Introduction
Upholstered furniture can be one of the most difficult items to keep clean in your home. Upholstery is prone to dust, dirt, and stains that can be hard to remove without the right tools and techniques. Fortunately, there are several ways you can clean your upholstered furniture, from simple vacuuming to more intensive deep cleaning. This article will provide step-by-step instructions on how to clean an upholstered chair so you can keep it looking like new.
Vacuum the Chair Thoroughly
Vacuuming is the first step in cleaning an upholstered chair. This helps remove dust, dirt, and other debris that can accumulate over time. It also helps prepare the fabric for deeper cleaning.
Preparation
Before you begin vacuuming, make sure to remove any loose cushions or pillows from the chair. Also, make sure to check the area around the chair for any small items that may become lodged in the vacuum cleaner.
Method
Once you’ve prepared the area, you can begin vacuuming. Start by vacuuming the top of the chair, then move to the sides and the back. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. If the chair has removable cushions, make sure to vacuum them as well.
Safety Tips
When vacuuming, be careful not to press too hard on the fabric. This can damage the fibers and cause unnecessary wear and tear. Also, avoid using a brush attachment as this can snag or pull on the fabric.
Use a Soft Brush to Scrub Away Stains
For tougher stains, you may need to use a soft brush to scrub them away. This method works best on stubborn stains that won’t come out with just vacuuming.
Preparation
Before you start scrubbing, make sure to test the fabric for colorfastness. To do this, take a damp cloth and dab it onto an unseen area of the fabric. If the cloth picks up any color, do not proceed as the fabric may bleed when scrubbed.
Method
If the fabric passes the colorfastness test, you can begin scrubbing. Start by mixing a solution of mild detergent and warm water. Dip a soft brush into the solution and gently scrub the stained area. Work in small circles and use light pressure. Once the stain has been removed, rinse the area with clean water and allow it to dry completely.
Safety Tips
Be sure to use a gentle motion when scrubbing and avoid pressing too hard as this can damage the fabric. Also, avoid using harsh chemical cleaners as these can cause discoloration or fading.
Spot Clean with Upholstery Cleaner
For tougher stains, you may need to use an upholstery cleaner. These types of cleaners are specially formulated to deep clean fabrics and remove tough stains.
Preparation
Before you begin spot cleaning, test the cleaner in an unseen area of the fabric. This will help ensure that the cleaner won’t discolor or damage the fabric.
Method
Once you’ve tested the cleaner, you can begin spot cleaning the stained area. Apply the cleaner directly to the stain and use a soft brush to scrub it away. Work in small circles and use light pressure. Once the stain has been removed, rinse the area with clean water and allow it to dry completely.
Safety Tips
Make sure to follow the directions on the upholstery cleaner carefully. Some cleaners may require you to dilute them before use or may need to be mixed with other products. Be sure to read the label and follow the safety precautions.
Use Baking Soda for Stubborn Stains
Baking soda is a great natural solution for removing stubborn stains from upholstered furniture. It is a mild abrasive that works to lift dirt and debris without damaging the fabric.
Preparation
Before you begin, make sure to test the fabric for colorfastness. To do this, take a damp cloth and dab it onto an unseen area of the fabric. If the cloth picks up any color, do not proceed as the fabric may bleed when scrubbed.
Method
Once you’ve tested the fabric, you can begin spot cleaning with baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda onto the stained area and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then, use a soft brush to scrub the area in a circular motion. Once the stain has been removed, rinse the area with clean water and allow it to dry completely.
Safety Tips
Be sure to use a gentle motion when scrubbing and avoid pressing too hard as this can damage the fabric. Also, avoid using harsh chemical cleaners as these can cause discoloration or fading.
Try a Natural Solution Such as Vinegar and Water
Vinegar and water is another great natural solution for cleaning upholstered furniture. The vinegar acts as a natural disinfectant and deodorizer, while the water helps to dilute it and make it safe for use on fabrics.
Preparation
Before you begin, make sure to test the fabric for colorfastness. To do this, take a damp cloth and dab it onto an unseen area of the fabric. If the cloth picks up any color, do not proceed as the fabric may bleed when scrubbed.
Method
Once you’ve tested the fabric, you can begin spot cleaning with vinegar and water. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and shake to combine. Spray the solution onto the stained area and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then, use a soft brush to scrub the area in a circular motion. Once the stain has been removed, rinse the area with clean water and allow it to dry completely.
Safety Tips
Be sure to use a gentle motion when scrubbing and avoid pressing too hard as this can damage the fabric. Also, avoid using harsh chemical cleaners as these can cause discoloration or fading.
Deep Clean with a Steam Cleaner
Steam cleaning is a great way to deep clean your upholstered furniture. Steam cleaners use hot water and steam to penetrate deep into the fabric and remove dirt, dust, and other debris.
Preparation
Before you begin, make sure to test the fabric for colorfastness. To do this, take a damp cloth and dab it onto an unseen area of the fabric. If the cloth picks up any color, do not proceed as the fabric may bleed when steam cleaned.
Method
Once you’ve tested the fabric, you can begin steam cleaning. Fill the steam cleaner with clean water and turn it on. Move the steam cleaner slowly across the fabric, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Allow the fabric to dry completely before replacing the cushions or pillows.
Safety Tips
When steam cleaning, be careful not to press too hard on the fabric. This can damage the fibers and cause unnecessary wear and tear. Also, avoid using a brush attachment as this can snag or pull on the fabric.
Test Cleaners in an Unseen Area Before Using
No matter which cleaning method you choose, it’s important to always test cleaners in an unseen area of the fabric before using. This will help ensure that the cleaner won’t discolor or damage the fabric.
Preparation
Before you begin, make sure to locate an unseen area of the fabric. This could be a hidden corner or behind a cushion. Make sure to mark this area so you don’t accidentally clean it.
Method
Once you’ve located the unseen area, you can begin testing the cleaner. Apply the cleaner to the area and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, wipe off the cleaner with a damp cloth and check for any discoloration or damage. If none is found, the cleaner is safe to use.
Safety Tips
Always follow the directions on the cleaner carefully. Some cleaners may require you to dilute them before use or may need to be mixed with other products. Be sure to read the label and follow the safety precautions.
Conclusion
Cleaning an upholstered chair can be a daunting task. But with the right tools and techniques, you can keep your chair looking like new. From vacuuming to spot cleaning and deep cleaning with a steam cleaner, there are several ways to keep your upholstered furniture looking its best. With a little bit of effort, you can keep your upholstered chair looking fresh and inviting for years to come.
Summary
Cleaning an upholstered chair can be a challenge. But with the right tools and techniques, you can keep your chair looking like new. This article provided step-by-step instructions on how to clean an upholstered chair using a variety of different methods such as vacuuming, scrubbing, spot cleaning, and deep cleaning with a steam cleaner.
Final Thoughts
Upholstered furniture can be a challenge to keep clean. But with the right tools and techniques, you can keep your upholstered chair looking like new. Whether you choose to vacuum, scrub, spot clean, or steam clean, you can keep your upholstered furniture looking its best for years to come.
