The Ultimate Guide To Cleaning Upholstery For a Fresh NY Home

The Ultimate Guide To Cleaning Upholstery For a Fresh NY Home

No matter if you live in a small apartment in Brooklyn or a big living room on the Upper West Side, your upholstered furniture is a place to relax and connect. But it also gets dirty from spills, and allergens because you use it every day. Cleaning upholstery can be scary because you could ruin delicate fabrics if you don't do it right. If you take care of your furniture, it will stay looking nice and new. This guide will teach you how to clean upholstery the right way and when to hire a pro.

What Do You Need To Consider When Cleaning Upholstery?

You need to know what kind of fabric your upholstery is made of before you clean it. These initial steps are very important to keep things from getting smaller, fading, or stained.

  • Look for a tag with a cleaning code from the manufacturer. Common codes are W (water-based), S (solvent-based), WS (either), and X (vacuum only).
  • To test for colorfastness, put your cleaning solution in a place that isn't easy to see, like under a cushion, and then blot it with a white cloth. If the color transfers, don't keep cleaning while it's wet.

List of Things To Do Before You Clean

Getting ready is the first step for a good cleaning. This makes sure that the upholstery cleaning session is safe and works well.

  • Vacuum Thoroughly: Get rid of all the dirt, crumbs, and pet hair that are loose on the surface, seams, and cushions by using an upholstery attachment.
  • Get Everything Ready: White cloths, a brush with soft bristles, and a cleaning product that works with the code on your fabric (for W, use mild detergent; for S, use a solvent).
  • Clean The Area: Take off pillows, cushions, and anything else that is on the furniture so that you can reach every part of the surface.

A Step-By-Step Guide On How To Spot Clean Upholstery

This is a quick and safe way to clean up small stains and spills that happen right away. The most important thing is to act quickly and not get the fabric too wet.

  • Step 1: Use a clean, white cloth to blot the spill, and don’t rub it. To keep the stain from spreading, start cleaning from the outside and work your way in.
  • Step 2: For fabrics with a W code, mix a little bit of mild dish soap with cool water. When using a dry-cleaning solvent, make sure to read the S codes on the label.
  • Step 3: Wet a cloth with your solution, wring it out well, and gently dab the stained area. Don't soak the fabric too much, or it could harm the padding.
  • Step 4: Use a cloth that has been dampened with clean water to dab the area to rinse it. After that, use a dry towel to soak up as much water as you can.

Extra Tip: The Dry Refresh Method

To get rid of smells, cover the whole upholstered surface with a lot of baking soda and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. For a deeper clean, leave it overnight. After that, use a vacuum to clean the area well so that all the baking soda is gone. This dry method works well to get rid of smells and keep your furniture smelling fresh between deep cleans. It works great and is completely safe.

The Last Step: Making Sure It Dries Well

The last and most important step in cleaning upholstery is to make sure it is completely dry. If things are dried out properly, mold, mildew, and bad smells can't grow.

Tip: Make The Drying Process Go Faster

Wait until the fabric and cushions are completely dry to the touch before putting them back on. This will help the furniture dry faster and more evenly. You can also use a fan to move air around the piece directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How often should I clean the upholstery?

If you have kids or pets, you should vacuum once a week and do a deep clean every 12 to 24 months.

Q2: Can I use a steam cleaner on my furniture?

Yes, if the fabric tag has a "W" or "WS" code. If you use steam on fabric with a "S" or "X" code, it could damage it permanently and make it smaller.

Q3: How do you best clean furniture that has pet stains on it?

For new accidents, soak up the water and use a cleaner that works on pet stains. This will get rid of the smell and break down the proteins.

Q4: What is the reason I need to hire a professional to clean my upholstery?

Professionals know how to clean, sanitize, and protect your furniture without harming it. They also have the right tools to do the job right.

Q5: What should I look for in the best upholstery cleaning company?

Look for companies that have certified technicians, good reviews that mention specific fabrics, and a promise to use safe and effective methods if you want a real deep clean.

Your Favorite Furniture Deserves Expert Care

You might know how to clean upholstery to keep it looking nice, but sometimes you need to hire a pro. If you have stains that won't come out, pet smells that won't go away, or if you want to give a valuable piece of furniture the best and safest cleaning possible, it's time to call the professionals.

247 Carpet is the best place to get your upholstery cleaned so that your chairs, sofas, and other furniture look and feel like new again. Contact us today for a professional evaluation, and our experts will help you keep your investment safe for years to come.