Upholsteries are furniture’s most important components as they provide padding, webbing, and fabric covers that bring out the best in the home fixtures. Furniture looks incomplete without upholstery and loses its comfort and appeal when it suffers damage or remains dirty.
Moreover, renters living in a furnished house can lose their bond money when the upholstery is smelly, stained or dirty. It is crucial to sanitise and spot-clean upholstered furniture in your home routinely to maintain its structural integrity, longevity and appearance. You can hire a professional service provider for upholstery cleaning in Melbourne and also seek help from experienced cleaners who offer
budget end of lease cleaning Melbourne at the end of the tenancy to get the bond back.
However,
to maintain the sanitation of your upholstery fabrics on a regular basis, here is your complete guide outlining different types of upholstery fabrics and how to clean them. Have to look to learn the art of specialised upholstery cleaning.
Natural upholstery is made with natural fibres like cotton, linen, wool, silk, modal, viscose etc. This type of upholstery is extremely absorbent, and stains can embed deep into the fibres without proper or routine cleaning. Natural upholstery fabrics are always at a higher risk of developing
mould and dampness, making them smell musty quicker than other upholstery fabrics.
While cleaning natural upholstery, you have to use a low-moisture method and be careful with the cleaner to avoid fabric shrinkage. Here are some ways you can clean natural upholstery fabrics safely.
How To Clean Natural Upholstery Fabrics?
Vacuum The Upholstery Everyday
Vacuuming is one of the most important steps to keep dust, debris and fine particles off natural upholstery fabrics. You can use the upholstery tool with a brush to
sanitise the upholstered furniture and ensure it is free of allergens. Use a vacuum cleaner specially designed to collect pet hair if you have pets. While vacuuming, move top to bottom like professional bond cleaners in Melbourne to get the best results.
Clean With A Special Upholstery Cleaner
Read the manufacturer’s manual to see if you must use a water-based or solvent-based upholstery cleaner. If it has the sign w/s, it means you can use both types of cleaning solutions. Follow the instructions on the product to use it correctly.
After applying the cleaner, scrub the upholstery in a circular motion with a microfibre cloth to avoid destroying the natural fibres of the materials. Be gentle and cover one part of the fixture at a time. For example, if you are cleaning the sofa, cover the top part first and then move down to the bottom.
Use The Low Moisture Upholstery Cleaning Method
Since natural upholstery is delicate and needs extra care, you need to ensure high quality cleaning. Do not buy commercial cleaners to remove dirt from your expensive sofa or chairs. Instead, prepare a low moisture solution at home that will not ruin the texture of your fixture.
To prepare the solution, mix a litre of water with one cup of rubbing alcohol and a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Wet a microfibre cloth with the solution and wring it well to remove as much moisture as possible. Take a small pot lid with a knob handle at the top and place it on the cloth. Tie wrap the cloth around the lid to create a hold and rub on the upholstery to clean and smoother the fabric. Repeat this process until you have wiped the entire upholstery of the furniture.
How To Clean Synthetic Upholstery Fabrics?
Synthetic upholstery fabrics are popular for couches and other furniture due to their durability and easier upkeep. Popular fabrics for synthetic upholstery include microfibre, acrylic, nylon, polyester, olefin etc. You can check the label for cleaning instructions and get a specific treatment cleaner.
However, here are some ways you can keep these types of upholstery fabrics clean and shiny all year round. You can also use these methods during bond cleaning in Melbourne to
get your bond back and avoid using chemicals that can harm the fabric’s look and appeal.
Vacuum Clean Synthetic Upholstery Fabrics
Like natural fabrics, synthetic upholstery fabrics also need routine vacuuming to maintain their hygiene and appearance. While vacuuming, you can remove dirt stains, scuff marks, and more using the upholstery brush tool. To get better results, sprinkle a mix of backing soda and lavender oil on the upholstery, wait for 10 minutes and then vacuum.
This step is especially important for pet owners who need to
remove pet hair and smells from upholstery and make them hygienic to use.
Clean With Soap And Water
In a spray bottle, mix one litre of water with a teaspoon of organic soap like Castile Soap or soap nut concentrate. Dampen a sponge with the solution lightly and wipe the upholstery gently. Ensure the sponge is not wet and does not saturate the upholstery. After wiping, use a dry microfibre cloth to remove remaining dust, dirt or moisture from the furniture piece.
Use A Natural Cleaning Solution
Vinegar is a
natural cleaner that can cut grease, remove stains and also kill certain strains of bacteria and mould. To use it for cleaning synthetic upholstery fabrics, dilute it with water in equal proportions. Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid to the solution but not if the upholstery is not extremely dirty. Wipe the upholstery with this solution, and you will have fresh furniture in a few minutes without using chemicals.
Wrapping Up
There are different types of upholstery that you have in your house. Use this guide to take care of it and clean it regularly. Upholsteries need routine cleaning to maintain their appearance, avoid smells and prevent staining. However, if you cannot clean the fabric yourself, do not hesitate to seek professional help.