If you have upholstered furniture at home, you probably want to keep it looking its best. Lucky for you, caring for upholstered furniture is quick and easy to do. Taking the time to give your upholstered furniture some regular love can keep it looking fabulous for years to come.
Whether you are in the market for some gorgeous upholstered pieces, or if you’ve already got a home full, consider these steps to keep your furniture fabric looking great.
1. Clean Spills Immediately
There is one cardinal rule when it comes to upholstered furniture: spills must be treated immediately. Many types of upholstery come pre-treated with soil and water repellents, which will help prevent stains. In some instances, your fabric may have also been treated with mildew inhibitor, which is a nice touch too. Despite these delightful accommodations, if anything spills on your upholstery, the key is to act fast. The fact that your furniture was pre-treated does not give you permission to be lazy.
When a spill happens, gently blot the area immediately with a clean towel, being careful not to rub. Then follow your manufacturer’s instructions for care. Then, take a look at the manufacturer’s instructions to find out whether you need a water-based or solvent-based cleaner. You may want to perform a spot test with the cleaner in a hidden spot. Finally, apply your chosen cleanser a little bit at a time, and work it around with a soft brush. Wait for the area to dry, and then vacuum away any residue.
2. Vacuum Your Furniture
During your weekend be sure to dust and mop. Take a few minutes to vacuum your upholstered furniture. By removing dirt, crumbs, pet hair, and other debris, you prevent these substances from getting crushed into the fibers, and slow down the deterioration of your fabric. Don’t forget to remove the cushions and vacuum underneath!
If you come across dirt or crumbs that are stuck on, use a small brush or whisk to loosen them. Always do this gently and use a soft-bristled tool to prevent snags in the fabric.
3. Protect Your Furniture from Sunlight and Pollutants
It can be easy to get too much of a good thing. Just like your own skin, your upholstered furniture can be damaged by too much sunlight. Frequent doses of UV rays can cause your furniture to fade, weaken, and fray.
Another thing to think about is fumes. Things like cooking odors wafting in from your kitchen, smoke from cigarettes or a fireplace, or even strong perfumes can get absorbed by your fabric causing it to stink or even slowly break down over time.
Take all of this into consideration when you are deciding where to put that chaise lounge. Try to place your upholstered furniture in places where it is does not receive heavy sunlight or overexposure to stinky smells.
4. Hire a Professional
One of the very best ways to treat your upholstered furniture right is to have it professionally cleaned about every six months to one year. A professional cleaning will have your beloved upholstery looking, feeling and smelling like new. Contact Cedar Park Upholstery Cleaning for all your upholstery needs.