Just like the clothes you wear every day, couches and household furniture tend to come into contact with all kinds of wear and tear, such as oils, dirt, hair, food, and other residues. We understand how hard it can be to avoid all the mess, especially if you have children and pets running throughout your home! While all of this is normal, the mess can be quite an eyesore. If you find that it is time to give your couches or furniture a cleanse, we’re here to help you learn how exactly you clean your upholstery in the most effective and safe manner possible!
Removing Dirt
When removing dirt from your furniture, you have to be especially careful to ensure that you don’t spread dirt around and make it worse. Before applying any chemicals, you should give your piece a quick cleanse with a vacuum to pick up any crumbs or large pieces of dirt. Start at the top of your furniture and slowly work your way down with short horizontal strokes. It is important to be gentle; that way, you don’t smudge your couches. You can apply a mixture of dish soap and warm water and use a brush to dampen the upholstery. You can finish by using a cloth to absorb any excess water.
Cleaning Stains
Getting stains out is tough, but it’s possible. The faster you attend to a spill or stain, the easier it will be for you to get it out of your furniture. The best way to treat these marks is by using a spot cleaner or dry cleaning solvent for the specific type of upholstery you are working with. If your fabric doesn’t create water stains, you could even use a dampened cloth and use it with a mixture of warm water and dish soap. You are supposed to gently blot the stain and press to absorb the liquid, don’t smear or scrub! You can also use a sponge and wring out regularly to make sure the stain comes out.
Restoring Colors and Treating Discoloration
With time, your furniture might lose its color. This can happen due to “browning”, which is just a way that your upholstery collects dirt and residue over time, hiding its natural colors and textures. To treat this problem, you can use a fast-drying shampoo designed to be used on upholstery and furniture. Similar to treating and removing dirt, you will want to give it a quick clean with a vacuum and proceed by following the instructions on the solution you choose. Absorb the area and wring the towel out and apply foam to the area as needed. It might also be best to let the foam sit for anywhere from five to ten minutes for a more effective result.
Deep Cleaning Furniture
Maybe you don’t have problems with stains or smudges. Sometimes, you can’t see the residue, but you can feel it. If this is the case, a deep clean might be necessary. Imagine if your guests come into your home and can feel the residue and dirt themselves! Baking soda is one of the best chemicals to use, and it is safe for most upholsteries. You can sprinkle your couch or furniture with baking and allow it to sit for twenty to thirty minutes. Use a gentle brush to thoroughly remove the baking soda or mixture. For tough stains, you could also use a mixture of ¾ cup of warm water, ¼ cup of vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of dish soap and apply as necessary.
Shampooing Furniture
For a deeper and even more wonderful clean, you could even consider opting for a steam cleaner, which also helps with a wide range of upholstery types. Steam cleaning not only helps revive the colors of your upholstery but also softens the textures and leaves a long-lasting aroma. Of course, you have to wait for your cushions to dry before you can start using your furniture.
General Tips for Cleaning Linens and Upholstery
In addition to using chemicals, here are some other tips to keep in mind:
- Make sure to only apply water or chemicals to the upholstery. Avoid metals or wood.
- Test an area that is not easily seen on your couches to make sure chemicals aren’t harmful or discoloring.
- Cleaning techniques should be used on synthetic or natural-woven linens
Find the Cleaning Supplies You Need at Baron Chemical!
Baron Chemical has a wide variety of cleaning supplies. Whether you’re looking for something cost-effective, eco-friendly, or anything to get the job done, you can find what you need at our shop. Contact us today to learn more about how our cleaning supplies can help you.