“Who can evade the everyday enemy- Dust?”
Just like we take a shower to wash off dirt and dust and get energized daily, our household furniture also needs the same cleaning maintenance to keep its charm and aura alive. A clean home is a happy home. Hygiene is imperative to a perfect work and living condition. Upholstery is a part of a household that demands time and effort for its regular upkeep. Upholstery if not maintained properly can age quickly and display a dull and unaesthetic look to the living room. Who would wish to rest on a dirty and dingy couch at the end of a weary day?
We at Provincial Fabric House entail you a stepwise schedule that you can follow to clean your household upholstery the appropriate way.
Protocol to follow for routine Household Upholstery Cleaning:
1. Initiate with Vacuuming
Dirt and dust accumulation on the surfaces of household upholstery is inevitable. The first step to cleaning is thoroughly vacuuming of the dusty upholstery. Dirt visible to the naked eye is effectively got ridden off by simple vacuuming. Never skip this step.
Choose the right type of brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner depending upon the needs and structure of your upholstery. Ensure you use a soft brush attachment or a specially designed upholstery cleaning attachment to vacuum your entire sofa set.
Look between cracks and crevices for hidden dirt and make an effort to vacuum these concealed areas effectively. A soft tissue paper, when attached to the vacuum nozzle and inserted between crevices, can readily clean up the concealed dirt.
2. Stain removal
Stains/Spills on the couch should be immediately blotted up with the help of a blotting paper/ tissue. Never rub a stain for it may cause it to spread and may harm the upholstery fabric material.
Always spot clean stains and discolouration patches. Vinegar that is readily available at home can be used as a cleaning agent for stain removal. A special upholstery cleaning agent for stain removal is also available in stores.
Before you use the stain removal product always test the product on a concealed part of the upholstery. Wait for half an hour to check for any adverse reactions to the fabric. Once you are confirmed that the solution is safe to use, pour the cleaner on a clean microfibre cloth and rub over the stain with a mild hand. Allow the cleaner to remain on the couch for about half an hour for maximum effectiveness. Blot excess solution off with paper towels.
3. Deep Cleansing
A mild washing detergent mixed with lukewarm water can be used as a simple home cleaning solution for upholstery. Soak and squeeze a clean microfiber cloth in the solution and gently wipe the surfaces of the upholstery with it. Allow the solution to penetrate the upholstery fabric for a thorough cleanse. Spend 1-2 minutes on each section. Take care not to soak too much water into the upholstery. Wring the cloth properly prior to wiping upholstery with it. Always use a clean cloth for this purpose.
A steam cleaner can be used in this step. Choose a steamer that can get heated quickly and can operate easily at 158-212 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Thoroughly air drying before use
It is mandatory to dry freshly cleaned upholstery prior to usage completely. Place the cleaned upholstery piece in a room with airy spaces. Open up all windows for complete air circulation. Switch on the fans at the highest speed in the room to facilitate air drying.
Place the upholstery directly under the fan to quicken up the drying process. Provide plenty of time for air drying.
You can alternatively dry the upholstery with a hairdryer. Natural air drying is much more preferred than hair dryer use as it eliminates the detergent smell effectively.
Upholstery Cleaning Codes
Every upholstery fabric has a cleaning code mentioned on the attached tags of the material. Always read the cleaning codes prior to cleaning any upholstery. This will ensure your upholstery is cleaned and maintained the right way.
W: Use water-based solution for cleaning purpose
S: Use the water-free solution for cleaning purpose (dry cleaning product)
WS: Use either water-based or water free cleaner can be used
X: Demands professional cleaning by an upholstery cleaning expert. At home, only simple vacuuming and gentle brushing should be done.
Conclusion
“We dream of having a clean house – But who dreams of actually doing the cleaning?”
To ensure proper home hygiene is maintained, motivate yourself today to clean up the household upholstery to gift yourself and your guests a fresh scented couch to lay their hands on.
Household upholstery must be cleaned at least twice a year. It requires time, effort and precision. Invest in some good professional cleaning to optimize your upholstery lifespan or make it a DIY family project by following our detailed cleaning protocol as mentioned above.
“Happiness is a freshly cleaned house”. Don’t delay. Bring happiness home this very day!!!