How to clean upholstered furniture at home is a relevant question for everyone, because during use, various stains often appear on armchairs and sofas, which cannot always be removed immediately. These may be traces from children's hands, food and other things. Of course, the presence of such stains gives any product a completely unflattering appearance.
So, in order to clean the surface from complex contaminants, you have to use the services of specialized companies. But in some cases, you can still try to cope with this problem at home. Today we will look at the most effective methods of dealing with stains on upholstery.
How to clean upholstered furniture at home
Pros and cons of cleaning upholstered furniture yourself
The upholstery of any upholstered furniture requires further care, and in particular cleaning from stains. It is only important to choose the safest and optimal method so as not to damage the product even more.
Basic rules for caring for upholstered furniture
It is worth highlighting the main advantages of carrying out the procedure for cleaning upholstered furniture at home:
- some massive sofas, armchairs and other furniture are quite difficult to transport, which is why such products can only be cleaned in an apartment;
- due to the absence of transportation, the possibility of damage to furniture is eliminated;
- you yourself choose the most suitable means for yourself, taking into account that a child, a pet or an adult with allergies may live in the house;
- if it is impossible to clean the surface of a large sofa in one day, then you can divide the work into several stages, because you can do such things slowly;
- home cleaning allows you to save a lot of money, considering that calling a dry cleaner is not a cheap pleasure.
You will have to pay several thousand rubles for professional cleaning.
Of course, such manipulations also have some disadvantages:
- 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.
Techniques for keeping your sofa clean
Sofa upholstery can be kept in good condition for a long time if you use simple maintenance techniques.
- Sew a removable cover or throw a blanket on top.
- Eradicate the habit of sitting on the sofa with food.
- Wean animals off from using this piece of furniture as their own bed.
- Periodically carry out preventative cleaning of upholstery.
It must be taken into account that even proven home methods are not always a worthy alternative to dry cleaning. If you have complex and difficult to remove stains, you will need qualified help. But in most cases, you can cope with cleaning the sofa yourself.
Methods for cleaning upholstered furniture yourself
Dirt on the surface of a sofa or chair not only spoils its appearance, but is also an excellent breeding ground for various microorganisms. That is why you should carry out regular cleaning of products not only because of the desire to preserve the appearance of the structure, but for the sake of the health of your family.
Dirty upholstered furniture is the best environment for the growth of bacteria, which entails danger for adults and especially children.
Important point! Before using any cleaning method, apply the product to an inconspicuous area of the upholstery and then rinse. Only after complete drying can we conclude that the furniture will not be damaged.
Cleaning with vinegar, powder and soda: step-by-step instructions
This cleaning method is best suited for items with light-colored upholstery. After all, this product does not leave marks on the surface.
Step 1. Add 25 grams of washing powder and soda to the spray bottle.
Use regular baking soda
Step 2. Next, this mixture must be filled with vinegar (it is enough to take a third of the glass).
Only clear vinegar 7% will do.
Step 3. Pour boiling water into the resulting composition. The result should be 500 milliliters of product.
Use a funnel to avoid spilling boiling water past the bottle
Step 4. Next, you need to tightly close the sprayer with a lid and shake it to form foam.
Screw the sprayer on tightly to prevent product from spilling.
Step 5. The resulting mixture should be applied to the dirt.
You need to spray from a distance of 20-25 centimeters
Step 6. Next, use a dishwashing sponge to remove stains from upholstered furniture.
Don't use the rough side of the sponge
Many housewives note that this cleaning method is even suitable for updating overly greasy areas of upholstered furniture. In this case, just one procedure will not be enough, so the same steps should be repeated the next day.
Hydrogen peroxide for cleaning upholstered furniture: step-by-step instructions
This method, too, as in the previous case, will help cope with stains on light-colored upholstered furniture. In addition, the composition helps eliminate unpleasant, musty odors.
Step 1. Add hydrogen peroxide (3%) in the amount of 20 drops to a container with one liter of water.
Hydrogen peroxide
Step 2. In order for a thick foam to form, you need to add any liquid dishwashing detergent. It only takes a few drops.
Dishwashing liquid
Step 3. This mixture should be thoroughly foamed, and then poured into a spray bottle.
The mixture must be thoroughly foamed
Step 4. Spray the surface of the upholstered furniture generously with this composition, and then remove the dirt with a sponge or rag.
Carefully remove dirt using a rag or sponge
Using vinegar: step-by-step instructions
Vinegar has special oxidizing properties, which quickly removes any dirt and even grease from the surface. This product also eliminates pungent odors, including traces of animal activity.
Step 1. Add half a glass of vinegar to one liter of warm liquid.
Add vinegar
Step 2. Next, you need to add a few drops of liquid soap to the composition.
Liquid soap
Step 3. As in previous cases, the solution should be thoroughly mixed, poured into a spray bottle, and then sprayed on the furniture.
You can start cleaning the furniture
Lemon juice against stains
Lemon juice has the same properties as vinegar; it effectively fights even greasy stains. In addition, this is an absolutely safe product that also leaves a pleasant aroma on the surface.
Step-by-step instruction
Step 1. Add about 150 milliliters of lemon juice to half a liter of water.
Lemon juice
Step 2. Next, the mixture must be poured into a spray bottle and applied to the stains. Now you can clean the surface with a sponge.
Cleaning the surface with a sponge
Cleaning with salt and vinegar
This is a fairly popular method of cleaning any soft surfaces, which not only removes all kinds of dirt, but also helps restore the product to its original appearance - the surface becomes bright and fresh.
Step-by-step instruction
Step 1. Add about 30 grams of salt and a little vinegar to a liter of water.
Salt and vinegar
Step 2. Next, you need to take a large piece of cotton fabric (an old sheet will do) and soak it in this solution. After which it is necessary to cover the entire surface of the upholstered furniture with a cloth.
Soaking fabric in solution
Step 3. Then you need to take a special carpet flapper and beat the surface with it until all the dirt remains on the fabric.
Carpet flapper
Step 4. Next, all that remains is to send the dirty fabric to the wash or throw it away.
Washing fabric
After completing this procedure, the upholstered furniture should be rinsed several times with clean water and wiped with a sponge. If necessary, such actions can be repeated after some time.
Ammonia for cleaning upholstered furniture
Ammonia is often used to remove stubborn greasy marks from the surface.
Step-by-step instruction
Step 1. Pour 45 milliliters of ammonia into 1 liter of water at room temperature, and then 30 milliliters of vinegar.
All ingredients must be mixed
Step 2. This solution is applied to the surface of the sofa using a spray bottle and then thoroughly wiped with a sponge.
If a sprayer is not available, the solution can be applied using a rag or sponge.
Important point! It should be borne in mind that this is a potent composition, which, in addition to removing stains, has the property of lightening, so it is not suitable for all fabrics. Be prepared for stains to remain on the surface of dark furniture.
Using household chemicals to clean upholstered furniture
On sale you can find a large number of different products that are suitable for removing marks from any soft surface. We will look at the most effective of them.
Table No. 1. The most effective means.
| Remedy, illustration | Action |
| "Sun Klin" | This is a universal substance that allows you to best remove all kinds of dirt from sofas, carpets, and car seats. As many housewives note, the product quickly copes with even traces of children's creativity. Just spray it on the surface, then wait about 5-10 minutes and remove the stains with a brush. |
| "Grass Universal" | This is also a fairly well-known universal product that is used for cleaning soft surfaces. It copes with traces of fat and even unpleasant odors. The main advantage is the low price and the absence of the need to wash off the composition after use. |
| "Karcher" | This product is available in the form of tablets, which must be dissolved in a liquid at room temperature before use. The main advantage is that such a solution allows you to remove even old stains in a few seconds. It is recommended to wash it off with clean water. |
| "Vanish" | The product is available both in the form of a cleaning gel and powder. It not only allows you to cope with dirt, but also disinfects any surface in the best way. |
| Spray Denkmit | The product is sold in the form of a gel and spray and helps remove stains. It is used exclusively for dry cleaning of furniture. |
| Gel Sama | This is a gel that helps effectively remove even old, stubborn stains, against which other formulations are powerless. |
| Marseille soap | This is a substance for cleaning upholstered furniture, which contains only components of natural origin (olive oil and soda). The product is most suitable for cleaning delicate fabrics. |
| Gel Faberlic | Available in the form of a gel and a special pencil. It is necessary to apply this product for 15-20 minutes, and then remove any remaining dirt with a sponge. |
It is important to remember that some products have a high alkali content in their composition. This means that you should definitely use protective rubber gloves for your hands while working.
Methods for mechanical cleaning of furniture
These are the simplest methods of combating various traces that will not require too much time.
Table No. 2. Mechanical cleaning of upholstered furniture: methods.
| Way | Description |
| Vacuum cleaner | In this case, using a regular vacuum cleaner, you can remove superficial traces of dirt from the upholstery. This method is especially suitable for pet lovers, because their fur often remains on the sofa and armchairs. Once cleaning is complete, you can walk over the surface with a damp cloth. |
| Using a washing vacuum cleaner | Using such a device allows you to better remove even stubborn stains. In this case, cleaning should be carried out carefully so as not to damage the upholstery. This vacuum cleaner comes with a special brush that removes dirt. There is a rotating mechanism inside it, due to which the dirt quickly moves away from the surface. In this way you can cope with various bacteria. |
| Steam generator | Using a steam generator is the most modern and effective way to remove contaminants. Thanks to steam treatment, the surface of the furniture becomes perfectly clean and smooth, as if in its original form. This is the best method for eliminating pathogens and various parasites that can live in fleecy material. Using this cleaning method, it is recommended to adhere to the following rules: · use dry steam; · work at high temperatures; · control pressure. Upon completion of the cleaning procedure, you need to take a microfiber and walk over the entire surface of the furniture - due to the action of steam, the stains become soft and can be easily removed with a cloth. |
Video - How to quickly clean a sofa upholstery
Getting rid of odors and refreshing the color of the upholstery
This is a gentle method of cleaning upholstery from dust and odor, which will additionally restore its color. We use it to clean all types of fabric. Mix 1 liter of water, 1 tsp. vinegar and 2 tsp. salt. Wet the sponge with the mixture and squeeze it well. Wipe the surface with light movements in the direction of the pile. Rinse the sponge as soon as it becomes dirty.
Types of stains and methods of combating
Over time, various stains begin to appear on any fabric. For some housewives, they may seem completely irreducible. At the same time, it is quite simple to cope with common contaminants using certain manipulations.
Table No. 3. Types of stains and cleaning methods.
| View | Cleaning method |
| Fat | If there is a fresh greasy stain on upholstered furniture, it will need to be immediately sprinkled with starch. After a few minutes, you need to vacuum up the starch and then wipe the fabric with a damp cloth and detergent. |
| Sweets, tea | In this case, even a weak solution of vinegar with the addition of detergent will work perfectly. |
| Wine | Fresh wine stains can be easily removed from the surface with salt. Just sprinkle them and then vacuum them. For greater efficiency, the procedure can be repeated two or three times, after which it is recommended to wet clean the furniture. |
| Blood | Fresh marks are also quite easy to remove from upholstered furniture. In this case, the surface must be rinsed generously with ice water. If this does not help, then it is recommended to take several pieces of ice and move them across the surface until they completely melt. |
| Ink, cosmetics, nail coating | These are the most difficult stains to remove, which are almost impossible to deal with, but you can still try. In this case, in addition to detergent, you will have to use acetone or ethyl alcohol. To do this, first apply the composition to a small area of the fabric, and only then to the entire surface. This is done in order to eliminate the possibility of damage to the upholstery. |
| Urine | A trace of urine is an organic contamination. If it was installed quite recently, it is recommended to pre-treat it with a vinegar solution and then sprinkle it with soda. If the stain is old, then the best solution would be to use a manganese solution, but this method is only suitable for dark fabrics. Light upholstery can be cleaned with a solution of citric acid and a special shampoo. |
| Chewing gum | You can remove gum from the surface by pre-freezing. Therefore, you will need to apply an ice cube to the surface of the upholstery. When the gum hardens, it should be carefully removed from the surface using a knife. If a mark remains on the fabric, it can be easily removed with alcohol. |
| Wax | You should not try to wipe off newly dripped wax from the surface, otherwise you may permanently damage the upholstery. You need to wait until it hardens, after which it can be crumbled and scraped off with a knife. Place a napkin on the remaining stain and run a hot iron over it. Such manipulations will have to be repeated many times until the mark disappears. |
| Glue | You can remove stains from various types of durable glue with a special product called “anti-glue.” |
If you make an effort, you can cope with any pollution
Blot moisture and remove solid debris
If the stains are runny and fresh, remove them as soon as possible using paper towels. For already hardened substances, such as mayonnaise or cheese, use the edge of a blunt plastic ruler or other plastic product to remove as much of the solid as possible.
Never scrub the area because doing so will only push the stain particles deeper into the fibers of the fabric. For dry solids, use a soft-bristled brush to loosen the dry matter.
If the upholstery can be cleaned with a water-based cleaner, mix one-quarter cup of liquid dish soap and one cup of warm water in a small bowl. Bring the resulting mixture to create foam.
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Dip the sponge into the foam and wipe the stain. Try to rub only with a clean area of the sponge as the stain will transfer.
Features of cleaning upholstery made of various materials
When choosing one or another method of cleaning upholstered furniture, it is necessary to take into account the structure of the material. If you ignore this point, you can only ruin the fabric.
Table No. 4. Materials and features of their cleaning.
| Material | Cleaning feature |
| Genuine leather or leather substitute | This surface is the easiest to clean. It is enough to wipe it with a cloth soaked in soapy water or a damp cloth, after which the surface must be dried. If there is damage to the skin, use a special product called “liquid skin”. Stubborn stains can be easily removed with alcohol. The last step is to polish the surface. |
| Velor, flock, chenille | These are the most stain-resistant materials that have good moisture-repellent properties. They can be cleaned with any chemical or household products, the main thing is to take into account the color of the material. Even greasy marks can be removed with soapy water and a sponge. |
| Suede | This is also a stain-resistant material that can be quickly cleaned with any specialized chemical. When the surface dries, you should brush it to restore its original volume. |
| Silk | This is the most “capricious” material that is easily damaged by various chemicals. In addition, even when exposed to steam, it is easy to leave a stain on the surface. You can clean such a fabric with a sponge, which you will have to first wrap in a napkin and then moisten it in a weak solution of hydrogen peroxide. |
If you follow these rules, you can easily clean any upholstery.
Video - Effective ways to clean upholstered furniture
In what cases is it better to contact specialists?
You need to know in advance the cases when the use of your strengths and skills is simply useless. The main cases in which professional help is required:
- Old upholstery molds have unusual shapes or are damaged and it is impossible to cut the same pieces yourself. In this situation, it is best to contact a sewing specialist.
- The furniture has a complex design. If problems may arise during assembly, you need to call a specialist.
- The sofa is very expensive and you don’t want to ruin it with your ineptitude.
- When using leather coverings, as has been said many times, you need the help of professionals.
You will notice that the process of updating the surface material of furniture is not too complicated for simple structures, and even an inexperienced person can do it. You just need to properly prepare, both financially and mentally, because this process can take a long time. Properly performed actions will certainly please the owner. However, you should first determine whether the surface of the furniture needs to be renewed; it may be enough to simply clean the sofa.
Useful tips
Before you start cleaning upholstered furniture at home, you should familiarize yourself with the following recommendations:
- Test the product. To test the fabric's reaction to a specific product, you must first apply a few drops to an inconspicuous part of the upholstery and wait 10 minutes. Only after it becomes clear that the substance has not affected the structure of the tissue can the process be continued.
- Protect the surface from streaks. When cleaning a sofa, unsightly stripes (stains) often begin to appear on the surface; in order to prevent this process, it is recommended to first vacuum the surface.
- You should not use several products at the same time. After all, it is impossible to predict what reaction they may have.
- Clean furniture from stains in a timely manner. As you know, fresh dirt is much easier to remove with any chemical means, so cleaning must be done as early as possible.
- Use bleaches with caution. Products containing this component are absolutely not suitable for any non-ferrous materials.
- Dry upholstered furniture thoroughly. Upon completion of cleaning, it is recommended to immediately dry the surface with warm air. If this is not done, an unpleasant musty odor may appear. Especially when it comes to fabric surfaces.
All upholstered furniture should be cleaned periodically
Let's sum it up
It is not necessary to spend extra money on dry cleaning upholstered furniture if such a procedure can be carried out at home using the above procedures. In order to make your task easier, it is recommended to put protective covers on sofas and armchairs, because it will be much easier to remove and wash such products in the washing machine.
In cases where it is impossible to get rid of stains, it becomes necessary to replace the sofa upholstery. You can read more about how to reupholster a sofa in our article.
The right tools
Choose a brush attachment to capture as much dust and allergens as possible, such as pet hair. To truly combat bacteria, bedbugs, and dust mites, use a vacuum cleaner with an ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light kills parasites, sucks them out and traps them in a dual filtration system.
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It is important to go through every centimeter of upholstery. Don't forget about the undersides and back of the sofa, even if it's up against a wall and never touches people. Dust settles everywhere.
