Using wet cleaning measure before vacuuming can cause loose dirt and debris to become ingrained in the fabric, making it more difficult to clean. Removing loose debris from your furniture will make it easier to find and remove stains. Light stains often hide underneath thin layers of dust. [2] X Research source
For example, when cleaning leather furniture, you should avoid using water. Use steam cleaners or specially formulated leather cleaning solutions instead. Abbreviations on the furniture tag, called “cleaning codes,” indicate how to safely clean dirty furniture. The most common of these are: W: clean with a water based cleaner. S: use a waterless cleaner, like a dry cleaning solvent. WS: use either a water based cleaner or a waterless product. X: vacuum and brush the furniture, but only use a professional service otherwise. [3] X Research source
Before cleaning stains generally accepted as difficult to remove, like coffee, red wine, and blood, look up the proper cleaning procedure online to prevent yourself from accidentally ingraining it in the fabric.
Always test cleaning agents on an out of sight part of your furniture before cleaning visible sections. If the fabric is discolored or negatively impacted by the cleaner, refrain from using it. In most cases, the cleaning agents in baby wipes will be gentle enough to clean your furniture without damaging it. When spot cleaning, refrain from soaking the fabric all the way through. This could cause the quality of the fabric to deteriorate. [5] X Research source
Avoid over saturating the fabric of the furniture when cleaning in this fashion. Only a light to moderate amount of water should soak into the furniture fabric. While wiping the furniture, follow the natural grain (direction) of the fabric. Going against the grain could damage its appearance.
If your label has fallen off or is impossible to read, look up machine washing instructions by searching for the furniture name and manufacturer online. Unless otherwise indicated, do not dry your furniture covers in a dryer. Doing so may cause the quality of your fabric to deteriorate. For an even higher quality cleaning, take your furniture covers to a dry cleaner. Dry cleaning information should be indicated on the furniture’s label.
The operation of your steam cleaner will depend on its make and model. Follow the instructions that came with your steam cleaner for best results. For small areas that need additional cleaning power, use the “Steam” function of an iron to apply a burst or two of steam before using general cleaning measures. [8] X Research source
In some cases, you may need to repeat certain techniques, like wiping the fabric with cool, soapy water, several times before dirt is fully removed. To prevent the furniture from being over saturated with water, allow it to dry completely after applying each cleaning technique. Speed up the drying process by opening windows. Though the natural drying option is always best, you could also speed up drying by blowing on wet spots with a hairdryer. [10] X Research source
Although the smell of vinegar and vodka may be strong when first applied, when these liquids dry the smell should disappear. [11] X Research source
After the majority of the wine stain has been removed, use a general cleaning measure to remove anything that remains.
Avoid applying heat to blood and other protein stains, as it will usually make them more difficult to remove. In some cases, you might not be able to clean blood stains that have set in the fabric of the furniture. For severe stains, you may need to use soap and cold water several times before the stain fades sufficiently. Allow the fabric to dry naturally in between applications. [13] X Research source
Read the usage instructions of cleaners carefully before purchasing them. Some may be intended for certain fabrics or stains. Some upholstery cleaners may use harsh chemicals that can break down the fabric of your furniture if used too often.
If your furniture is especially old or valuable, to prevent accidental damage, you may want to only use a professional service. When a professional cleaner visits, ask them about ways you can maintain and clean your furniture on your own. [16] X Research source
