How to Maintain and Clean Different Types of Upholstery

Your home is your fort and it is understandable that you want it beautiful, clean and tidy. You have spent a fortune buying fancy curtains, expensive carpets, rugs and I know how it feels when you have to redecorate because of a large stain. Really it is not so hard to remove spots from upholstery, since you know how. When buying furniture, keep in mind that some materials require less intensive maintenance.

Different Types Of Upholstery

There are synthetic and natural fibers, moisture sensitive and tolerant fabrics and they require different approach. The natural fabrics are hypoallergenic and nice on touch, but unlike the synthetic ones, they aren't very durable. Therefore people made mixed fabrics, who combine the best of both or sometimes the worst of both. If you have an idea what you are looking for and know a thing or two about upholstery you will end with fine-looking, easy to clean piece of furniture.

If you want to enjoy your sofa longer, you have to take care of it even if there aren't any stains. Weekly vacuuming is more than enough to keep it in good shape since you do not neglect the backside of the pillows and hard to reach places. Dust and dirt are your worst enemies, because they 'chew' the fibers making the fabric easy to rip and tear. Another thing you have to keep in mind is not to expose your furniture to direct sunlight because the fabric is going to fade in time.

Maintenance

If you are dealing with moisture sensitive upholstery, cleaning may seem problematic but today almost every cleaning provider offers dry cleaning procedures. Luckily for you there are special cleaning products designed for this purpose. Moreover you can find water and stain repellent sprays which will protect your furniture and ease the cleaning process. As for detergent there are endless possibilities, you can either buy it from the store or brew your own.

Here is a simple cleaning solution which you can use for minor stains and to freshen up the upholstery. To reach the required density you will have to use a blender and pour in it two cups of warm water and half of a cup of liquid soap or laundry detergent. You are aiming for thick soapy foam which to apply and gently rub into the stain with a cotton rag. To prevent damage, you should test on an inconspicuous area.

Rinse the treated area with a damp cloth, to remove any remaining soap, otherwise you will get a dirt attracting residue. Be careful not to over-wet the area because mold can develop. If you are not sure you can manage it, I suggest you hire professional cleaning company. These specialists know how to find the right course of action and make sure your upholstery is as good as new.