Every housewife strives to keep all corners of her home clean. However, cleaning upholstered furniture can be challenging. To avoid damaging the expensive upholstery, you can have your sofa dry cleaned. However, if you know a few tricks, you can handle the cleaning yourself. One of the most successful and popular materials for sofa upholstery is flock. It is pleasant to the touch and resistant to rubbing. In addition, cleaning a flock sofa at home can be done using traditional and specialized detergents.
Methods for cleaning upholstered flock furniture
If you follow the basic rules of care, cleaning flock at home is quite simple. Regardless of the method chosen, it is extremely important to use plenty of water. The basis of upholstery fabric is glue, which can simply come apart if it gets too wet. And after cleaning, you should walk over the surface of the sofa with a special soft brush to fluff up and even out the pile.
Mechanical
The easiest way to clean flock upholstered furniture is to use a vacuum cleaner with a special soft furniture attachment. If you do this regularly, the need for general cleaning can be postponed for a long time. However, sooner or later more serious cleaning will still be required.
Physical
The physical method will require a sheet, a beater or other device and a little time. Main stages:
- cover the sofa with a wet sheet;
- choose carefully;
- when the sheet becomes dirty, change it;
- thoroughly clean with a brush any animal hair, hair and large debris that remains on the surface;
- let dry.
Knocking out should be done very carefully so as not to damage the pile or deform the upholstery.
Chemical
If you need to clean your sofa from serious dirt and remove unpleasant odors, it is recommended to use dry cleaning. To do this, you can use various specialized products or regular washing powder. It is extremely important to apply the product to the entire surface of the sofa to avoid light stains.
If the contamination is light, you can use a regular soap solution. It must be prepared in a separate container and then applied to all upholstery fabric using a soft brush. After washing, it is necessary to remove foam and soap with a damp cloth so that it does not leave stains or streaks.
Chemical methods also include the use of laundry soap, which can remove even serious stains. First, it should be crushed using a fine grater and mixed with warm water.
However, in case of serious stains, it is better to refuse to care for floss upholstery yourself. It is better to entrust the work to professionals who guarantee the choice of optimal cleaning products and care methods.
How to clean a sofa from stains without streaks: a review of products
- You can dilute the product as recommended in the instructions - dissolve 1 part in 9 parts water. But it is better to clean heavy soiling or a light-colored sofa with a more concentrated solution.
- Whisk the liquid thoroughly until you get a stiff foam. Using an upholstery brush, apply the foam evenly to the upholstery of the sofa - exactly the foam, not the solution itself! Clean with circular movements, treating stains with Vanish especially carefully.
- Wait a couple of hours and vacuum the upholstery.
Proven folk methods include vinegar, ammonia and baking soda. This is a good remedy, so it’s worth figuring out how to clean a sofa with soda and vinegar. Prepare a working solution by adding 9% vinegar and ammonia to warm water in a ratio of 20:1:1.
Mechanical
This method will help you get rid of small pieces of food that have stuck, plasticine left by children and other debris. You will need a specialized brush or vacuum cleaner:
- Use the vacuum cleaner slowly, at medium speed, moving over the entire surface of the pile.
- With a brush, things are different, as you will have to manually remove the stuck threads.
Important! Brush in one direction, moving slowly. The brush provides high-quality, but more time-consuming work.
Removing various contaminants
Even regular cleaning of flock furniture does not prevent the formation of stains. The method of their removal will depend on the nature of the contaminants. You should choose a detergent based on these indicators, but first check it on an inconspicuous area of the sofa.
Oily stains
The easiest way to remove grease stains is to use a soap solution. With its help, you can remove even old grease stains without the risk of damaging the upholstery. However, you should not apply soap directly to the sofa, but first prepare a solution based on it. To do this, you can use both liquid soap and grated soap. After that, a concentrated solution should be prepared based on it and applied to the stain. Leave on for just a few minutes, then rinse off with a damp cloth. After removing the stain, you need to thoroughly dry the sofa so that there are no streaks left.
To combat serious grease and grime stains, you can use dishwashing detergent. It should be diluted slightly with water and applied to the problem area. If necessary, you can rub it a little into the upholstery in a circular motion.
Important! Do not use a hairdryer to dry the flock, otherwise the dried area may differ in color. It is better to dry the upholstery with a towel or naturally.
Blood
Removing blood stains is a fairly complex process. It is best to remove a fresh stain. To do this, simply wipe the problem area with a sponge dipped in cold water. For old stains, you will need to use a vinegar solution with added soap. After the procedure, you should wash the flock on the sofa in the usual way so that the cleaned area does not differ in color from the rest.
Wine
Red wine stains can be difficult to remove. First, blot the fresh stain with a paper napkin so that its size does not increase. Then you should sprinkle the area with salt, which will absorb moisture, and after a few minutes, clean the dirt with a soft brush. All that remains is to wipe the area with a damp cloth. When the area dries, you should wipe the area again with a soft brush to straighten the pile.
Urine
If there are animals in the house or a child who is just potty training, urine stains and an unpleasant odor may appear on the sofa. Before cleaning the sofa, the stain should be dried. In this case, it is prohibited to use a hair dryer. The best solution is to use a paper or cloth towel. Then you need to apply a soap solution to the surface, which will eliminate the unpleasant odor and remove the stain.
An alternative is to use baking soda. You need to pour it directly onto the stain and wait until it absorbs the urine. Remove soda and disinfect the surface with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. However, if the sofa is light, using potassium permanganate may result in pink spots.
Felt pen, pencil, paints
Traces of children's creativity can be removed from the sofa using a weak alcohol solution. Soak a cotton pad in it and gently rub it over the dirt, then thoroughly wash the area with a damp towel.
Ice cream
To remove traces of cold treats, use a sponge dipped in a soap solution. If the stain is fresh, a few seconds are enough, but if it is old, you need to wait until it softens.
Wax and chewing gum
Finding chewing gum or candle marks on your favorite sofa can seem tragic. However, there is an easy way to remove them. To do this, you need to apply an ice cube to the problem area, which must first be wrapped in film. When the gum or wax has completely hardened, you can remove it with any hard object. After the procedure, all that remains is to straighten the pile so that it returns to its previous position.
Dust
If you do not regularly dry clean a flock sofa, a lot of dust will accumulate on its surface, which will penetrate deep into its structure. This leads to darkening of the product and the formation of stains on it. In this case, one vacuum cleaner will not be enough.
An excellent solution is to use a washing powder solution that is designed for machine washing. This product does not foam much, which makes it easier to wash off the solution. Apply the mixture for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with damp cloths.
Professional dry cleaning of sofas
Professional dry cleaning can also solve the problem of cleaning flock sofas. This will minimize the risk of damage to the fabric, and also guarantee high quality cleaning and removal of even the most difficult stains. By contacting our company, you can order flock sofa cleaning services at home. The benefits of professional cleaning include:
- use of environmentally friendly and safe cleaning products;
- high speed of work;
- affordable cost of all types of services;
- guarantee of preservation of the external qualities of even the most sensitive upholstery;
- use of professional equipment.
By contacting our company, you can order high-quality cleaning of flock sofas at the best price.
Bleaching things
The whitening procedure is not suitable for all items. It uses aggressive substances that spoil the material. Flock cannot be bleached; it will lose its quality, turn pale, and fade. It is recommended to take care of it initially, preventing loss of color, yellowing, and the appearance of a gray tint.
You can refresh the fabric by going over it with a vacuum cleaner. It is useful to use a soft brush that does not damage the structure. It will remove the accumulated layer of dirt and dust. This procedure is not relevant for significant contamination. They require hand washing, using a soap solution and a sponge.
Bleaching things
Blood
- Before removing stains from the sofa, you need to dissolve the product with water in a ratio of 1:9. If the stains have already been absorbed, it is necessary to make a more concentrated composition.
- Beat the solution into a good foam.
- Apply foam with a sponge or brush to the stained area, then rub the composition in a circular motion.
- After 30-60 minutes, vacuum the sofa.
Do you have any other ways to effectively clean upholstered furniture? Comment and share information on social networks, add the site to bookmarks so as not to lose it. Best wishes.
Physical method
Since this option does not require the use of any tools, you will need:
Follow these steps:
- Place an unnecessary sheet on the sofa.
- Moisten with water.
- Carefully begin to knock out the dust.
Important! Periodically, you need to remove the sheet and rinse it to remove adhered dirt. This entire process must be repeated until the removed sheet is relatively clean after the next knocking out.
How can you eliminate unpleasant odors at home?
To eliminate the unpleasant odor that has become ingrained in the upholstery of the sofa, both folk and industrial remedies are used.
The first includes:
- soda,
- salt,
- vinegar,
- lemon juice,
- hydrogen peroxide.
When dealing with odors, you need to take into account the nature of their origin. For example, urine odor and stains can be removed using potassium permanganate, vinegar, or a strong detergent like Fairy.
Read more about removing odors from a sofa in this article.
Drying
Housewives are interested in the drying process. It is important to immediately bring armchairs and sofas into a condition suitable for use. It is allowed to leave furniture and pillow covers until completely dry. It is important to avoid exposure to sunlight, as they lead to fading of the fabric. It is useful to open the windows to provide a flow of fresh air. Drying time depends on the size of the item, the intensity of cleaning, and the amount of liquid used.
It is not recommended to squeeze delicate materials too hard. Excess water is carefully removed from them, otherwise the original shape will be lost. The product is given its original shape and dried in this form.
The surface of the sofa can be easily dried using a hairdryer. A weak mode is used, the air is cold or slightly warm. The hairdryer should not be brought close to the sofa, otherwise the surface will be damaged. It is important to monitor the heating of the device. If the hair dryer becomes overheated, it turns off. After some time, the procedure is repeated.
Even if you dry the flock correctly, it becomes hard and disheveled. The pile is smoothed with a sponge or soft brush. You should move in the right direction. When the procedure is carried out correctly, the material looks like new.
ARTICLE FOR YOU
How to properly wash voile fabric
Some types of flock cannot be washed. Manufacturer's recommendations can be found by looking at the label. As a last resort, delicate washing is allowed, otherwise there is a chance of ruining the upholstery and spoiling the appearance of the product itself.
Ironing
Colored and plain items need to be ironed correctly. Initially, the housewife reads the instructions written on the label. Manufacturers leave recommendations for buyers; information about ironing is often included. In the absence of labels, standard rules regarding synthetic fabrics apply.
Sequencing
- The thing turns inside out.
- High-quality flock can be ironed from the front side using the “synthetic” mode.
- Before the procedure, the item is moistened and straightened. After complete drying, ironing begins.
- If there is a small sample of the material, the temperature effect on it is first tested.
- If the fabric is excessively wrinkled, you have to iron it from the front area through gauze.
- Flock is a synthetic material that is resistant to high temperatures. Only careful ironing using a special mode is allowed. The minimum temperature is set.
- Ironing should only be done in extreme cases. It is easier to prevent this by putting the fabric in a closet, hanging it until completely dry, and washing it properly.
It is recommended to transport flock rolled up. It is harmful to fold the fabric in several layers - obvious stripes will remain. If you handle artificial material correctly, there will be no problems. The item will retain its color for a long time and preserve its original appearance.
What kind of fabric is this?
Flock is one of the most popular upholstery fabrics for upholstered furniture, characterized by ease of use, long service life and low price.
Flock is a finely chopped pile that is glued to the fabric. According to tactile sensations, the flock is soft. Depending on the shape and length of the pile particles, the material can have a different original texture, reminiscent of artificial velvet, velor, plush or boucle. It features a modern design and a large number of colors.
Important! The flock composition is 100% nylon pile, less often nylon, and a base consisting of 65% polyester and 35% cotton.
How to clean a sofa with textile upholstery from stains and stains
- if you select one or another product incorrectly, you can ruin the upholstery of the sofa, because aggressive alkali or bleaches are contraindicated for certain materials;
- at home it is quite difficult to rinse the surface perfectly, as a result of which stains often remain on the sofa;
- some traces of chemicals that pose a danger to humans and animals may remain on the surface;
- Due to improper cleaning, the service life of the sofa is reduced.
Textile upholstery may behave differently with detergent: the fabric may change color and fade. It is better to try applying the product at the bottom of the back of the sofa. Even if you need to remove stains from the sofa, you should not get the furniture too wet, as the filling may deteriorate. Mites and microbes will feel great in the damp filler, and soon mold with a corresponding aroma will settle on the upholstery.
Which vacuum cleaner is better: regular or detergent?
The sofa can be cleaned with a washing vacuum cleaner. This is a wet cleaning method that is much more effective than conventional hand cleaning.
The vacuum cleaner evenly moistens the surface of the upholstery, and then quickly and efficiently removes water along with dirt.
The first step of the process is to dry clean the sofa. After this, you need to treat the upholstery using a wet method.
But if there are difficult stains, it is better to pre-soap them with detergent or a special product for cleaning upholstered furniture.
Chemical
This method helps to cope well with various types of contaminants.
Important! Observe the quality of the cleaning product used, the concentration, time and quantity, otherwise traces may remain that will subsequently be impossible to remove, or the fabric will become discolored.
Method 1
One of the easiest options when deciding how to clean the flock on a sofa at home, since the necessary products and tools will certainly be at hand:
- Take water, powder and a soft sponge.
- Stir the ingredients well, wet the sponge, and wipe the base of the flock.
- Wait twenty minutes and wash off with a vacuum cleaner or a specialized brush.
Important! When using the brush, make sure it is damp, not wet. There may be unwanted stains on the sofa.
Method 2
Lemon juice works very well for removing food stains. But it is better to use it on light-colored upholstery, since lightened stains may remain on dark fabric.
Here's how to properly clean flock on a sofa with this product:
- Dilute lemon juice in a liter of water.
- Soak a cotton swab in the solution and apply to the stained area.
- Leave for ten or fifteen minutes to complete the process of dissolving the contamination.
- Wash off with plain water using a soft sponge.
Method 3
Laundry soap - this product always helps out, in all cases, and the situation when you need to clean the flock on the sofa is no exception. For this:
- Grate a piece of laundry soap.
- Dissolve in hot water.
- Treat the base of the fabric and let the solution soak in.
- Clean with a damp cloth.
Important! After treating with soapy water, comb the pile to give it volume.
Method 4
If lipstick, a pen, or a pencil suddenly gets on the surface of your sofa, don’t worry, regular 10% alcohol can handle it.
Soak a cotton pad in the solution and treat the surface. It is possible that the contamination remains, repeat the procedure until it completely disappears.
Method 5
For many things, chewing gum is a bit of a mess, but don't worry, here you can use ice:
- Place the ice in any loose bag.
- Apply to the area with the chewing gum and wait for it to completely harden.
- Remove with a regular teaspoon, but be careful not to damage the lint.
Method 6
Dishwashing liquid does a good job of removing greasy stains and is an excellent option for cleaning flocking on your sofa. It is applied like this:
- Apply a couple of drops to the sofa.
- Give it time for it to be absorbed.
- Remove with a soft, damp cloth.
Important! Since the main function of such a product is to remove grease from dishes, it works in the same way on fabric. Accordingly, this option is best suited if you need to clean the flock on the sofa from oil stains and greasy marks after dinner on upholstered furniture.
Method 7
If you have a washing vacuum cleaner with special attachments for cleaning upholstered furniture, it is also quite suitable for solving the problem of restoring the attractiveness of the flock on the sofa. When using it, follow the instructions from the equipment manufacturer.
Important! It is not at all necessary to add auxiliary cleaning agents.
Method 8
This method is suitable for sofas with different types of upholstery, you just need to choose the right cleaning product from the line of offered manufacturers:
- For very dirty stains, use Amway stain remover. The spray is very effective in this regard.
- “Vanish for carpets.” Dilute in water according to the instructions, treat with a foam sponge and the resulting foam. Once dry, simply vacuum it.
Important! Now they sell “Vanish for carpets”, which does not need to be diluted. Sprinkle it, wait twenty minutes and vacuum it up. There is one drawback, the smell will remain.
A flock sofa looks very attractive. The soft upholstery is pleasant to the touch, and the material itself is highly durable and elastic. But, as with any furniture, various stains can appear on the flock, sometimes difficult to remove. Then the owner has a question: “How to clean a flock sofa and not spoil its appearance?”
Using a Steam Cleaner
Cleaning upholstery with a steamer is a quick and environmentally friendly way to clean your sofa.
Advantages of the method:
- dust mites, pathogens, and various allergens are removed;
- steam is supplied under pressure, so it penetrates into the most inaccessible corners and recesses
- softens and removes not only fresh, but also old stains
- there are no streaks left after cleaning;
- minimum physical effort;
- short processing time.
Advice! Cleaning with a steam generator is suitable for dense materials such as velor, flock, and dull fabrics. Not recommended for sofas upholstered in natural and artificial leather, velvet, tapestry, and silk.
Stages of work:
- Prepare the sofa: remove covers and pillows, vacuum or beat, after covering with a sheet.
- If there are old or difficult stains, they should be removed and allowed to dry.
- Fill the tank with filter water, install the nozzle for upholstered furniture, and turn on the heat.
- Treat the sofa: slowly move the nozzle over the upholstery, grabbing small areas. Once you've finished cleaning one, move on to the next.
- If the upholstery gets very wet, blot it immediately with a dry cloth.
- Leave the cleaned sofa to dry naturally.
Important! Try not to get steam on varnished and wooden parts so that they do not swell later.