Upholstered armchairs and sofas are comfortable and attractive additions to
any home. When neglected, however, upholstery can quickly turn into next
year’s yard sale’s featured item. Help the upholstered furniture in your
dining room, living room, family room and bedroom last for years and years,
by getting to know the ABC’s of upholstery preventative and corrective care.
Stop Damage Before it Occurs
Protect Upholstery from: SUNLIGHT, NEWSPAPER INK, FABRIC DYES, PAINTS &
POLISHES
Allow common sense to dictate what you should keep from harming your
upholstered furniture. Sunlight will fade upholstery, so keep your
upholstered couches, armchairs and ottomans away from the window, or else
well-shaded. Put your newspaper on a coffee table or side table, to avoid
ink damage to your upholstered furniture.
Other items that can cause permanent damage include dark-colored sheets and
blankets, for when damp or wet, the dark dyes on these fabrics can rub off
and ruin your upholstery. Finally, paints and polishes, such as nail or shoe
polish, should never be used on upholstery. Make sure to cover your
upholstered furniture when painting your living room, dining room, or
bedrooms!
Keep it Clean!
1: Vacuum, 2: Damp-Dust, 3: Professionally Clean
Cleaning upholstered furniture is easy as 1, 2, 3. First, Vacuum as often as
possible. Second, damp-dust arms and headrest areas with cleaning solution
recommended by the manufacturer. Third, indulge occasionally in professional
cleaning for maximum dirt and dust particle removal.
Here’s a tip for keeping your favorite chairs & couches clean: Don’t be
fooled by the zippers on those cushions: the cushion covers are NOT meant to
be removed and washed separately! Before you vacuum, remove the cushions.
Beat them, rotate them, then vacuum them.
Spills happen. The key to avoiding a permanent stain is to react in the
manner most appropriate to the type of spill. For liquid spills, don’t rub
the spot, BLOT. Use a fresh, clean paper towel. For food or solid spills,
first lift as much of the spill as possible with a dull knife or a spoon,
scraping gently towards the center. For powder or cigarette ash spills,
don’t add a liquid or rub. Instead, vacuum up the spill.
When remnants of the spill still remain, use a fabric cleaner. Here are
some guidelines:
Check manufacturer’s label for cleaning instructions and recommendations.
Codes on the labels are as follows:
W=water based cleaning agent;
S=water-free solvent;
WS=water based or water-free agent okay;
X=clean only by vacuuming or light brushing.
Test water or cleaning agent in a hidden area of the upholstered furniture
before applying to the stain.
Be patient when applying cleaning agent. Go slowly to avoid causing a ring
or spreading the stain. You may need to use several doses, blotting each
time with a clean paper towel. Only blot, never rub.
Use a fan or cool blow dryer to speed up drying process, working from outer
edge of spill to inner. If velvet, use a brush on fabric before it dries.
If a stain remains, call a professional cleaner.
A-Z Home Stain Removal Chart:
Look it up. And remember, don’t rub, BLOT! |
