You've bought your first furniture set and now you need to take care of it. Having a sofa is great and definitely adds to the beauty and atmosphere of your home, but you also need to know how to clean it and take care of it properly, otherwise you will have a grubby, tattered futon squatting in your home before long.
Basically, you just have to remember two general rules for cleaning upholstery. Loose dirt and stains are the two most common culprits in dirtying your furniture, so knowing how to deal with these two will allow you to clean them up easily and painlessly. When it comes to loose dirt, you can just vacuum or brush them away. You have to do this as soon as possible, though, before the dirt gets embedded in the fabric. As for cleaning up stains and spills, you can use a dry cloth to soak up and wipe away the liquid.
But the best way to learn about proper cleaning of upholstery, however, is to first learn the cleaning codes. There are individual cleaning methods recommended for each type of fabric, so you have to know what they are. Look for the cleaning codes on one of the tags attached on your furniture, as they will tell you how to properly clean your upholstery. If you can't find the code, try cleaning a little spot in an inconspicuous area of the furniture to test for compatibility. Currently, there are four cleaning codes used by the industry. I have included them here for your additional information, with the relevant explanation of each.
W Vacuuming and light dusting are recommended. Use only water-based cleaning agents or foam from mild detergents or non-solvent upholstery shampoo. Use a circular motion to clean the area with a soft brush or cloth
S You can also vacuum or dust lightly. Use water-free cleaning solvents or dry-cleaning solutions for spot cleaning. Be sure to avoid using products with carbon tetrachloride. Use a soft cloth and clean the upholstery in a well-ventilated area. Getting the services of a professional cleaner is also recommended.
WS This is quite easy, since you can use any of the recommended methods above. When using a solvent or dry-cleaning product, be sure to do it in a well-ventilated area. Avoid products with carbon tetrachloride.
X Vacuuming and light dusting only. Do not use liquid cleaning agents of any kind. Using water-based cleaners or solvents may cause shrinking and/or damage the appearance of the upholstery.
Try to clean your upholstery at least every month. If you have a futon, try to flip the cushions over at least once a month, and wash the covers at the same time as well. When you use liquid cleaning agents or foam, you can remove the excess foam with a spatula or even a piece of cardboard. And remember to keep the material as dry as possible during cleaning; this will help keep the fabric from shrinking.
Basically, you just have to remember two general rules for cleaning upholstery. Loose dirt and stains are the two most common culprits in dirtying your furniture, so knowing how to deal with these two will allow you to clean them up easily and painlessly. When it comes to loose dirt, you can just vacuum or brush them away. You have to do this as soon as possible, though, before the dirt gets embedded in the fabric. As for cleaning up stains and spills, you can use a dry cloth to soak up and wipe away the liquid.
But the best way to learn about proper cleaning of upholstery, however, is to first learn the cleaning codes. There are individual cleaning methods recommended for each type of fabric, so you have to know what they are. Look for the cleaning codes on one of the tags attached on your furniture, as they will tell you how to properly clean your upholstery. If you can't find the code, try cleaning a little spot in an inconspicuous area of the furniture to test for compatibility. Currently, there are four cleaning codes used by the industry. I have included them here for your additional information, with the relevant explanation of each.
W Vacuuming and light dusting are recommended. Use only water-based cleaning agents or foam from mild detergents or non-solvent upholstery shampoo. Use a circular motion to clean the area with a soft brush or cloth
S You can also vacuum or dust lightly. Use water-free cleaning solvents or dry-cleaning solutions for spot cleaning. Be sure to avoid using products with carbon tetrachloride. Use a soft cloth and clean the upholstery in a well-ventilated area. Getting the services of a professional cleaner is also recommended.
WS This is quite easy, since you can use any of the recommended methods above. When using a solvent or dry-cleaning product, be sure to do it in a well-ventilated area. Avoid products with carbon tetrachloride.
X Vacuuming and light dusting only. Do not use liquid cleaning agents of any kind. Using water-based cleaners or solvents may cause shrinking and/or damage the appearance of the upholstery.
Try to clean your upholstery at least every month. If you have a futon, try to flip the cushions over at least once a month, and wash the covers at the same time as well. When you use liquid cleaning agents or foam, you can remove the excess foam with a spatula or even a piece of cardboard. And remember to keep the material as dry as possible during cleaning; this will help keep the fabric from shrinking.
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