Cleaning Upholstery: Useful Tips & Tricks

Stains and spills are inevitable, no matter how careful you are. But what if they happen on your new beautiful couch? If you want to keep your furniture clean and fresh-looking for years to come, you have to have some good tips for cleaning your upholstery effectively.

Stains on your furniture are just one of the things you have to deal with, especially if you’re trying to maintain a clean home with a dog or cat. We know how overwhelming that can be! That’s why the foremost cleaning service in Oakland is here to help you have a squeaky clean house even if you live with a cat or have kids that really love spilling orange juice on your couch. 

Read on to find out how to take care of your upholstery! 

How do you get a stain out of a couch?

How you deal with couch stains will depend on the type of stain and the material your couch is made of. Since different upholstery fabrics require different cleaning approaches, you’ll first have to read the cleaning codes for your couch. Also, make sure to vacuum before trying to remove any stains to pick up any excess dirt. 

Here’s how you can deal with different kinds of stains on your couch: 

  • Regular food stains: the best way to deal with food stains which aren’t excessively greasy is to clean them with soap and water and a soft clean sponge. Cool water is the safest option if you aren’t sure where the stain came from. 
  • Greasy stains: use baking soda to soak up the oil from the stain. Sprinkle some on the stain and leave it there for at least 10 minutes. After you’ve vacuumed the baking soda, blot the stain with a little bit of vodka for the best effect. 
  • Wine stains: getting rid of wine stains is easier than you might think. Just pour some sparkling water on the stain and blot it away with a clean, soft cloth and that’s it! 
  • Beer stains: you’ll need an ice cube, a teaspoon of liquid detergent and some warm water. Rub the ice cube on the stain and then blot the stain with a clean cloth soaked in the water and detergent mix. 
  • Coffee stains: similarly, you can get rid of coffee stains with some warm water and detergent. Just without the ice cube part. 
  • Ink stains: make sure not to rub at ink stains unless you want to spread them even further. Instead, use some rubbing alcohol and blot the stain away rubbing at the edges first and then moving to the center.  
  • Pet accidents: vinegar and water should do the trick. Make a 1 part vinegar 1 part water solution and blot at the stain until most of the moisture is gone. You can also try and get rid of the odor with some baking soda. 

How do you clean fabric chairs?

The same rules which apply for cleaning any type of furniture upholstery apply for fabric chairs too. The first step is to check the label on your chairs (they can usually be found under the cushion). Here’s how to clean each label code: 

  • W (water-based agents): vacuum the chair with a soft brush attachment first. Then spot clean the chair with a foamy water-based agent and use a soft brush to rub the foam in. Once the fabric is dry, vacuum the chair again. 
  • S (mild solvents): vacuum the chair regularly to prevent dust build-up. Get rid of stains with mild solvents or dry cleaning agents that don’t contain water. For heavier stains, seek professional help for cleaning. 
  • WS (either water or solvents): the same goes for WS upholstery. Use either eco-friendly water-based agents or mild solvents for lighter stains and have the chair cleaned professionally in case of heavier staining.  
  • X (vacuuming only): avoid cleaning the chair with any liquid products to prevent discoloration and shrinking. Only vacuum or brush the fabric lightly.   

The best cleaning service in Oakland for all your cleaning needs

Maintaining a pristine home takes a lot of time and effort. Don’t you wish that you could spend your weekends relaxing at Jack London Square with your friends instead of scrubbing your couch clean? We know you do! 

Reach out to Mythical Maids today and forget about cleaning for once. You deserve to spend some quality time with the ones you love the most while seasoned cleaning professionals take care of your chores with unmatched precision and expertise. Your immaculate home is just a click away!