Can I Do Upholstery Cleaning By Myself?

Answer 1

Upholstery cleaning is something few of us give a thought. Many readers probably do not use the word upholstery enough to be sure of its spelling without a dictionary or the spell checker of their favorite word processor. Professional upholstery cleaning services do grace the yellow pages of the local phone book, but they are often expensive.

A number of over-the-counter products can save a person money, but there are some things a person should keep in mind before he decides to clean his couch or his favorite Lazy Boy recliner without professional intervention. The most important thing is not to use a rug shampooer on the surface, no matter how dirty the cushions are. Rug shampooers are not intended for this type of fabric and the excessive water can ruin it. If the underlying layer is Styrofoam, the cushions may take days to dry leaving them moldy.

Before beginning the upholstery cleaning procedure, check the labels to see what it is made out of. Polyester and polyester cotton blends hold up better under amateur cleaning efforts because Polyester does not lose its colors quickly. Pure cotton or furniture coverings that are more than 50% cotton probably should be sent to a service that specializes in removing stains from furniture.

The cushion covers for couches can usually be laundered, but the banks cannot. An individual who wants to save money on upholstery cleaning should go online and see if he can invest in professional grade cleaning products. When they come, he should read the instructions carefully before getting to work.

Almost all types of upholstery cleaning involve the use of water. The important thing is not to use too much water. Even if it does not get deep into the cushions, excessive water use can destroy the fabrics used in the covers of most couches, chairs and love seats. When engaging in upholstery cleaning, watch out for metal parts. The chemicals used can often damage the metal parts. The type of damage does not hurt the furniture’s ability to function in its intended purpose, but the scratches will alter its appearance.