How to Maintain Your Upholstered Furniture
It can be difficult to keep your furniture looking like new. In order to prolong the life of your upholstered furniture, regular
care is essential. Without it, the upholstery will begin to wear and tear, giving it an old, discolored look. There are a few
methods of cleaning that can be done regularly and are relatively effortless.
Topical Stain Protector
Often times it can be helpful to apply a topical stain protector to your furniture before using it. Stain protectors will
help repel spills, block stains, and resist soils to keep your furniture looking newer, longer. These protectors will
eventually wear off so it is a good idea to reapply every few years. However, be aware that these protectors do not and
should not substitute regular care.
Be sure to contact the manufacturer of your furniture for the
correct recommended stain protector.
Vacuuming and Light Brushing
Daily vacuuming or light brushing will remove tiny particles of dust, food and dirt that often times go unnoticed. This dirt
can cause substantial damage to your furniture in the long run if it is not removed. These methods of cleaning will prevent
dirt from setting in between the fibers in your furniture. For extra care, try placing a piece of screen over your vacuum
nozzle. This will prevent snags and tears in the fabric.
Rotate Your Furniture
Rotating your seat cushions can prevent excessive build up from settling on the fabric. If the cushion is reversible, turn them
over periodically. This will prevent sagging and distribute wear evenly.
Direct sunlight can cause fading and discoloration on upholstered fabrics. Try and keep your furniture as far away from sunlight
as possible. If not, rearrange your furniture frequently to avoid patches of fading.
Avoid placing items such as newspapers, paints, inks, nail polish and nail polish remover on or around the furniture. These
items can cause discolorations and stains to form if they come in contact with your furniture. In addition, some dark colored
throws and blankets should not be used on light bodied sofas, as they can transfer color when wet.
Cleaning Stains
Time is of the essence when it comes to cleaning upholstered furniture. The longer a stain remains on the upholstery the harder
it is to remove, so act fast! Also, always test an area on your furniture that is not visible to make sure it will not discolor
or destroy the fabric.
The first thing to do before cleaning any piece of furniture is to check the manufacturer’s label for instructions on cleaning
and/or the cleaning code. Fabric cleaning codes go as follows:
- W - Clean with water based agent
This code refers to fabrics that are man made, for instance, nylon and polyester. For these types of fabrics, it is best to spot
clean using the foam from a water-based cleaning agent such as a mild soap, detergent or non-solvent upholstery cleaner.
- S – Clean with mild water-free cleaning solvent
This code refers to fabrics that are of made of natural fibers. If water is used on fabrics like cotton, linen,
silk and wool, it may cause a permanent discoloration.
- WS – Clean with a mild sovent, with or without water
Fabrics with this code can be cleaned with both a water-based solvent or a water-free soap. Follow the instructions for either
the "W" or "S" cleaning codes above.
- X – Clean only by vacuuming or light brushing
Fabrics with this cleaning code should only be cleaned by vacuuming or light brushing. Cleaning agents such as shampoo or
water may stain, destroy or discolor the fabric.
After it is understood which cleaning agent would be best for your particular type of upholstery, there are a few things you
should keep in mind when trying to remove a spot, stain or spill.
Liquid spills should be absorbed immediately to avoid a bigger problem. Take a dry white absorbent cloth or paper towel and
always work from the outer edge towards the center of the stain to avoid spreading. Rub the stain in a circular motion, but
not too hard as this could cause the fabric to snag and ruin. It is better to blot than to scrub. If the spill consists of
solids such as jelly or butter, scoop up the excess with a soft edge spoon. Be sure not to let stains dry before cleaning.
After the excess liquid and solids are lifted off the furniture, apply the cleaning agent.
Keep in mind some fabric codes prohibit the use of any cleaning agents. Use a white towel to
apply the liquid and be sure to not over-saturate the fabric. Using a colored towel could discolor the fabric and create a
bigger stain. Blot the towel over the stain with cleaning agent and continue by using different parts of the towel until the
entire stain is absorbed. After the stain has been rubbed out of the upholstery, pat the area dry, and use a blow dryer on a
low/cool setting or an area fan.
It is important to remember that the cushion covers should never be removed and put into the wash or sent to the dry-cleaner,
even if there are zippers on the cushions (unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer). Doing so could result in covers that
no longer fit or become discolored.
Always contact your manufacturer if you are unsure about the correct cleaning code for your fabric.
Patching a Hole in Fabric or Vinyl:
- Locate and remove a piece of excess material from a hidden area of the furniture that is large enough to cover the hole.
- Trim the upholstery to match the hole and surrounding pattern.
- Apply an iron-on patch or apply adhesive to the back of the damaged area.
- Use fabric adhesive or a small iron-on patch to install the material patch in the hole.
- Allow the adhesive to fully dry before use.
In both cases, make sure that your iron is set to the correct temperature for the type of fabric that your furniture is
upholstered with.
Cleaning your furniture does not have to be a major chore. With these helpful hints, and general up-keeping, your furniture
will look as great as the day you bought it.
