Did you spill something on your upholstered fine furniture, or does the upholstery have a stain?
You know you should clean upholstery spills and stains as quickly as possible. What you may not be aware of, however, are the steps you need to take to restore the fabric. Here’s how to get your upholstered fine furniture looking like new again.
Step 1: Thoroughly Vacuum
Pop the upholstery attachment onto your vacuum and use it to clean the furniture. Work from the top to the bottom, sweeping with overlapping horizontal strokes – that way, you’ll pick up all of the dust, dirt and debris. Vacuuming is a must, as you really can’t clean a stain until all the loose particles on the upholstery surface are gone. And sometimes, using the vacuum can help fade stains on fine furniture.
Step 2: Check for a Cleaning Code
Upholstered fine furniture comes with a care tag that has a cleaning code. The code tells you how to safely clean the fabric:
- W – clean with a water-based detergent or upholstery shampoo
- S – clean with a water-free dry cleaning solvent
- WS – clean with either a water-based or water-free product
- X – vacuum only, or have the upholstery professionally cleaned
If you no longer have the care tag that came with your upholstered furniture, do a simple spot test in a hidden area of the fabric. If your test harms the upholstery, turn to a professional for assistance.
Step 3: Spot Clean Obvious Stains
Once you which cleaner to use for your upholstered furniture, it’s time to tackle the stains. Focus on one small area at a time, gently applying the cleaning product with a soft-bristled brush. Take care not to rub the stain, as that can cause the upholstery to pill. Blot away the excess, rinse with a small amount of water and press dry with a microfiber cloth. If the stain remains, you can repeat this step.
Step 4: Gently Clean All Over
When you’re finished spot cleaning, the entire upholstered furniture piece needs to be gently cleaned. Using the same type of cleaner you used to remove the stains and an upholstery brush, clean from top to bottom. Then, use a damp cloth to wipe away any residue. Take care not to get the furniture too wet, and place it by an open window or fan to dry naturally.
If you follow these steps and your upholstered fine furniture is still sporting a stain, check with the manufacturer for advice. Or, speak to a furniture expert – like the professionals at Guild Hall Home Furnishings.
Based in northern Utah, Guild Hall Furniture & Interior Design Center only offers the highest-quality fine furniture and home décor accents, pieces made to last. And, we understand how to properly care for fine furnishings of all different fabrics and materials. For more information on cleaning upholstered fine furniture, stop by our Salt Lake City showroom today.
