Furniture is big expense inside your home. Why pay for furniture and NOT do everything you can to keep it clean and looking new?
Don’ts for Upholstery
A couple of things you should avoid to help keep your furniture looking great:
- Don’t spill food and drinks on furniture
- Don’t drop open markers or pens
- Don’t drop makeup
- Cigarette smoke can ruin your upholstery
- Cooking with greases can also have adverse affects on upholstery
- Muddy dog and cat paws are bad
- Insisting upon the “Favorite” spot on the couch
Okay, so am I asking you to give up your life for the life of your sofa? Of course not, but I am asking you to be a little more aware of factors that can cause issues.
Frequency of Cleaning
Question… when was the last time you vacuumed your upholstery? If you don’t know, it’s time. Upholstery should be vacuumed at least once a month to help remove the dust and dirt of every day life, most of which you don’t even see until it is too late.
Upholstery should also be professionally cleaned every 12-18 months, just like your carpet.
A professional will know exactly how to clean and maintain your upholstery. They will know how to brush it, which detergents to use, how to use them properly, and how to remove them along with the dirt and grime. A professional will also be able to leave you with more tips on how to maintain your upholstery in between professional cleanings.
Spills Protocol
What should you do if you spill something on your upholstery?
- Act quickly
- If the spill is a dry substance like make up (blush, etc.), chalk, or even ashes, do not attempt to wipe it up. Use the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner and suck it up. If some of the substance still remains, bang on the upholstery near the spill. (Do not bang on the spill as it may smear it into the fibers) This will help to loosen more of the spilled substance and you can use the vacuum once again. Any remaining substance can be removed with a lint brush or masking tape.
- If it is a wet spill, remove any solids from the area (food, etc). Do this by lifting them straight up to avoid spreading the spill. A spoon is handy for this job. Use a towel (preferably white to avoid possible dye transfer to your upholstery) and blot the area. Do not wipe or rub as this may spread the spill. As a towel becomes wet, replace it with a dry towel. Use mild pressure to absorb as much of the liquid as possible. If you have a store bought upholstery cleaner, use it as directed. ALWAYS test in an inconspicuous spot first to determine if it will create any adverse conditions. Dry it with a fan or hair dryer set on the cool setting. DO NOT use heat to dry.