Upholstery cleaning tips from a professional

Upholstery cleaning can be a daunting task, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing. From spills and stains to general wear and tear, your furniture can accumulate dirt and grime over time. 

But fear not! 

With the help of these upholstery cleaning tips from a professional, your furniture can look as good as new.

But first, what is upholstery cleaning and why is it important for your business?

What does upholstery cleaning mean?

Upholstery cleaning is the act of ensuring any fabrics on furniture items are clean. It is normally presented as a separate service from carpet cleaning by professional cleaning companies, as although the cleaning method employed might be the same (for example steam cleaning or the hot water extraction method), fabrics used for furniture upholstery tend to be more delicate than carpets, requiring greater skill and more experience to clean effectively. 

Why upholstery cleaning is important

There are lots of reasons why a business should spend money on cleaning their furniture’s upholstery. It might seem counterintuitive, but spending a little on this professional service can save your business a lot of cash in the long run. Why is this?

1. Maintain your assets

Replacing company furniture is expensive! Particularly if you’re doing it wholesale. Ensuring that you get your upholstery regularly cleaned helps your furniture last longer. Dirt and hidden mould are removed, minimising the chance for rot to set in and eat away at fabrics. Spending a little now will save you money in the long run. 

2. Maintain your brand

Clients do not want to sit on chairs that smell! Consider all the hard work you’ve put into marketing your business, nurturing your leads and persuading them to step into your store or premises. Do you really want that all undermined by a smelly, dirty chair? Will your brand be presented in the best possible light?

Clean furniture ensures that there is nothing to stop your clients or customers from thinking the best of your business. The better they think, the more likely they are to pass your name on to others. 

So, now we understand why upholstery cleaning is important, how can you do it best?

Upholstery cleaning tips

1. Vacuum regularly

One of my biggest upholstery cleaning techniques is a preventative one. Vacuuming your upholstery regularly is the first step in keeping it clean. Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove any loose dirt, dust, and pet hair that may have accumulated on your furniture. Make sure to get into all the crevices and corners of your furniture to ensure a thorough cleaning.

2. Blot spills immediately

If you spill something on your upholstery, it’s important to act quickly. Blot the spill immediately with a clean cloth or paper towel. Do not rub the spill, as this can push the stain deeper into the fabric.

3. Test cleaning products first

Before using any cleaning product on your upholstery, it’s important to test it first. Apply a small amount of the product to an inconspicuous area of your furniture and wait for it to dry. If there are no adverse effects, it should be safe to use on the rest of your upholstery.

4. Use the right cleaning products

Different types of upholstery require different cleaning products. For example, leather upholstery requires a different type of cleaner than fabric upholstery. Make sure to read the label of the cleaning product to ensure it’s safe for use on your furniture.

5. Don’t oversaturate the fabric

When cleaning your upholstery, it’s important not to oversaturate the fabric. Too much water or cleaning solution can damage the fabric or cause mould and mildew to grow. Use a light touch when applying cleaning products and blot up any excess liquid with a clean cloth.

6. Hire a professional

If your upholstery is heavily soiled or stained, it may be time to hire a professional upholstery cleaning company. Professional cleaners have the equipment and expertise to deep clean your furniture and remove even the toughest stains. Bad spills often require more powerful suctions and a hot water extraction method, rather than simply steam cleaning the upholstery. Hot water extraction saturates the fibres in hot water, allowing the dirt to separate from the fabric, before removing it with a strong vacuuming action. Domestic steam cleaners don’t have this function or power, so don’t be tempted to waste time trying. Get a professional cleaning service to provide upholstery cleaning when all else fails. 

Clean like a pro: maintain your assets

In conclusion, keeping your upholstery clean doesn’t have to be a difficult task. With these tips from a professional, you can keep your furniture looking and smelling fresh for years to come. Regularly cleaning your upholstery will ensure that your business looks its best and that you don’t spend unnecessary resources replacing furniture. But, remember, consider hiring a professional upholstery cleaner if your DIY efforts don’t remove the marks.