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How to Properly Clean and Maintain Upholstery

Key Takeaways:
- Upholstered furniture is often a major investment in both time and money. This is why it’s a good idea to properly maintain your upholstery.
- Vacuuming your upholstery weekly is necessary, but you should also know the specific material type and how to spot clean stains without causing damage.
- Professional cleaners have the expertise and tools for a thorough, deep-down clean that leaves your upholstery looking, feeling, and smelling its best.
Buying furniture is often a major investment for both apartment renters and homeowners alike. A lot of thought goes into your choice of couches, armchairs, padded dining chairs, recliners, sectionals, and ottomans. These pieces are made with padding, springs, foam, and fabric coverings that require proper care.
Stephco Cleaning shares what you need to know to protect and maintain your upholstered furniture so your investment stays beautiful and functional for years to come.
How to Properly Clean & Maintain Upholstery
There’s more to maintaining your upholstery than emergency stain removal. The right care protects your fabric from the long-term effects of dust, mold, and debris.
No matter what type of fabric you have, it should be vacuumed at least once a week. Use a crevice tool to really get into all those nooks and crannies that have accumulated dust, crumbs, pet hair, and other debris. A brush attachment can also help sweep up debris from between the fibers.
This regular maintenance is an easy but important part of upholstered furniture care. But what happens if you spill or stain the material?
Stain Removal
There are two important things to remember when it comes to stain removal for any piece of furniture and any type of fabric:
- Act quickly
- Use the right cleaning products for the material type
The quicker you act to remove the stain, the less chance it has to settle in. For wet spills, especially, this means avoiding damage to the interior materials, such as foam or padding. When these items get wet, they take longer to dry, which can lead to mold or mildew.
For solids, such as food, remove the pieces as soon as you can. This helps avoid crushing the spill into the fabric, which may attract pests and dust mites.
The second step to proper stain removal is knowing how to clean the specific type of fabric on your furniture. Some steps you can take include:
- Know your fabric type as soon as you buy your furniture. Your new piece of furniture likely comes with a tag that includes a cleaning code:
- W is for water. This means you should use only water or water-based products to clean the material.
- S is for solvent. This means you should avoid water and use only cleaning products specifically designed for this material. Designated upholstery cleaners are usually your best bet in this case to avoid permanent damage.
- W/S stands for water OR cleaning solvent.
- X stands for no liquid cleaner. Use a vacuum or dry brush ONLY.
- Have certain natural cleaners on hand, such as club soda, baking soda, vinegar, and gentle detergent.
- Keep clean microfiber clothes and soft-bristled brushes on hand. These help clean your fabric without ruining it.
- Always dab the stain, rather than rubbing it in. Start from the outside and work your way inwards.
- Test your cleaning method in a low-visibility area, like the back, before using your products in an emergency.
Being prepared for stains means you’ll be able to jump into action as soon as they happen.
DIY Vs. Professional Upholstery Cleaning
DIY stain removal is good for immediate care to prevent food, beverages, or other messes from sinking in and attracting mildew. And regular maintenance, like vacuuming, can help your upholstery look fresh and clean from week to week. DIY is also a cost-effective method of cleaning that doesn’t require you to make an appointment and wait for your service professional.
However, when it comes to the best stain removal and regular maintenance, there’s no substitute for professional cleaning. Professional cleaners are expertly trained and certified to handle even the toughest stains. They are equipped with industrial-grade tools and cleaning products designed for specific upholstery materials to keep your furniture safe. A pro furniture cleaning technician knows how to get to the root of the problem to remove every bit of debris or dust. With this level of expertise, you not only remove a stain or get rid of surface dust, but you get a deep-down clean that has your upholstery looking, smelling, and feeling like new!
FAQs: Cleaning & Maintaining Upholstery
Q: How often should I have my upholstery professionally cleaned?
A: We generally recommend you have your upholstery professionally cleaned at least once a year to prevent debris and dust build-up. For high-use furniture, such as the family room couch, or in homes with pets or small children, it’s a good idea to do a professional cleaning twice a year.
Q: What happens if I can’t get a stubborn stain out of the material?
A: If you’ve tried all of our tips, yet that stain remains, call a professional. Companies such as Stephco Cleaning have the industrial-strength yet eco-friendly tools and products to remove even the most set-in, stubborn stains from furniture.
Q: What’s the best material for furniture longevity and maintenance?
A: That depends on several factors, including:
- Your local climate
- Whether there are pets or children in your home
- Frequency of use
- Your personal style
Cotton is a breathable fabric that can be dyed almost any color to match your style and decor. Wool is naturally stain-resistant and durable. Microfiber is soft yet repels spills. Leather repels dust and is easy to clean. The choice is ultimately yours!
Protect Your Upholstery With Professional Cleaning
Stephco Cleaning & Restoration has proudly served homes in Eastern Massachusetts for over 45 years. We provide outstanding residential upholstery cleaning, as well as residential carpet and floor cleaning.
Request a free estimate today to prolong the life and beauty of all your home’s furniture and fabric accessories!
Stephco Cleaning & Restoration Blog
Reliable, responsive cleaning and restoration in and around Boston for over 45 years.

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