Five Pressing Upholstery Cleaning Problems Solved

Do you find upholstery cleaning a thankless task? Something that makes your to-do later list far too often? If so make it easier and simpler. How? With these the time tested tips for getting a fresh couch fast.

Problem – Clinging Pet Hair: Icky stuff that’s for sure. For some it’s like pet hair is all over.

Given not everyone is a fan of hairless cats have you tried a lint roller? This works best for mild hairy infestations. Now for more serious cases masking tape or a moist rubber glove that can be run over the upholstery may do the trick. Approach this task with one of those plastic grocery bags so you have someplace to stick the hair you’ve liberated.

Make It Easier Next Time: Buy one of those commercial sprays that cuts down on the static or get a throw that can be thrown into the washer for your pet’s favorite chair.

Problem – Seat Crevices Full of Dirt, Dust and Debris: Ugh! Seems to accumulate out of no where.

After you have shaken out the soft cushions to eliminate the big stuff approach this challenge with your trusty hand held vac by your side. Or use the upholstery attachment and crevice tool that came with your full sized model to suck up all the nasty dirt, dust and debris. Just take care with stiffer bristles. These can easily damage some fibers.

Remember to: Be sure to check for loose upholstery buttons or threads before unleashing the vacuum.

Problem – Crumbs Everywhere. Setting a no-food-on-the-couch policy helps. While vacuuming gets up those crumbs some mysterious gremlins brought in when your back was turned.

Problem – Stubborn Stains: Spills are a fact of life. Responding promptly is the key before the stain has a chance to set.

Like I said spills happen. It’s what you do next that counts. First you want to blot up the spill best you can. Just don’t start rubbing away at the spill thinking you’re doing your fabric any favors. As such actions only drive the spilled materials deeper into the fibers themselves. For fabrics that aren’t water safe reach for the dry cleaning solvent and apply sparingly. Otherwise use a few drops of dish washing soap diluted in a cup of water and dab at the stained area being careful not to overwet things.

Problem – Deep Cleaning: Good to do every once in a while.

Use the right product for the right material. It’s smart to read the labels attached to your upholstery to check if the fabric requires a professional cleaning. To prevent fiber damage always pre-test the solvent on a spot hidden from view. Keep in mind less is more when it comes to shampoos and cleaning solutions. After cleaning allow the upholstery to dry before letting anyone sit on it.

Granted, keeping upholstery nice and clean requires time and effort. But these five tips should help make upholstery cleaning a snap. I mean regular vacuuming of the cushions alone along with dusting any hard surfaces can take care of more than half of your furniture care chores. While faithfully getting to gathering animal hair, grime buildup and spills before they set in can help to keep your upholstered fresh and spotless.