen. 

Accidents happen all the time as part of living a busy life in the home, so giving your couch a good clean, can breathe new life into it and ensure you have the perfect sofa for every setting. Even if the worst doesn’t happen, your upholstery builds up dirt and dust over time so it needs a good refresh every now and then. 

Cleaning your upholstery is often something you can do yourself and with the best upholstery cleaners you can make your item look brand new.

'The best way to clean an upholstered sofa will differ depending on which fabric the sofa has been upholstered with,' says Kelly Collins, interior designer and head of creative at Swyft Home (opens in new tab). 'Velvet, linen and bouclé upholstery might make you panic over stains, but when cared for and dealt with correctly, these fabrics can be surprisingly easy to clean up.’

How to clean upholstery

Kelly Collins from Swyft Home says when it comes to how to clean upholstery, the first thing to do is to stay calm and not panic because that is when mistakes can be made and any accidents can be made worse. 

(Image credit: Future PLC/LIZZIE ORME )

To keep your best sofa looking good, Karl Huckerby, cleaning expert from Spare and Square (opens in new tab) advises, ‘Always follow the care instructions on individual furnishings, and do a patch test on the furnishing before using harsh products.'

The tag underneath the couch helps you know the best cleaning guidelines.

Code W means the fabric needs to be cleaned with water based cleaning products.

Code S means you can only dry clean it or use water free cleaning solvents.

Code W-S means the fabric can be cleaned with water or solvent based products.

Code X means avoid any cleaning agent and it should be vacuumed or handled by a professional only.

1. Remove any dirt or debris

After the arduous task of how to choose a sofa, so you'll want to keep it in good condition long-term (even if that's just to put off choosing a new sofa any time soon). When it comes to how to clean upholstery start by removing any cushions and throws and gently vacuum your sofa with a soft brush or upholstery attachment to remove any dirt or dust.

(Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore)

Pay close attention to the front of the arms of the sofa and the deep folds of your sofa. You can vacuum both fabric and leather sofas to remove things like hair, fluff and any pesky crumbs. The best vacuum cleaners come with a crevice tool to get right into any corners and hard-to-reach areas near the seams and button nooks.

‘For stains like mud, ketchup, lipstick or silly putty, you’ll need to grab a teaspoon and first remove any stain residue with the edge of the spoon,’ says Kelly Collins from Swyft Home.

2. Spot clean any stains

Kelly Collins from Swyft Home recommends using water to begin the stain removal process. ‘Using a white paper towel, apply water to the stain and blot. Do not use circular motions as this will only rip your paper towel and drive the fibres from it into your fabric. It could also potentially make the stain worse. Blotting is time-consuming but highly effective so repeat the process, gently dabbing at the stain until you can’t see it on the paper towel anymore.’

If pure water hasn’t removed the stain, cleaning with white vinegar is a great natural stain remover and is suitable for most types of upholstery. Begin by mixing equal parts water and vinegar and then blot the stain with a clean microfibre cloth before using gentle circular motions. To remove the vinegar smell, mix a mild detergent with lukewarm water and go over the area where you used the vinegar. 

(Image credit: Future PLC/ JOANNA HENDERSON)

For extra stubborn stains use a white bar of soap or specialised upholstery cleaner, but make sure to check your manufacturer's care guide. With leather upholstery extra care may need to be taken, it is best to avoid detergents or antibacterial sprays because any type of alcohol can affect the leather’s surface. The best option is to use a hot cloth and a cleaning product approved by the manufacturer, those with a balanced PH will be kindest to the material. 

Lastly, leave it to air dry, Kelly Collins from Swyft Home stresses the importance of this, ‘You don’t want to use a hairdryer or apply heat to the stain in any way as this could embed the stain into the fibres.’

3. Remove any smells

(Image credit: Future PLC/ BRENT DARBY )

While your sofa or armchair might look lovely and clean on the outside. Deep down its fibres may be holding onto smells from things such as cooking and pets. Simply sprinkle some bicarbonate of soda onto the upholstery and leave it for a few hours to let it absorb all the smells and then vacuum it off.  

What is the best way to keep upholstery clean? 

Karl Huckerby from Spare and Square says, 'Disallow pets from scratching any soft furnishings. Tears and rips made by pets instantly make any piece of furniture look old and run down, so preventing them from getting their claws into anything is vital.'

'Use blankets and throws to protect upholstery,' suggests Karl. 'Placing blankets or throws over the likes of sofas and chairs is a great way to create a barrier between us and the upholstery. This will also mean that less washing of the actual furniture needs to be done, and instead, you can just throw the blanket cover in the wash.

‘Don’t use chairs and sofas as step stools. It might sound obvious, but you might often find yourself standing on a piece of furniture to reach a higher part of the room to place a piece of art or furniture. This will only damage the upholstery and also could be dangerous.’

EASY UPHOLSTERY CLEANING HACKS TO KEEP YOUR HOME HYGIENIC AND MAINTAIN THE LOOK

Do you know that dirt and allergens get trapped in your upholstery, making your home unhealthy? And, the worst part is that you can’t even see this dirt with naked eyes. All you will notice is how your sofa is getting older by the day. If you want to maintain them well, you should know a few easy upholstery cleaning hacks.

If you have kids or pets at home, you must live under constant fear thebestrestoration of soiling your favorite, comfortable sofa. Though it’s best to employ a reliable cleaning & restoration company for the upkeep of your upholstery, some simple upholstery maintenance tips will save you money and time. Whether you have upholstery made of cotton, linen, silk, wool, or leather, there is a solution to maintain any furniture in your home.

Try these upholstery cleaning hacks for the best upkeep of your furniture.

To begin with, vacuum your upholstery regularly. It takes away most of the dust sitting on the surface. Besides, if you have pets, you will have to deal with pet hair. And, if you have kids, be sure to find food crumbs stuck in the corners. Vacuuming will take care of most of these issues.

Use a scrubbing brush to run through the fabric before you begin vacuuming. This will loosen the fibers and allow the vacuum cleaner to suck up the dust settled deep in the upholstery material.

For regular stain cleaning, you can simply mix dishwashing liquid with water and dab it with a clean microfiber cloth. When the fabric is wet and absorbs the cleaning agent, then blot it with a dry cloth. You will notice how your faded sofa will become as good as new.

If you have stained your sofa with any juice or coffee, mix one tablespoon of white vinegar with 2/3rd cup rubbing alcohol and repeat the dab and blot method until the stain disappears.

Dig into your kitchen, and you will find stuff that can help you clean that nasty grease stain off your couch. People swear by baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda on the stain and allow it to sit for about 15 minutes. Vacuum the baking soda. Then dab the area with a cleaning solvent on a microfiber cloth. You may also make a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the stain and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Dip and wring a microfiber cloth in water and scrub clean the baking soda paste mildly off your couch or chair.

If you have pets, their hair sticks on the fabric. Many a time, vacuum cleaners are also unable to get rid of all the hair. There is a simple hack to handle this. Tape. Make a mitten out of the tape with the sticky side on the outside. Then gently rub your hand on the fabric, and all the hair will stick to the tape, leaving your sofa clean.

If you have a leather sofa, you can use these easy leather upholstery cleaning tips to make the couch look clean and new. Mix half a cup of olive oil with 1/4th cup of white vinegar into a spray bottle and spray over the affected area. Rub it with a microfiber cloth, and you will have a clean leather couch. Alternatively, you may also rub coconut oil with a clean cloth onto the leather surface, and you will notice how easily your couch will shine like new.

Things to Remember While Using the Upholstery Cleaning Hacks

Attend to the stain as soon as possible. If left for more time, the stain will become more challenging to remove.

Don’t rub the stain too much. Dab it with the cloth and the cleaning agent. Rubbing will smudge and spread the stain.

Test the cleaning agent in a hidden area before using it to ensure it won’t harm your fabric. Upholsteries are made of different materials. These upholstery fabric cleaning tips may work for one fabric and may not for another.

Why You Should Consider Professional Upholstery Cleaning

You can obviously not get your upholstery cleaned by professionals every day. It would help if you used upholstery maintenance tips to keep your furniture neat and clean on a daily basis. But you must consider taking professional help once in a while. Here’s why.

You have to deep clean your furniture to get rid of the trapped dust. The accumulation of dust fades the color of the fabrics making the furniture look old.

Professional cleaning removes any foul odor completely.

If there are stains that you can’t clean at home, you can leave them to the experts.

Allergens are in the air, but they settle and get trapped in your upholstery. Get rid of them by hiring professional help.

Now that you know the upholstery cleaning hacks use them to clean your furniture regularly. But get in touch with companies offering upholstery cleaning in Gainesville FL, to have them deep cleaned periodically.

Care and Maintenance

Fine home furnishings are designed and crafted for lasting enjoyment. As with any quality product, care and maintenance are critical to ensuring that longevity. The following are recommendations for the various materials and finishes in the Lexington Home Brands product assortment.

FURNITURE, STONE, AND METAL CARE

Dust with a clean microfiber or lint-free cloth, rubbing with the grain

Avoid using furniture waxes, polishes or oils that can build up on surfaces

Clean surfaces with mild soap and water, drying immediately afterward

Wipe up spills or smudges immediately

Protect surfaces from scratches using felt pads, placemats or tablecloths

Never set drinks or liquids directly on surfaces

Do not leave plastic or rubber materials on surfaces

Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or heat sources

Avoid contact with hot dishes or objects

Avoid contact with solvents like nail polish remover or alcohol

Do not use cleaners on metal, brass or stone items

FABRIC AND LEATHER UPHOLSTERY CARE

Avoid placing furniture in direct sunlight or near a heat source

Vacuum furniture to prevent the accumulation of dust or debris

Flip cushions and pillows regularly to keep filling equally distributed

Fluff pillows after use to maintain shape

Never remove cushion covers for cleaning

Never put cushion covers into a washer or dryer

All fabrics and leathers have specific cleaning codes

Use a professional cleaning service whenever possible

Allowing pets on upholstery will void the fabric warranty

FABRIC CARE

Fabrics are classified into one of four categories for the purpose of care and cleaning. This code is noted on each fabric swatch. Cleaning methods are suggested by the fabric manufacturer. Lexington Home Brands is not responsible for a failure to clean using these methods. It is always recommended to contact a cleaning professional for best results.

W – Clean only with water-based shampoo or foam upholstery cleaner. Do not saturate. Do not use solvents to spot clean. Pile fabrics may require brushing to restore appearance.

S – Clean only with dry-cleaning solvent. Do not saturate. Do not use water. Pile fabric may require brushing to restore appearance.

SW – Clean with shampoo or dry-cleaning solvents as desired. Do not saturate with liquid. Pile fabrics may require brushing to restore appearance.

X – Do not clean with either water or solvent-based cleaner. Use vacuuming or light brushing only.

LEATHER CARE

Leather is classified into one of three categories – Aniline, Semi-Aniline, or Protected. Lexington’s leather samples are marked with the corresponding first initial indicating the suggested cleaning code.

General Care:

Protect from sunlight, as exposure over time will cause fading.

Always maintain at least two feet of space between leather furniture and any heating source, such as vents or radiators. This helps prevent the leather from drying out over time.

To remove accumulated surface dust, vacuum or wipe with a clean white cloth on a weekly basis.

For oil, butter, or grease stains, absorb any excess with a clean dry cloth. Then leave the stain alone. If it does not dissipate completely, it will become part of the leather’s unique characteristics.

Never use saddle soaps, cleaning solvents, furniture polish, oils, varnish, abrasive cleaners, detergents, or ammonia on upholstery leather. Lexington leathers have been permanently preserved during the tanning process and require only simple cleaning. Harsh chemicals may alter or damage leather.

A - Aniline leathers wear well but are susceptible to staining. They will fade over the years if exposed to direct sunlight. For the treatment of oily spills, see above. For non-oil-based spills, blot immediately with a dry, soft, white cloth. If the spill has penetrated the leather, dampen the cloth with lukewarm distilled water and gently massage the stain and surrounding area. Allow it to air dry.

SA - Semi-aniline leathers can be cleaned with a mild soap and water solution. Since this leather has a natural/translucent protective coating applied, it will be easier to clean than pure aniline, but we encourage addressing sooner than later to prevent penetration. For the treatment of oily spills, see "General Maintenance" above. For non-oil-based spills, think a 1:3 ratio where one is a mild soap to three parts water. Use a soft white cloth to blot dry.

P - Protected leathers are easy to clean. For the treatment of oily spills, see above. For non-oil-based spills, blot immediately with a dry, soft, white cloth. If the spill has penetrated the leather, dampen the cloth with distilled water and gently massage the stain and the surrounding area. Gently blot dry with a clean white cloth. Allow it to air dry.

­­­­­­­­Tommy Bahama Outdoor Living

Care and maintenance instructions for outdoor products are significantly different than those for indoor home furnishings. Tommy Bahama Outdoor Living products incorporate a variety of materials that have been developed to withstand the elements and crafted for lasting enjoyment. As with any quality product, care and maintenance are critical to ensuring that longevity – especially in outdoor environments.

Outdoor furniture covers are always recommended when furniture is not in use. In extremely harsh climates, particularly where temperatures drop below freezing, it is recommended that furniture be stored indoors. The following are recommendations for the various materials and finishes in the Tommy Bahama outdoor assortment.

ALUMINUM AND STAINLESS STEEL FRAMES

Aluminum frames, bases, and tops are easily maintained but should be handled with care like any other fine furniture because of their custom artisan finishes. They should be cleaned with a solution of mild soap and water. For additional protection, a premium quality automotive wax may be applied. When storing furniture, drain any water that may have accumulated in the frame. This may require turning the frame upside down or on its side. Failure to drain standing water may result in freeze damage, which is not covered by the warranty.

ALL-WEATHER WOVEN WICKER

Clean with a soft cloth using a mixture of two tablespoons of mild liquid soap to one gallon of warm water. Do not use solvents, janitorial cleaner, alcohol-based cleaners/protectants, petroleum-based products, ammonia-based cleaners, scouring agents, or bleach.

LANYARD CORDING

Premium lanyard cording is made of PVC and Polyester yarn and will not stretch. The product is UV resistant, colorfast, abrasion resistant, heat resistant, and has high tensile strength. Clean occasionally with mild soap and water and rinse thoroughly.

NATURAL TEAK

Tommy Bahama Outdoor Living uses only the finest quality plantation-grown, sustainably-harvested teak in its designs. The indigenous color of teak is golden brown. With age, the

patina turns to an elegant silver tone. Regularly oiling teak will cause it to retain its original color longer. Most prefer the teak to age naturally. Teak can be cleaned with mild soap and water. Teak surfaces should never be pressured washed. Premium teak oil can be purchased at a home improvement store or a marine supply store. Varnish is not recommended as a surface coating.

GLASS AND PORCELAIN TOPS

Use a mild soap and water solution to clean glass tops. Avoid surface scratches by using felt pads or placemats for protection.

ALUMINUM TOPS

Aluminum tops are easily maintained but should be handled with care like any other fine furniture because of their custom artisan finish. Avoid surface scratches by using felt pads or placemats for protection. Tops should be washed with a solution of mild soap and water. For additional protection, a premium quality automotive wax may be applied.

NATURAL STONE TOPS

The natural beauty of stone, travertine, and marble is unsurpassed. It will last for years if properly maintained. As a porous material, however, it does require more care than man-made materials. Tommy Bahama stone tops have been professionally sealed to resist moisture and staining. This treatment offers resistance but not prevention. Over time, the factory sealant will lose its protective properties, exposing the stone to potential staining or damage. To ensure the longevity of the top, it should be sealed with a penetrating sealer, available at any tile or home improvement retailer, twice each season. In climates where temperatures fall below freezing, stone tops must be stored in a dry, protected location. If not, water penetrating into the stone may freeze and crack the top. Stone tops should be cleaned regularly with a soft cloth or sponge and a mild soap solution. Rinse with plenty of water to remove soap residue and dry thoroughly immediately after cleaning. Do not use any abrasive, alkaline-based, or acid-based cleaners or solvents. Blot all spills and stains immediately and avoid exposing the top to standing liquids.

WEATHERSTONE and GFRC TOPS

Weatherstone and Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) tops are man-made products that showcase the best attributes of natural stone while offering exceptional durability. Tops are UV resistant, stain-resistant, and protected with a polyurethane sealant, that significantly reduces the need for cleaning and maintenance. They are manufactured using a unique composite of fiberglass and concrete, making them extremely strong. Because they are hand-finished, no two tops are exactly alike. When being transported, the edges must be protected, as they will chip or crack if dropped on a hard surface. They should never be rolled. To extend the life of the top, it is best to cover the top when not in use. In climates where the temperature falls below freezing, tops should be stored in a dry and protected location. Tops should be cleaned with a mild solution of soap and water. Do not use stone or concrete sealers, waxes, or any acid-based cleaners as these may react with the sealer coat. Wipe spills immediately and avoid exposing the top to standing liquids. If the top is accidentally damaged due to handling or use, standard water-based paint may be used for a touch-up.

UPHOLSTERY CUSHIONS

The exclusive Tommy Bahama Outdoor Living WeatherGuard™ cushion is engineered to be highly water-resistant, mildew resistant, and anti-microbial while offering the most comfortable seating in the industry. In fact, comfort is superior to most fine indoor upholstery. The unique construction consists of (4) distinct layers:   

The inner core is 1.8 lb. density, high-resiliency foam that provides unparalleled support, functioning like a box spring in premium bedding. It is both mold and mildew resistant.   

The second layer is soft-cell foam, designed to provide a relaxed but supportive seat, like a plush mattress.   

The third layer is spun polyester fiber, which is inherently anti-microbial and functions like a pillow-top, offering down-like comfort and a luxurious “crown” to the cushion.    

The fourth layer is a wrapping of water-resistant non-woven ticking that is thermally sealed to prevent water penetration into the layers below.

Clean minor spills with mild soap and a damp cloth. Always rinse thoroughly with water. Pat dry to remove excess water and then allow to air dry. Do not clean using residential or commercial washers or dryers. Do not dry clean. Cushions should be covered or stored indoors when not in use.

NOTE: The application of supplemental fabric treatments to cushions is not recommended and may void the warranty. Performance fabrics are already treated, and the addition of supplemental protectants may adversely affect the fabric. Certain tanning products may cause staining to fabrics.

While cushions and performance fabrics are highly water-resistant, extended exposure to soaking conditions will eventually cause water to penetrate. If wet cushions are handled, standing water is prone to migrate through the fabric casing. In such cases, allow cushions and fabric casings to air dry.

UPHOLSTERY FABRICS

The Tommy Bahama Outdoor Living program includes fabrics and trims from industry leaders in performance technology. A “performance fabric” is one with the following attributes:   

Colorfast dyes that are highly resistant to fading from UV exposure   

Fibers that are inherently resistant to mold and mildew   

A tight weave to withstand the wind and elements   

A durable finish for superior stain and water resistance

Fabrics should be cleaned by removing dirt before it becomes embedded, wiping spills as soon as they occur, and spot cleaning soon after stains occur. Fabrics should be cleaned with a mild solution of soap and water and rinsed thoroughly afterward.

General cleaning: Brush off loose dirt. Prepare a cleaning solution of 2 ounces (1/4 cup) of mild detergent per gallon of lukewarm water. Use a sponge or a soft bristle brush to clean. Allow cleaning solution to soak into fabric. Rinse thoroughly to remove all detergent residue. Allow fabric to air dry.

Spot cleaning: Apply a light mist of mild detergent and water using a spray bottle. Work the solution into the stain by lightly scrubbing the area with a sponge or very soft bristle brush. Rinse thoroughly to remove all detergent residue. Blot excess moisture with a clean, soft towel or sponge. Air dry, repeat rinsing and blotting until all soap residue is removed.

Heavy stains: Performance fabrics do not promote mildew growth; however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric. To clean mildew, or other stubborn stains, prepare a solution of 8 ounces (1 cup) of bleach and 2 ounces (1/4 cup) of mild detergent per gallon of clean water. Spray on the entire area and allow to soak into the fabric for 15 minutes. Remove stain with a sponge, clean towel or soft bristle brush. Rinse thoroughly to remove all detergent residue. Allow fabric to air dry.

FIRE PITS

Installation and operational instructions for all fire pits are included with these units, and available from Lexington at the following address:

Lexington Home Brands 1300 National Highway, Thomasville, NC 27360. Attention: Customer Care.

WARNING: Failure to specifically follow these instructions will void the warranty on Products and may subject the purchaser or operator to significant property damage and potentially fatal injury.