There are few things as satisfying as getting rid of a stubborn stain from the couch you spent so much to acquire. But that’s only part of the challenge. Fun fact: upholstery is known to be a breeding ground for bacteria and various other harmful microorganisms. While your upholstery may look clean on the surface, you may still be exposing your household to harmful microorganisms, allergens and more. Upholstery cleaning should therefore extend beyond the surface. Below, we explore questions such as what is upholstery cleaning and what are the benefits of professional cleaning.
Upholstery Cleaning Meaning
Cleaning upholstery is much more than simply getting rid of stains on the surface. It entails applying the right techniques to clean the fabric and absorbent materials. The right technique should be applied based on the type of materials used. This is because fabrics used are often more absorbent and delicate. They can be damaged easily by using poor techniques or the wrong cleaning products.
Best Tips for Home Washing
In order to keep your furnishings in good condition it is important to clean them often. Once is adequate to keep dirt, crumbs and dust off furnishings. Frequent cleans prevents dirt from getting ground into the fibers making it harder to clean later.
Clean by vacuuming it to get rid of loose dirt and particles. Use the upholstery attachment to get into those nooks and crannies. Overlap strokes for the best outcome. Treat stains as soon as they occur. Use a damp cloth to pat down the stain and absorb it. If you’re dealing with a stain that you don’t know its origins, use a mix of a drop of dish soap in 2 cups of water to blot the spot. Never scrub the fabric as this will damage it. Use a towel to pat dry.
Tips for Stubborn Stains
If you’re dealing with an old or stubborn stain, use diluted vinegar to clean the spot. Be sure to check the label on the furnishing for guidance too and chose the right cleaner based on the label. The label should indicate what cleaner can be used on the fabric i.e. W for water-based detergent, S for water-free solvent, WS for either and X for neither.
If the stain is a grease stain, sprinkle cornstarch on the spot and allow it to sit for about 30 minutes. The cornstarch will absorb the oil. Use a vacuum to clean the cornstarch and repeat the process until the stain is gone. Stains such as wine stains can be treated by blotting with club soda.
How to Professionally Clean Upholstery
Home treatments are often only superficial. If you want to freshen up your furniture, you will need to deep clean it. Deep cleaning gets rid of deep seated stains as well as contaminants such as bacteria, cigarette smoke, oils and pet stains that can make furniture look old and cause it to smell.
Couch professional cleaning and cleaning other upholstery often involves the application of hot water extraction. What is upholstery cleaner? A professional cleaner is a machine that injects cleaning solution dissolved in hot water into the furnishings. This helps to dislodge deep seated stains and particles. A powerful vacuum sucks up the dirty water leaving your furnishings fresh and stain-free without damaging the material.
Cost of professional cleaning
The cost of professional cleaning depends on the various factors including the size of the furnishings, the volume of cleaning to be done, the state of the furnishings and where you live. If you’re thinking of investing in professional services, don’t hesitate to contact us, Mighty Green Carpet and Tile. We’d be glad to provide you with an estimate for the job.
