Over time, crumbs, pet hair, dirt and stains can build up on your couch. Regular Furniture Cleaning can keep your fabric upholstery looking fresh and extend its lifespan.
Start with a vacuuming, using the brush attachment to reach nooks 매트리스청소 and crannies. Then, use a cleaning solution suited to your fabric. Always test your cleaner in an inconspicuous spot.
1. Vacuum
Your vacuum cleaner is one of your best tools for removing daily debris, whether it’s sucking up crumbs from the crevices of your sofa or dusting the slats of your blinds. Using the right attachments can also ensure that dust and dirt don’t make their way behind your furniture, where they can cause health problems like asthma or hay fever.
When you vacuum your upholstered furniture, remember to use the upholstery brush attachment and a lower suction setting to preserve the fabric. It’s also a good idea to move furniture away from the walls and use the crevice tool for those hard-to-reach spots like between the legs of your sofa or chair, narrow windowsills, or corners of rooms.
If you have a high-traffic area, like the couch in front of the TV, we recommend vacuuming it every 2- 3 weeks. If the furniture is rarely used, every month or two should be sufficient.
2. Spot Clean
If your furniture upholstery is covered with stains, dirt, pet hair and crumbs, it’s time to do some spot cleaning. Spot cleaning is a preventative technique that involves addressing small spills or stains as soon as they occur rather than waiting until they require a full-scale cleaning session. It’s an important aspect of home maintenance because it helps keep your living space clean and hygienic, while also extending the life of your furniture.
Start by referring to the manufacturer’s instructions or fabric code for your sofa. If your couch says “W” (washable) or “S” (use water-based cleaners), remove the cushion covers and launder them as instructed. If your sofa is covered in a durable fabric like twill, cotton, or canvas, you can usually spot clean it with a mild cleaning solution.
Mix a tablespoon of dye-free dish soap with warm water and dip a clean cloth into the solution. Use this to rub the affected area, being careful not to over-saturate the fabric. Once the stain is lifted, blot it with a dry cloth and allow it to air-dry. This can be done as frequently as necessary to keep your upholstered furniture looking fresh and new. Adding this step to your regular vacuuming and deodorizing routine will help extend the life of your couch and other furniture pieces.
3. Rinse
Whether you used a wood cleaner or just soap and water, rinse the area to remove any cleaning product residue. A clean cloth dipped in distilled water and wrung nearly dry is ideal for this step. If the furniture is leather, you can apply a furniture cream after rinsing to re-moisten and protect the finish.
To clean a fabric sofa, first check the care tag for directions. A “W” means the couch can be cleaned with water; a “S” indicates only solvent-based cleaners should be used; a “WS” means you can use both types of cleaner; and an “X” is for professional cleaning only.
If the label says “W” or “S/W,” use a mild detergent or water-based cleaner like Murphy’s Oil Soap Wood Cleaner ($4, Target) and a damp cloth to spot clean. Rinse the spot well, and allow to air dry. For stubborn spots, try a combination of equal parts lemon juice and cream of tarter. Rub the mixture into the stain, then rub away any remaining dirt with a damp cloth.
Finally, vacuum or sweep the entire piece of furniture to remove any loose dirt particles. Then give it a final buffing with a soft cotton cloth to remove smudges and create a shiny shine. Repeat this process every 3-6 months to keep your furniture looking its best.
4. Dry
Keeping furniture clean not only makes it look better, but extends its lifespan, too. Vacuuming is the easiest way to keep fabric upholstery clean, and it’s even more effective if you take out all the cushions and vacuum them. Try to do this every week.
For upholstered pieces that can be cleaned with water, first check the care tag to see which cleaning methods and products are safe. Fabrics with codes W, S or W/S are suitable for water-based cleaners, while X fabrics should be professionally cleaned only.
If your couch is W-coded, you can spray it with a solution of half cup water and a cup of white vinegar in a clean spray bottle. Apply the solution to a section of the couch, and then blot with a clean cloth to lift dirt. Don’t rub, which can damage the fabric.
For leather, a little more special attention is needed to protect it from aging and cracking. If your couch is covered in faux or genuine leather, a turpentine mixture is an excellent way to protect it from the sun’s damaging UV rays. To make the mixture, combine three-quarters of a cup of boiled linseed oil and one-quarter of a cup of turpentine in a jar and shake well. If your couch is not in direct sunlight, you can also protect it by using a window shade or placing it away from the windows.