Upholstery couches are a staple in most homes, offering comfort and style. To maintain the beauty and longevity of your upholstery, regular cleaning is essential. Fortunately, there’s a wide range of upholstery cleaners available to tackle dirt, stains, and odors. In this guide, we’ll explore the top upholstery cleaners for your specific couch cleaning needs. Check out our store for all the products our technicians use on a daily basis!
Best Products to Use on Upholstery Couches!
- BEST OVERALL: Chemical Guys Lightning Fast Carpet & Upholstery Stain Extractor
- BEST CLEANING MACHINE: BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus
- RUNNER UP CLEANING MACHINE: BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner
- RUNNER-UP: Spotting Solutions General Spotter (FREE SHIPPING)
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: BISSELL® Woolite® Advantage Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner
Types of Upholstery:
- Delicate Fabrics: For your precious silk or linen upholstery, special care is needed. Opt for gentle, water-based cleaning solutions and avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the delicate fibers.
- Performance Fabrics: Busy households rejoice! Performance fabrics like stain-resistant polyester blends are easy to maintain with regular vacuuming and spot cleaning with a mild upholstery cleaner.
- Natural Fibers: Cotton and wool upholstery offer a classic look but require more delicate cleaning. Opt for natural cleaning solutions or wool-specific cleaners to keep them fresh without harming the fibers.
Here are some specific cleaning tips for different upholstery fabrics:
Delicate Fabrics (Silk, Linen):
- Blot, don’t rub: Spills happen! For these delicate fabrics, resist the urge to rub – use a clean, absorbent cloth to blot up as much liquid as possible.
- Gentle cleaning solutions: Harsh chemicals can damage these fabrics. Opt for water-based cleaning solutions or natural cleaning alternatives like a mixture of water and white vinegar.
- Professional cleaning for deep stains: For stubborn stains, consider consulting a professional cleaning service experienced with delicate fabrics.
Performance Fabrics (Stain-resistant polyester blends):
- Vacuuming is key: Regular vacuuming with the upholstery attachment removes dust, dirt, and pet hair, keeping your furniture looking fresh.
- Spot cleaning for spills: For spills, act quickly! Blot up excess liquid with a clean cloth. Most performance fabrics can be cleaned with a mild upholstery cleaner or a solution of warm water and dish soap. Always test the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area first.
- Easy maintenance: These fabrics are generally low-maintenance and a breeze to keep clean compared to natural fibers.
Natural Fibers (Cotton, Wool):
- Vacuum regularly: Like performance fabrics, regular vacuuming removes dust, dirt, and allergens that can accumulate in the fibers.
- Brushing for textured fabrics: For textured fabrics like wool, a soft brush can help loosen dirt and debris before vacuuming.
- Natural cleaning solutions: Opt for natural cleaning solutions like a mixture of water and baking soda for spot cleaning. Wool-specific cleaners are also available for deeper cleaning.
- Professional cleaning for deep stains: For extensive stains or heavily soiled upholstery, consider professional cleaning to avoid damaging the natural fibers.
Bonus Tip: Microfiber:
- Microfiber is known for its stain resistance, but regular cleaning is still important. Use a soft brush attachment on your vacuum to remove dust and dirt trapped within the fibers.
- For spills, blot up excess liquid quickly and then use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe the stain. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the delicate fibers.
What to Look for When Choosing the Best Upholstery Cleaner:
- Emphasize the importance of pH balance, avoiding harsh chemicals, and opting for natural, mild ingredients like aloe vera or citrus extracts. Check your sofas care tag to ensure a safe cleaning.
FAQs About Upholstery Cleaners:
- “Can I clean my couch myself, or do I need to hire a professional?”
The answer depends on the severity of the cleaning job and the type of upholstery. For regular maintenance cleaning of most fabrics, you can likely tackle it yourself. However, if you have delicate upholstery, extensive stains, or significant odor issues, hiring a professional cleaner might be the best option. They have the expertise and equipment to handle these tougher situations safely and effectively.
- “What’s the best cleaning product for [specific upholstery material, e.g., leather, microfiber]?”
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s a general guideline:
- Leather: Opt for a leather-specific cleaner and conditioner. Avoid harsh chemicals or soap, as they can dry out the leather.
- Microfiber: Microfiber is generally easy to clean. Look for a gentle upholstery cleaner or a water-based solution. Avoid harsh detergents or abrasive cleaners that can damage the delicate fibers.
- “How do I remove a stain from my upholstery safely?”
Always test any cleaning product on an inconspicuous area of the upholstery first to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration.
Here are some general tips for stain removal:
- Act quickly! The sooner you address the stain, the easier it will be to remove.
- Blot, don’t rub! Rubbing can spread the stain further. Use a clean, absorbent cloth to blot up as much of the liquid as possible.
- Identify the stain type. Knowing what you’re dealing with helps determine the best cleaning method. (e.g., water-based vs. oil-based stains)
- Test a cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area. Always test before applying to the entire stain.
- Work from the outside of the stain inward. This helps prevent spreading.
For specific stain removal methods, it’s recommended to consult a reputable online resource or reach out to a professional cleaning service for detailed instructions on tackling tough stains without damaging your upholstery.
Conclusion:
Maintaining a clean and fresh-looking upholstery couch is essential for any home. With the right upholstery cleaner, you can effortlessly tackle stains, dirt, and odors. Consider the type of upholstery fabric you have and choose a cleaner that suits your needs best. By following proper cleaning practices, you can enjoy your couch’s comfort and beauty for years to come. Are you looking for a professional to come clean your upholstery? Call today at 248-584-1819 for a FREE consultation.