Avoiding Common Upholstery Cleaning Mistakes: How to Keep Your Furniture Fresh
Keeping your furniture clean and looking its best isn't as simple as wiping down a few surfaces every so often. When it comes to upholstery, there are a few common mistakes that people make in the cleaning process that can lead to long-term damage or reduced effectiveness of the cleaning. This blog post will discuss some of the common errors people make when cleaning their upholstery and how to avoid them in order to keep your furniture looking and feeling good for longer.
1. Not using a furniture-safe cleaner
One of the most important things to keep in mind when cleaning your upholstery is to use a product specifically designed for use on furniture, and not just any household cleaner. Many store-bought cleaners are not meant to be used on fabric and can discolor, weaken, or ruin the fibers if they get too wet. Using a furniture cleaner, one that is specifically designed to be safe for use on upholstery is the best way to ensure that your furniture is not permanently damaged in the cleaning process.
2. Over-saturating the fabric
No matter what type of cleaner you choose, it is important to avoid the temptation to over-saturate the fabric with liquid. Doing so can cause the fibers to become weakened, leading to tears, rips, and other damage. When cleaning, always use a damp cloth and moderately dampen the area to be cleaned. Then work on a small area at a time, using gentle strokes to stay within a small radius and avoid getting the fabric too wet.
3. Scrubbing too hard
When cleaning any type of fabric or upholstery, it is important to give it the gentlest treatment possible. Scrubbing too hard or using harsh abrasive scrubbing tools can cause permanent damage to the fabric, and will likely not get the results you are looking for. Instead, use gentle strokes with a soft cloth dampened in the cleaner, and if necessary, a soft-bristled brush.
4. Not protecting the fabric
Upholstered furniture is often prone to spills and messes, and not properly protecting the fabric can cause long-term staining and damage. A good upholstery protector will help guard against spills and messes, making it easier to clean up the mess and avoiding permanent staining.
5. Leaving dirt and residue
When you clean any piece of furniture, one of the most important things to remember is to properly remove all dirt and residue from the fabric. Leaving dirt and debris behind will add a layer of grime and cause the fabric to feel stiff, even after it has been cleaned. If you find yourself with stubborn dirt, use a soft brush to remove it, and then follow up with a fabric or upholstery cleaner to get the area looking like new.
6. Ignoring the instructions
No matter what type of cleaner or fabric protector you use, always make sure to read the instructions and follow them accordingly. Not following the instructions can result in an ineffective cleaning job and cause permanent damage to the upholstery. Pay careful attention to any warnings listed on the bottle and make sure to use the product as directed.
7. Using too much cleaner
When it comes to cleaning upholstery, a little goes a long way, and using too much cleaner can often work against you. Too much cleaner can leave a residue on the fabric and cause it to become sticky or smell strongly of the cleaner. Using too much cleaner can also leave behind a film, which will attract more dirt and grime and make the furniture look less clean.
8. Too much water
Using too much water when cleaning upholstery can cause the fabric to become weakened and easily damaged. For best results, always use a damp cloth and moderately dampen the fabric with water. Avoid saturating the area with water and work on a small area at a time to prevent damage to the fabric.
9. Not waiting for the fabric to dry
When you have finished cleaning the upholstery, it is important to allow it to properly dry before using it again. This is especially important if you have used a fabric protector, as it needs time to properly soak in and protect the fabric. Allow at least an hour to let the fabric dry before using the furniture again.
10. Not testing the cleaner
Before using any cleaner on an expensive or delicate piece of furniture, always make sure to test the cleaner first. Apply a small amount to an inconspicuous area of the fabric to make sure it won't discolor or damage the fabric. Once you have tested the cleaner in a small area, you can move on to cleaning the rest of the upholstery.
11. Skipping the vacuum
Regularly vacuuming upholstered furniture is an important step in the cleaning process that is often overlooked. Vacuuming the furniture can help to lift embedded dirt and debris, making it easier to clean and prevent deep staining. Use a brush attachment on the vacuum and gently go over the entire surface of the furniture to remove dirt and grime.
12. Ignoring pet hair
Pet hair can be difficult to remove from upholstery and can often lead to stubborn dirt and grime buildup. If you have pets, make sure to vacuum them weekly using an attachment to help remove the embedded pet hair from the fabric. Also, make sure to use a cleaner specifically designed to remove pet hair to ensure that it is properly lifted from the fabric.
While tackling upholstery cleaning on your own may sound like a great idea, it is important to remember that cleaning upholstery is a delicate job and is best left to professionals. Upholstery is susceptible to disaster if proper cleaning methods are not correctly applied, which could potentially lead to costly repairs or replacements. Through proper care and periodic professional upholstery cleaning, you can extend the life of your furniture and maintain its beautiful appearance. So keep in mind that when it comes to upholstery cleaning, it is best to leave the job to professionals!
Get Refresh Upholstery Cleaning with Capitola Carpet Cleaning!
At Capitola Carpet Cleaning, we provide professional upholstery cleaning services. We understand the importance of keeping upholstery looking fresh and clean for your family and guests, and our experienced team has the best products and techniques to leave your furniture looking new. Our wide range of services includes deep steam cleanings and stain removal, as well as fabric protection and anti-allergen treatments. We use eco-friendly products that are safe for your family and pets.
Our team of experts has been well-trained to provide the highest quality services available in Capitola and the surrounding areas. We're passionate about our work, with an obsession for perfection, and strive to make sure you leave our services feeling satisfied and confident with your upholstery. Contact us today at
(831) 664-0388 to bring your furniture back to life!
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