8 Tips To Clean Your Upholstery

01 Mar 8 Tips To Clean Your Upholstery

Though we try to avoid them, spills and accidents are inevitable. The best way to handle stains is knowing how to remove them when they happen. Acting immediately and cleaning regularly will aid in maintaining your upholstery to a pristine condition. At Smart Choice Cleaning, we understand the importance of well-maintained furniture, which can be difficult to sustain due to a busy schedule. Our professional upholstery cleaning services throughout Alexandria, VA, include a thorough cleaning of every room, from windows to the floorboards. Below are a few tips on how to clean and maintain your upholstery:

1.     Using Morse Code

Your upholstery may have possibly come with a cleaning code that tells you the piece’s preference. The code could be “W” which means it’s acceptable to use water. “S” means to use a non water-based solvent, such as alcohol. “S/W” is the use of either and “X” means you are not able to use any of them — you can only vacuum. With the right solvent, spray it lightly on the area you want to clean, then blot it with a clean white cloth or scrubby sponge. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the safety of your upholstery.

2.    Water Isn’t Always The Answer

Though water is effective, it is not the most effective. Try a water-free solvent first. These are specially formulated to exterminate stains and are inexpensive.

3.     Treat and Protect

There are many brands of upholstery treatment products made to protect your furniture from stains. If you haven’t already treated your furniture, it may be advantageous for you to do so.  They are highly-effective in preventing stains  from wine, coffee, soda, and other substances, thus protecting the appearance and texture of your upholstery and maximizes its life span.

4.    Baby Wipes

Using baby wipes is an excellent way to clean the surface of furniture upholstery, especially through quick spot cleanings. Keep a small pack stashed in the living room so you can have fast access to them whenever you suddenly need to remove stains before they have time to set in.

5.    Vacuums: The Dirt Buster

Dirt is that unseemly nuisance that homeowners can’t seem to get rid of. Not only does it look unsightly, but dirt can wear away upholstery fibers if not cleaned properly. Use a stiff-bristle brush attachment to loosen the debris and vacuum it right up. You can even use the crevice tool on the vacuum to reach nooks in the furniture like in between the sofa and the cushions.

6.    Blot, Don’t Scrub

Like with every stain, it is important that you blot the stain instead of rubbing it. Rubbing can cause the stain to go further into the fibers or may damage the upholstery. Simply let the stain remover sink in and do what it was meant to do.  Then, using a microfiber cloth, blot the stain away.

7.     Pets and Plastic Gloves

If you have a pet, then you know the hassle of their hair being everywhere. Though we try to keep them off the furniture, that is not always possible. If you find yourself needing to remove pet hair, take a rubber glove and rub it over your furniture. The static that the glove creates will lift the hair from the surface and you will be able to vacuum it up right away.

8.    Blankets and Throw Pillows

Don’t forget the items that decorate your furniture. Throw your blanket and pillows in the laundry with cold water to maintain them. Make sure that your items are completely clean to ward off mold. If you are unsure if your pillows are washable, spray it with an essential oil and water mix and throw it into the dryer with tennis balls to flatten them out.

Smart Choice Cleaning: Expert Upholstery Cleaning Services in Alexandria, VA

Keeping your furniture maintained and clean will ensure that its life is preserved. If you are looking for a professional service to help sustain the life of your upholstery, look no further than Smart Choice Home Cleaning. Our cleaning professionals have experience in thorough upholstery cleaning, carpet cleaning, tile and grout cleaning and more. We are able to tackle any stain and will leave your furniture looking as good as new. To learn more about our professional cleaning services, contact us at (703) 445-1440 for a free estimate!