Smart Tips and Hints for Homebirds #2

Cleaning fabric covers on armchairs or sofas

Cleaning the fabric covers of your sofa and armchairs at home can be quite a challenge. If you want them to look like new you need to think how to prevent stains and spills and be constantly careful. This includes not letting pets lie on them, teaching your children not to draw there and many more. Everyone wants to have good-looking upholstery in fabric colours that brighten up the room and add style to the home. However, these fabrics tend to get stained and greasy quite quickly. Once you purchase a sofa you need to know the basics of cleaning it, so you can prolong its life. Let’s take a look at some of the cleaning codes which are essential for beginners.

The manufacturer provides a cleaning code on each piece of upholstery furniture, which is your guide to a successful and proper cleaning method.  Don’t try to guess what the fabric needs, but consider the code. If the label is not there, either call the manufacturer or look for a solution online. There are tutorials which will help you determine the type of the fabric and then give you a step by step cleaning guide.

Having the original label will make things much easier and quicker though. The following letters stand for the type of cleaning method:

W - Water Based Cleaning

This type of fabric can be cleaned with a water-based solution (for example a non-solvent detergent or shampoo for fabric). Use a soft brush to apply the foam on the spots and do it in circular motions. Leave it to dry and then vacuum the area.

S – Solvent Cleaner

Use a water-free solvent or a dry cleaning product to clean spots from this type of fabric. Make sure the room is well-aired and don’t use products that contain toxic materials.

WS – Water/Solvent Cleaner

You will need a fabric shampoo for this one, gentle detergent foam or a mild solvent. Make sure that you follow the instructions on the dry cleaning product or the solvent. Open the windows wide when you start spot cleaning. It’s important to pre-test the product on a hidden area, to check if there is any decolorizing.

X – Vacuum Only

If your upholstery fabric cover has this label on, then you are only allowed to brush it or vacuum it lightly. You may need to do this once a week or once a fortnight to prevent grime and dust buildup. Never use a water-based cleaner or a solvent-based one as the result will be rather nasty – shrinking, distortion or staining.

If the cover is made of a more delicate fabric, such as velvet or satin, use a commercial dry cleaning solution and follow the instructions carefully. Always let the area dry fully after cleaning and check for any remaining stains. If the stains are persistent, repeat the process.

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Bio: Cindy Davis is writer and freelancer. She has great passion for cleaning and desinfection matters, as it is of great importance of her family's health to always keep their home clean and sanitized. Therefore her present article is focused around this exactly topic. Find here more of her smart tipe and hints: http://www.londoncleaners.co.uk/domestic-cleaning/