Quick and Easy Upholstery Cleaning Tips

Before you clean upholstered furniture, check the manufacture's label for the fabric contents. Most synthetic fabrics can safely be cleaned at home; however, test a hidden area first, before attempting to clean a large stain. When you use quick and easy upholstery cleaning tips, your upholstered furniture will stay clean and look brand new for many years.  

• Vacuum your upholstered furniture on a regular basis, at least every two months, to clean the dust and dirt that has settled into the fabric.


• Treat stains as soon as you see them while they are still new. The longer a stain stays in upholstered fabric, the harder it is to clean.


• Remove oily or greasy stains by sprinkling talcum powder, salt or cornstarch on the stain. Gently rub with a cloth so the stain will absorb into the cloth.


• Rub a fabric dryer sheet over upholstered furniture to quickly and easily clean off pet hair.


• Use baby wipes to easily wipe up a fresh stain.


• To clean ink stains, use a hairspray, isopropyl rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover or spirits of turpentine applied to a white cloth. Dab at the stain and then blot with a clean cloth.


• When using a spot remover to clean a stain, use as little water as possible.


• To remove coffee stains, mix dish detergent, vinegar and water together and dab this mixture on the stain.


• To remove crayon stains, lightly rub non-gel toothpaste on the stain and wipe off with a damp cloth.


• To eliminate mold and mildew from upholstered furniture, mix together a quarter teaspoon of color safe bleach and a quarter cup of hydrogen peroxide. Apply this mixture to a clean cloth and rub the stained area. Rinse with a small amount of water on a clean cloth.