The art of keeping clean upholstery
Anyone who has upholstered furniture in the home knows how difficult it can be to get rid of stains and grime, however, it’s not impossible if you know exactly what to do. Having a few tricks up your sleeve can reduce cleaning time and also the effectiveness of the results.
Despite the fact that cleaning the home is absolutely necessary, many consider it a tedious task due to the time that must be invested in the activity and the materials required to carry it out.
There are those who prioritize cleaning a little each day to prevent dirt from accumulating, while there are others who prefer to avoid responsibility until it is impossible to ignore the situation. However, there is one thing that both types of people tend to forget: the cleaning of the upholstery of the home.
The first thing we usually look at is stains, visibly dirty spaces and those places where we spend the most time. Meanwhile, curtains, sofa covers, and rugs usually don’t get cleaned because they don’t look dirty, it’s “a complicated process,” they don’t have the tools, or they just don’t want to. In this way, the upholstery becomes the favorite place for dust and mites; the number one enemy of allergy sufferers.
Cleaning upholstered furniture, carpets, curtains or cushions can vary depending on the origin of the dirt, how long it has been since the last cleaning, among other things; however, one thing all of these items have in common is that they are easier to clean if you use a vacuum cleaner.
get rid of the dust
Vacuum cleaners are devices that facilitate dust cleaning, among other things, so it is recommended to use one of these devices to make the process less complicated. There are other ways to do it, but this, without a doubt, is the simplest.
Unlike a duster, which will just blow dust back into the air, a device like these will actually remove dust and contain it to prevent it from escaping. Cordless vacuum cleaners are one of the most sought-after options because they provide the same benefit, but offer greater freedom of movement to reach the most difficult areas of furniture and the home.
For example, models like the Dyson Cyclone V10 have specific upholstery cleaning attachments, suitable for removing dirt and restoring shine. If you value speed and efficiency, then this type of device will be for you, on the other hand, if you prefer to save money, then it is time to get down to business.
To remove the dust you will only need a brush with soft bristles and, if you want to spend a little more, then it is recommended to buy one in the form of a roller to be able to collect pet hair as well. After there is no dust, it is necessary to start with deep cleaning.
Your upholstery like new
More and more frequently, the use of covers or furniture that comes with them is more common. These have cute designs and, in addition, it is only enough to remove them and use the washing machine to leave them clean. However, if you like the old school and your sofas do not look like these, you will need a little creativity.
It is possible to buy a specialized upholstery cleaning solution, or alternatively, you can start by moistening a cloth in a little ammonia diluted in warm water. This is the first step to leaving the furniture impeccable.
After this process, it is necessary to verify that the upholstery does not have any stains. If the fabric is stained, then you should use a specific product that will help you restore the original color to the furniture.
One of the most efficient mixtures is salt and lemon juice, as both elements together help whiten stains and get rid of grease.
Another option is to apply hydrogen peroxide, in case the stains have been caused by sweat or blood. This product, mixed with a little water, could remove dirt of this type.
On the other hand, the most difficult stains can come out with sodium percarbonate. To do this you need to dissolve about 3 tablespoons in 1 liter of hot water, apply it to the stain and leave it for about 10 minutes, then rub it with a brush and rinse.
In case none of these tricks work for you, or if you prefer to buy specialized upholstery cleaning products, you can also do it. There are specific treatments for different stains which will make cleaning success easier.
Don’t let the dirt build up
The best way to keep your sofa stain-free is to prevent stains from getting there in the first place. Upholstery can be very difficult to clean if stains are allowed to settle, so the best thing you can do is avoid frequent soiling or cleaning to remove dirt immediately, preventing it from sticking to fabrics.
1) Dust frequently:
From time to time, it is advisable to get rid of the dust. This will eliminate dust mites, keep furniture clean and benefit the health of allergy sufferers.
To make this task easier, you could buy the best cordless vacuum cleaner available to help you, or simply use a brush.
2) Use covers
If it is within your possibilities to acquire a cover, do it. These covers are light, beautiful and easy to wash; In addition, they will prevent dirt from reaching the upholstery.
3) Prevent stains
Unless you’re sitting in the dining room chair, don’t bring drinks or food onto the couch. Don’t eat on the rugs. A simple accident could stain your upholstery and leave you with a difficult cleaning process in front of you.
In addition to this, do not sit on materials of this type if you have sweated, to prevent any stain from being generated in the place.
By following these tips you can avoid dirtying the furniture, and if you don’t, you can then follow the cleaning tricks to leave the upholstery impeccable.
