Upholstery means the soft and cushioned parts of your furniture. This includes your sofas, chairs, cushions, and even headboards. Upholstered furniture makes your home feel cosy and inviting. But, unfortunately, it also tends to get dirty quickly. Dust, crumbs, stains, pet hair, and unpleasant smells can pile up, making your furniture look old and unattractive.
Taking good care of your upholstery doesn’t have to be difficult. Proper cleaning helps your furniture stay clean, smell fresh, and last longer. But if you’re like many people, you may not know where to start or how to clean it the right way. Don't worry—that’s where we come in!
Here, we’ll share 10 super-easy tips to help you care for your upholstery. And if you’re still unsure or need extra help, upholstery cleaning services are always there to step in for a deeper clean. These easy steps don’t require fancy tools or special skills. Just follow along, and your furniture will always look and feel great!
Tip 1: Vacuum Every Week
Vacuuming is one of the simplest and most important things you can do. Dust, dirt, crumbs, and pet hair settle on your furniture every day. If you don’t clean it up, that dirt will go deep into the fabric, making it much harder to deal with later.
How to do it:
- Vacuum your furniture at least once a week.
- Use the small brush or upholstery tool on your vacuum cleaner.
- Pay close attention to corners, edges, and the spaces between cushions where dirt loves to hide.
- Always be gentle as you clean to avoid damaging the fabric.
Why this helps:
Vacuuming removes daily dirt, keeps your furniture fresh, and stops unwanted smells before they start. It’s fast, easy, and makes a huge difference over time.
Tip 2: Clean Spills Right Away
Spills happen all the time, whether it’s coffee, juice, or even sauce from your dinner. Acting fast can save your upholstery from permanent stains.
How to do it:
- When you spill something, grab a clean cloth or paper towel and gently blot the liquid.
- Avoid rubbing! Rubbing spreads the stain and makes it worse.
- For tougher spills, mix a little warm water with mild soap. Use another clean cloth to dab the area gently.
- Always test products on a hidden area to ensure they won’t harm the fabric.
Why this helps:
Dealing with spills immediately stops stains from soaking into the fabric. Fresh stains are much easier to clean than old ones. If you’re dealing with stains that won’t budge, consider reaching out to professional upholstery cleaning services.
Tip 3: Use Fabric Covers
If you want an easy way to keep your upholstery clean, try using fabric covers. They’re great for protecting your furniture from spills, dirt, and pet hair. They can also give your room a quick new look!
How to do it:
- Buy soft, washable covers that fit snugly over your furniture.
- Choose colours or patterns that match your room decor.
- Wash the covers every one to two weeks, depending on how often you use the furniture.
Why this helps:
Covers act like superhero shields for your upholstery. They keep dirt and stains from reaching the fabric underneath, and they’re easy to clean or replace when needed.
Tip 4: Keep Pets Off the Sofa
We love our pets, but they can be messy when it comes to upholstery. Hair, dirt, and even that wet dog smell can be hard to remove once it settles into your furniture.
How to do it:
- Train your pets to sit on their special beds or blankets instead of the sofa.
- If they must sit on the furniture, use a washable blanket or throw to protect your upholstery.
- Use a lint roller or soft brush to clean up pet hair daily.
Why this helps:
Keeping pets off your furniture saves you hours of cleaning and helps maintain its fresh look and smell. If the damage is already done, upholstery cleaning services can give your furniture a fresh start.
Tip 5: Flip and Rotate Cushions
Cushions tend to wear out faster if you always sit in the same spot. To make them last, try flipping and rotating them regularly.
How to do it:
- Flip cushions over every one to two weeks.
- If your cushions are the same size, switch their positions (for example, move the left cushion to the right side).
Why this helps:
By rotating and flipping cushions, you spread out wear and dirt. This keeps your furniture looking even and feeling comfortable for longer.
Tip 6: Use Baking Soda to Remove Bad Smells
Want to freshen up your furniture naturally? Baking soda is an affordable and effective way to remove smells caused by food, pets, and everyday use.
How to do it:
- Sprinkle a light layer of baking soda over the upholstery.
- Wait 15–30 minutes so it can absorb any odours.
- Vacuum the baking soda thoroughly.
Why this helps:
Baking soda is a safe and natural deodoriser. It works like magic to keep your furniture smelling fresh without using harsh chemicals.
Tip 7: Keep Food and Drinks Away
Eating on the couch is tempting, but it’s one of the biggest causes of stains and crumbs. Set boundaries to keep your furniture clean.
How to do it:
- Eat meals at the dining table instead of on the sofa.
- If snacking on the couch is unavoidable, use a tray or towel to catch crumbs.
Why this helps:
Fewer food messes mean less cleaning for you. It also keeps pests like ants and cockroaches from being attracted to your furniture.
Tip 8: Use a Soft Fabric Cleaner
Sometimes, vacuuming and brushing just aren’t enough. A gentle fabric cleaner can help remove small stains and spots.
How to do it:
- Look for a cleaner designed specifically for upholstery or fabric.
- Test it on a hidden area first to ensure it’s safe.
- Gently blot the cleaner onto the stain with a clean cloth. Scrubbing too hard can damage the fabric.
Why does this help?
Fabric cleaners are made to work without harming your upholstery. For tough stains, upholstery cleaning services can step in to restore your furniture.
Tip 9: Avoid Too Much Sunlight
Direct sunlight can fade the colours of your furniture and weaken the fabric over time. Protecting your upholstery from the sun is key to making it last.
How to do it:
- Keep your furniture away from windows where the sun shines directly.
- Use curtains or blinds to block sunlight during the day.
- Rearrange your furniture every few months to avoid sun damage in one spot.
Why does this help?
Minimising sunlight exposure keeps your furniture looking new and its colours vibrant.
Tip 10: Call a Professional Once a Year
Even with regular care, your upholstery will occasionally need deep cleaning. This is where upholstery cleaning services can help. They have the tools and expertise to clean your furniture more thoroughly than you can at home.
How to do it:
- Search online for local upholstery cleaning services with good reviews.
- Book a professional cleaning once or twice a year, especially if your furniture gets a lot of use.
Why this helps:
Professionals use powerful equipment to remove tough stains, deep-set dirt, and odours you can’t handle on your own. This keeps your furniture looking and feeling as good as new.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your upholstery doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult. Whether it’s vacuuming once a week, using baking soda to fight odours, or calling upholstery cleaning services for a professional touch, small steps add up to big results.
Start using these tips today and enjoy fresher, cleaner furniture in your home. Remember, well-maintained upholstery doesn’t just look good; it also helps your space feel cosy and welcoming!
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