Upholstery Cleaning: Do It Yourself Like a Professional

What Is Upholstery Cleaning? The Secret to Fresh, Like-New Furniture

Upholstery cleaning is simply the process of deep cleaning the fabric on your furniture, like sofas, chairs, cushions, and even headboards. Over time, these pieces collect dust, crumbs, pet hair, stains, and allergens from everyday use. Cleaning them not only makes your furniture look and feel fresh again, but it also helps create a healthier home by removing hidden dirt and irritants. Whether it’s a quick refresh or a deeper clean, taking care of your upholstery can make a big difference in how your space looks and feels.

Best Upholstery Cleaning Products to Tackle Dirt and Allergens

• Baking Soda: Sprinkle to deodorize and lift light stains. Let it sit 15-20 minutes and then vacuum. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recognized it as a "Safer Choice" ingredient. It absorbs and neutralizes odors rather than just masking them
• Dish Soap: Mix with warm water to gently remove stains.
• Rubbing Alcohol: Dab on ink or tough stains with a cotton ball, then blot.

Hydrogen Peroxide: Diluted 3% solution disinfects and removes stains safely.

A Simple Guide to Common Upholstery Stains

Grease or Oil Stains: Sprinkle baking soda on the spot and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Vacuum it up, then treat the area with a water-based cleaner to remove any leftover residue.

Coffee or Tea Stains: Start by blotting with a clean cloth to soak up as much as possible. Then gently apply a mix of warm water and dish soap, let it sit briefly, and blot again with a damp cloth.

Ink Stains: Apply rubbing alcohol to the stain using a cotton ball, then gently blot with a clean cloth to lift the ink without spreading it.

Pet Stains: Grab an enzymatic cleaner made for upholstery—it breaks down the mess naturally. Just follow the directions on the label for best results.

Is Steam Cleaning a Good Choice for Your Fabric Upholstery?

Steam is great for deep cleaning, as it uses hot steam to lift dirt and sanitize without harsh chemicals.

Check the Fabric: Always read the care label first—delicate materials like silk or velvet may get damaged by steam.

Use Low Settings: Set your steam cleaner to a gentle setting to avoid soaking or damaging the fabric.

Let It Dry: Make sure your upholstery is completely dry before using it again to prevent mold or mildew.

When used carefully, steam cleaning is a safe, effective, and eco-friendly way to keep your upholstery fresh and allergen-free.