Before you dive into upholstery cleaning by yourself, it’s important to consider this advice! Attempting DIY upholstery cleaning can be a challenging task, and it’s common for even skilled cleaners to slip up. We’re highlighting some of the major mistakes you should be cautious of to ensure your upcoming cleaning endeavor is a triumph!
Scrubbing stains
When cleaning fabric upholstery, scrubbing stains can cause more damage than good. Rubbing aggressively can cause the stain to spread, as well as damage the weave of the fabric and may even lead to discoloration.
Instead of trying to scrub out a stain, it’s best to use a gentle blotting motion, using a clean piece of cloth or paper towel to absorb whatever liquid is causing the stain before it has time to seep into the upholstery further.
If possible, perform a spot test on your upholstery first, so you have an idea of how it will react before you begin any cleaning process.
Soaking upholstery with water
When upholstery gets stained, the natural impulse is to immediately start cleaning it. However, this can be a huge mistake. Even the most delicate fabrics should never be soaked with water since excessive water exposure can cause permanent damage to the fabric and the underlying stuffing materials. Excess moisture can weaken, discolor and even lead to mildew growth in upholstery fabrics.
If your upholstery needs to be cleaned, it’s important to first check with the manufacturer’s instructions or consult a professional in order to determine an appropriate cleaning method that won’t leave your furniture worse than it was before. For example, a steam cleaner might be needed for some fabrics, while dry cleaning may be necessary for others. Regardless of what tool you use for cleaning upholstery, care should always be taken not to over-saturate or soak any part of the furniture with liquid or detergents.
Using the wrong cleaning products
Using the wrong cleaning products is a common DIY upholstery cleaning mistake. Upholstery fabric can be delicate and require special attention, or it might be resilient enough to withstand a bit of scrubbing. Before starting to clean any upholstery fabric yourself, make sure you know what kind of fabric it is and what type of cleaning products you should use on it. Many upholstery fabrics need special cleaning solutions that you can find in stores or online.
If the label on your furniture doesn’t specify the type of fabric and what types of cleaner you should use, your best bet is to take it to a professional cleaning specialist for advice. An experienced professional will be able to tell you exactly what kind of cleaner is needed for your furniture and how often it needs to be cleaned. They can also recommend ways to maintain your furniture between professional cleanings so it doesn’t become stained or damaged as easily.
Using the wrong cleaning tools
While a regular vacuum cleaner may seem like the go-to tool for upholstery cleaning, this can actually cause more harm than good. A vacuum cleaner designed for carpets features brushes and cylinders that are too rough and powerful for delicate fabrics, which can tear fabric and drive dirt underneath the surface of your upholstery.
Instead, use a vacuum with an attachment specifically made for upholstery cleaning. This will allow you to gently remove dirt and debris without risking damaging your furniture. Additionally, some fabrics are vulnerable to water-based staining; using steam cleaners can further damage such surfaces. If your furniture requires steam cleaning, consider hiring a professional cleaner who is familiar with steam-cleaning furniture of the same material yours is made of.
Using fabric protectors incorrectly
Fabric protectors can be an effective tool for keeping your upholstery looking new. Unfortunately, many people don’t use this helpful product correctly. Before applying a fabric protector, read and follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully. Some mistakes to avoid when using fabric protectors include:
- Using the wrong type of protector – Many fabric protectors are designed for specific types of materials or fabrics, so be sure to read the label and purchase a product that is suitable for your upholstery’s material.
- Applying the protector improperly – Applying too much of the sealant can lead to discoloration or streaks on your furniture fabric. Allowing it to come into contact with hard surfaces may also damage them or make them slippery. Test a small area before applying it over an entire surface and use even strokes to properly coat the fabric.
- Overlooking pre-cleaning – Upholstery must be free from dirt and loose particles before being treated with a protector, otherwise, they could permanently stain the furniture surface during application. Vacuum any dust or lint before applying any kind of sealant over the surface.
Overheating
The biggest mistake one can make when upholstery cleaning is to use too much heat. Excessive heat can cause fabric dyes to bleed, weaken fabric fibers, burn and/or melt fabrics, and cause shrinkage of fabrics. Fabrics such as polyesters, rayon blends, cottons and linen are more delicate than others and require cool temperatures while cleaning.
To ensure an optimal upholstery clean that won’t endanger the integrity of the fabric, use a handheld steamer or handheld dry cleaner set on the correct temperature settings designed for those specific fabrics. This will help reduce the risk of damaging your furniture due to excessive heat. It is also a good idea to test clean a discreet area before attempting to clean the entire piece of furniture.
Conclusion
Tackling upholstery cleaning projects yourself can save time and money, but only if done correctly. To prevent unnecessary damage to your furniture, it is important to familiarize yourself with the types of fabrics that are safe for home cleaning, specialty products, and cleaning techniques.
Ensure the best results by:
- testing a small area first
- vacuuming away dirt particles before cleaning
- always following the cleaning instruction manual that comes with fabric or product specific items such as leather treating kits
- allowing your upholstery to dry completely in order to prevent mold and mildew growth
By following these tips, you will be able to enjoy your refreshed furniture while avoiding common upholstery cleaning mistakes.