We all want our upholstered furniture to look its best, but sometimes the best intentions can actually cause damage. Keeping your furniture in a tip-top condition means knowing what not to do as much as what to do. Whether you rely on professional house cleaning services in Alleman, IA or prefer to take care of your furniture yourself, it’s important to know how to protect your investment and keep your furniture looking great longer. Let’s go over the most common upholstery cleaning mistakes and the best practices to follow instead.
Here’s what you need to avoid:
Too much water can do more harm than good. It might seem effective at first, but it can soak into the cushions, which can then lead to unpleasant odors and even mold. Always use just enough moisture to dampen the fabric and ensure your room is well-ventilated to help things dry out faster.
Strong chemicals might promise powerful results, but they can be too harsh for delicate upholstery fabrics. They can fade colors and weaken fibers, leading to premature wear. Always pick mild, upholstery-friendly products, and don't forget to spot test them in a hidden area first to make sure they won’t cause damage.
Every piece of furniture comes with a set of care instructions that are specifically tailored to its materials. Skipping these can lead to costly mistakes. Always check the manufacturer's guidelines before applying any product.
A vigorous approach might be tempting when you’re trying to remove a stubborn stain, but it can actually push the spill deeper into the fabric. Instead, blot gently with a fresh, absorbent cloth, working from the outside of the stain inward to avoid spreading it.
Here’s what to do instead:
A simple vacuuming with an upholstery attachment can capture an amazing amount of dirt and dust that, if left unchecked, can wear down your furniture’s fabric. Make it a habit to vacuum at least once a week, or more often if your home includes pets or kids.
The sooner you tackle a spill, the less time it has to set into the fabric. Use a fresh cloth to gently dab at the spill until you’ve absorbed as much as possible. For more stubborn stains, consult the care tag for advice on which products are safe to use.
You can usually check if a product is safe for your type of upholstery on its care tag, if it has one. Look for ‘W’, ‘S’, or ‘WS’ to see if you should use a water-based or solvent-based product. This is extremely important, as solvent-based solutions are extremely strong and could ruin materials that they’re not appropriate for. You can use a simple solution of mild dish soap and water for fabrics marked with 'W'.
It’s important to let your furniture dry completely to avoid any mildew or mold issues. Open windows or use a fan to circulate air and speed up the drying process. Don’t use the furniture until it’s fully dry.
phClean is here to make your space shine! Our dedicated, respectful and kind technicians will do their best to make your home look and smell amazing. If you need us to pay special attention to something, just let us know. For example, some clients want us to give their windows a little extra care to make them spotless, while others want us to carefully tackle their marble countertops. Whether you live close to the KCCI Tower in Alleman or in one of the surrounding cities, you can count on our help. Reach out today to schedule your next appointment and keep your home looking welcoming and beautiful!