Tips for Cleaning Upholstery

If you need information about cleaning upholstery, you’re in the right place. We’ll tell you what you need to know about green cleaning upholstered furniture, and why green cleaning is the best choice for you and your family.

Commercial upholstery cleaners contain irritants, neurotoxins, carcinogens (like perchloroethylene), and suspected teratogens (like butyl cellosolve). In case you’re wondering, teratogens are chemicals that, among other frightening health risks, can cause damage to developing embryos. It is recommended that pregnant women avoid them completely.

Now, we don’t think these chemicals actually clean your furniture. Sure, they might get rid of spots and stains, but clean isn’t the term we would use for what these chemicals really do (leave behind a nasty residue).

Don’t worry; there is some good news here. We can help you find a whole new way of cleaning upholstery. One that is safe for your family, gentle on the environment, and that will even save you some money.

Here’s what you need to know:

Dust builds up over time and can make your upholstered furniture look dingy. Vacuum frequently to prevent dust from gathering. Vacuum the cushions, and underneath and behind the cushions. Be sure to get into those tiny crevices and tight spaces to remove all debris. This simple chore will help to increase the time between more thorough cleanings.

Try to treat spills or stains as soon as they happen. Scrape off any solids, like food etc. Blot –and blot, and blot—with a dry white cloth to soak up as much moisture as possible. Then gently rub with water-diluted castile soap. Cornstarch or baking soda can be used to remove greasy or oily stains. Simply sprinkle the powder onto the stain, let it sit for at least an hour, then vacuum and repeat, if necessary.

If your cushions, which usually receive the most wear and tear, are looking less than fresh, check to see if the covers can be removed and machine washed. If they can, simply follow the manufacturer’s care instructions—and wash with green laundry detergent, of course.

If your cushion covers can’t be removed, or aren’t machine washable, use liquid spot cleaners VERY sparingly and only when necessary. You don’t want to leave water stains on the upholstery and you don’t want to get the stuffing underneath wet, because that can lead to mildew growth. When you must use this method of spot removal, use only as much soapy water as needed to remove the stain. Then, blot with clean water and, finally, with a dry cloth to absorb any remaining moisture.

When it’s time to give your upholstery a deep cleaning, try using a vapor steam cleaner. They’re great at lifting out deep stains, odors, dust, and dust mites without the chemical cleaning products.

There you have it. Those are the basics of green cleaning upholstery.

Happy cleaning!