Upholstery cleaning can be a simple or involving chore. It depends on the amount of cleaning required and the degree of soiling. The cleaning can vary from spot cleaning to deep cleaning. Some upholstery cleaning Sydney companies advise sofa owners to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for effective and safe cleaning. This article gives some practical cleaning suggestions. For more tips, check out this link for upholstery cleaning.
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Top Upholstery Cleaning Tips
There is dry cleaning and deep wet cleaning. Wet cleaning uses water and solvents of cleaning agents. Before cleaning, it is wise to test the cleaning agents on a hidden upholstery section. This step ensures ineffective or harsh cleaning chemicals do not ruin the upholstery.
Upholstery comprises different fabric types, and manufacturers give special instructions on how to clean them. If the manufacturer left out such details or there is a need for more information, consider the following steps in getting sofa fabric back to its pristine glory:
Remove Loose Dirt and Debris
Brush the material using a soft brush to remove dirt particles and debris without damaging the fabric. It loosens crumbs and old dirt. Lint removers also work well, for instance, in removing pet hair.
Vacuuming the upholstery is another effective option. Vacuuming gets dirt out of crevices and nooks in hidden parts of the furniture. Sometimes, this step suffices for light surface-level cleaning. It is a practical cleaning recommendation to freshen up upholstery every two weeks.
Dab Spots Away
If the vacuuming does not remove light stains, such as spills, use a soaked cloth to blot away the soiled section. A small amount of mild detergent cleans such out efficiently. Since this is also light cleaning, ensure the water does not oversaturate the material. Once the stain is out, air dry the area thoroughly.
Stain Removal
If the fabric has significant staining that detracts from its appearance, check with the manufacturer on the recommended methods and solvents or reagents to resolve this. Some upholstery owners contract professional cleaners for such intense and delicate cleaning. Scrubbing the fabric with a soft brush at moderate pressure also works for such cleaning.
Steaming Upholstery
Schedule deep upholstery cleaning every six weeks or, depending on the degree of the fabric’s soiling, supplement light cleaning. This cleaning requires a steam cleaner or an iron with a steamer. Gently steam the sofa in sections to agitate stubborn dirt. Steaming also eliminates odours.
Do not allow too much water into the padding; it will take longer to dry and could ruin the interior parts. If necessary, seek professional assistance for the cleaning.
Thorough Sofa Drying
Use clean, dry cloths or towels to dab excess moisture out of the fabric to hasten its drying. Failure to dry sofa upholstery ultimately spells disaster because the wetness makes the fabric mouldy. The fabric gives whiffs of unpleasant odours, and sitting on such a seat leaves a wet patch on clothes.
Ventilating the room or pointing a fan towards the fan also hastens its drying. Some people prefer airing the sofa outdoors under the sun for thorough drying.
Final Touch
Considering how cumbersome upholstery cleaning is, vacuum the seat one last time to give it an extra oomph of freshness. For those who like deodorants, this step leaves the upholstery with a pleasant smell from using a scented fabric spray.
Snug with No Worries
Besides the cleaning regimen, it is wise to choose spill-resistant and easy-to-clean fabric when shopping for upholstery. Some furniture owners also invest in removable sofa fabric covers to protect their seats from constant soiling and scratches that accelerate wear and tear. The covers are easier to clean than the upholstery. When hiring professional cleaners, look for licensed ones with good reviews from past customers.