Upholstery Cleaning Tips for Spring

Spring is finally here and we’re all ready to shake off the dust of the winter and prepare for warmer weather. A good deep cleaning is part of many people’s springtime routine, and if it’s part of yours, you may want to consider giving your upholstered furniture a once-over this year. If it has been a few years since your last upholstery cleaning, you may be dealing with some serious dust, dirt, and stains. If that’s the case, the team at JMS Enterprises has a few tips to get your upholstered furniture clean and ready to receive company during the warm season.

Determine What Type of Material Your Furniture is Made From

The most important step in cleaning your furniture is determining what material was used to upholster it so you can choose the correct cleaning methods. If you have leather furniture, it should be fairly obvious, but you might want to check if it is natural leather or synthetic. Fabric-upholstered furniture can also be natural or synthetic, so pull up your cushions and look for a label with cleaning instructions to be sure.

Vacuum

Now it’s time to get down to business. Start by pulling off all the cushions and pillows and vacuuming in every crevice. Next, attach your vacuum cleaner’s upholstery brush and go over the entire piece, paying special attention to the backrest, where dust, hair, and dander can gather.

Clean Wood or Metal Areas

If your couch has wood or metal accents, you can clean them using an all-purpose cleaner; just be sure to avoid getting a cleaning solution on the fabric where it can cause stains or discoloration.

Remove Upholstery Stains

Some stains can be removed by hand. For natural or synthetic fabrics, a solution of vinegar, water, and dish soap may do the trick. For leather, a mixture of olive oil and vinegar can remove stains and revitalize tired upholstery. Put your cleaning solution in a spray bottle and test it on a hidden area. If everything looks good, you can spray the stained area and gently scrub it with a clean, white cloth. This process can help remove minor stains and dingy areas, but you may need to call in the professionals for set-in stains or difficult stains like coffee and red wine.

Let Dry Before Using

Before you sit down, be sure to let your upholstery dry thoroughly. That way, you can be sure you won’t transfer any dirt from your clothing to your newly cleaned furniture.

Get Regular Professional Cleanings

While it is possible to clean upholstered furniture on your own, you do run the risk of damaging the material or causing more stains. In addition, some furniture fabrics are dry clean only, so using water could severely damage them. If you want to keep your furniture looking brand new for years to come, the best thing to do is find an experienced professional upholstery cleaner in your area. Not only will professional furniture cleaners know which solutions to use for your fabric, but they also have the right equipment to remove set-in stains and correct other issues without damaging your furniture. 

If you are looking for reliable upholstery cleaners in Montgomery County, PA, get in touch with JMS Enterprises today! We have been providing professional upholstery cleaning services for the residents of Bucks County, Montgomery County, and surrounding Pennsylvania communities since 1973, so you know your furniture will be in good hands with us. Call (215) 706-0188 or fill out the online form on our contact page to find out more about all the professional cleaning services we offer.